Assessing and Managing Body Condition Score for the Prevention of Metabolic Disease in Dairy Cows
2013
Roche, John R. | Kay, Jane K. | Friggens, Nic C. | Loor, Juan J. | Berry, Donagh P.
Body condition score (BCS) is an assessment of a cow’s body fat (and muscle) reserves, with low values reflecting emaciation and high values equating to obesity. The intercalving profile of BCS is a mirror image of the milk lactation profile. The BCS at which a cow calves, her nadir BCS, and the amount of BCS lost after calving are associated with milk production, reproduction, and health. Genetics, peripartum nutrition, and management are factors that likely interact with BCS to determine the risk of health disorders.
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