Saturday, 03 September 2016 10:21

BCS normally a good guide to fat reserves in animal

Written by 
Important points to consider when determining BCS. Important points to consider when determining BCS.

Assessment of a cow's body condition score (BCS) gives a visual estimate of her body fat reserves, according to DairyNZ.

A cow's BCS fairly accurately measures her energy reserves, and BCS targets at key stages of lactation have been identified to optimise dairy production systems. These targets are based on research in NZ and overseas for 30 years.

BCS affects dry matter intake, milk production, reproduction and cow health and welfare. In addition, BCS in early lactation may affect the sex of future calves and the productive and reproductive capacity of heifers yet to be born.

Irrespective of the farming system or cow genetics, milk production is optimised when mature cows calve between BCS 5.0 and 6.0.

That said, the production benefits decline with increasing BCS and the risk of metabolic health disorders at calving is greater, such that increasing BCS beyond 5.0 in mature cows and 5.5 in first and second calvers cannot be justified.

Recommended calving BCS targets are a compromise between wanting cows with sufficient energy reserves for milk production, while not being so fat as to compromise cow health.

If the BCS of any animal falls below 3 (on a scale of 1-10) at any time, urgent action must be taken to improve condition.

Body condition scoring is a simple process. However, it is important to calibrate the eye by first condition scoring cows 'hands on' at the dairy. Then you are ready to BCS in the paddock.

Line up 15 cows with a range of BCS:

Put your hands on the important body parts.

Feel the amount of fat cover over the various body points and the difference between the cows. Note that gut fill can give visual impression of condition over the ribs; so it is important to feel the amount of fat cover.

Average the different areas to come up with the BCS for that cow.

What to look when you condition score cows:

Backbone - Is it flat or is there a ridge? Can you see or easily feel notches?

Long ribs - Can you see or easily feel the ribs? If visible how many can you see?

Short ribs - Can you see the short ribs? What do they feel like? Are the rib ends sharp or rounded?

Hip bones - Are the hip bones rounded or angular?

Rump - Is the area between the pins and hip bones, flat, sunken or hollow?

Pin bones - Are they pointed, 'tap' like or rounded?

Tailhead - Is there a hollow between the tail head and pin bones? Is it a deep V or shallow U shape?

Thigh - Is the area indented, flat or rounded? Is the muscle structure defined.

BCS at calving

Mature cow: BCS of 5.0

Heifers and rising 3-year-old: BCS of 5.5

No more than 15% of herd below BCS 5.0

No more than 15% of cows above BCS 5.5.

BCS at mating

The average decrease in BCS for the herd after calving is no more than 1.0.

No more than 15% of cows below BCS 4.0 and cows gaining BCS.

More like this

DairyNZ supports vocational education reforms

DairyNZ is supporting a proposed new learning model for apprenticeships and traineeships that would see training, education, and pastoral care delivered together to provide the best chance of success.

Editorial: GMO furore

OPINION: Submissions on the Government's contentious Gene Technology Bill have closed.

DairyNZ seeks more cash

For the first time in 17 years, DairyNZ wants farmers to contribute more cash to run the industry-good organisation.

Featured

DairyNZ supports vocational education reforms

DairyNZ is supporting a proposed new learning model for apprenticeships and traineeships that would see training, education, and pastoral care delivered together to provide the best chance of success.

The Cook Islands squabble

The recent squabble between the Cook Islands and NZ over their deal with China has added a new element of tension in the relationship between China and NZ.

Wyeth to head Synlait

Former Westland Milk boss Richard Wyeth is taking over as chief executive of Canterbury milk processor Synlait from May 19.

National

Certainty welcomed

There's been very little reaction to the government science reform announcement, with many saying the devil will be in the…

Science 'deserves more funding'

A committee which carried out the review into New Zealand's science system says the underinvestment will continue to compromise the…

Machinery & Products

Landpower win global award

Christchurch-headquartered Landpower and its Claas Harvest Centre dealerships has taken out the Global After Sales Excellence award in Germany, during…

Innovation, new products galore

It has been a year of new products and innovation at Numedic, the Rotorua-based manufacturer and exporter of farm dairy…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

MVM struggles

OPINION: Nearly four years after buying a 75% stake in Southland processor Mataura Valley Milk (MVM), A2 Milk is still…

No backing down

OPINION: Fonterra isn't backing down in its fight with Greenpeace over the labelling of its iconic Anchor Butter.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter