Condition Scoring
Condition scoring is a visual assessment of a cow’s condition. The information below will explain how this process works and why it is so important for dairy farmers.
Assessment of a cow’s condition score (CS) or Body Condition Score (BCS) gives a visual estimate of her body fat reserves, which in turn provides useful information on her future productivity, future feed requirements and previous level of feeding.
- A CS scale of 1 to 10 is used in NZ
- A cow with a CS of less than 3.0 is considered emaciated.
- A cow with a CS greater than 7.0 is considered obese.
1 CS unit = 25kg liveweight Jersey and 40kg liveweight Holstein-Friesian
The CS method described in the practical, detailed picture booklet ‘Condition Scoring Made Easy’ provides a consistent way of assessing cow condition and is designed for in the paddock use.
The importance of cow condition
- Aim for a target CS at calving of 5 for mature cows and 5.5 for heifers at their first and second calving
- Cows calving thin (less than CS of 5.0) will produce less milk and are more likely to have reproductive problems
- Cows calving too fat (greater than CS of 6.0) are more likely to have calving problems, metabolic diseases and other health issues.
The modern cow
High genetic merit cows are under stress in early lactation. They obtain their energy for milk production from the feed they eat and from body fat stores. The relationship between CS at calving and subsequent milk production is therefore important. High merit cows are unlikely to gain much condition during lactation despite generous feeding. They should be dried off according to the targets on page 32 of Condition Scoring Made Easy, and fed generously when dry.
Learning condition scoring is based on a 3-step system of "hands on" calibration (Pg 8 in the booklet), visual condition scoring (Pg 34 in the booklet) and using a simple recording chart (Pg 32 - 35 in the booklet).
Also use the Condition Scoring chart to assess the condition of your herd.
