Displaying items by tag: body condition score

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple process. However, DairyNZ says it is important to calibrate the eye by first condition scoring cows “hands on” at the dairy.

Getting an average body condition score (BCS) of 5.0 across a herd before mating isn’t all that useful, says vet Danielle Hawkins, Vetora.

Focus on the ewes with a lower body condition score (BCS).

In general, all mammals use their own body reserves (fat and protein from body tissues) in early lactation, to meet the demands of milk production.

Treating second year heifers like mixed aged cows is one of the main reasons they don’t get in calf again, DairyNZ South Auckland consulting officer Jamie Haultain says.

Body condition score (BCS) will increasingly be adopted as a measure in welfare assurance schemes, so scoring must be accurate throughout the BCS range, say DairyNZ’s Chris Leach and Jacqueline McGowan.

A change will be made this month to the way body condition score (BCS) records are treated before they enter the animal evaluation (AE) system.

An automated body condition scoring system for New Zealand-bred cows will be launched at National Fieldays next month.

An animal nutritionist is urging farmers to look deeper than body condition score for a true understanding of their cows' skeletons in assessing their health.

Despite great cow and pasture condition in spring, Lincoln University dairy farm’s six-week in-calf rate slumped from 78% last year to 72% this year.