Body Condition Scoring in New Zealand

The information below will explains body condition scoring in New Zealand and the importance of cow condition.

Assessment of a cow's condition score (CS) or body condition score (BCS) gives a visual estimate of her body fat reserves. This in provides useful information on the outcome of her previous feed levels, her current health status as well as her future feed requirements and productivity.

A BCS scale of 1 to 10 is used in New Zealand
If the BCS of any animal falls below 3 (on a scale of 1-10), urgent action must be taken to improve condition
A cow with a BCS greater than 6.0 is considered obese
1 BCS unit = 6.58% of cow liveweight (lwt)

Jersey (425kg lwt)	1 BCS unit change = 28kg lwt
Crossbred (475kg lwt)	1 BCS unit change = 31kg lwt
NZ Holstein-Friesian (500kg lwt)	1 BCS unit change = 33kg lwt
Overseas Holstein-Friesian (550kg lwt)	1 BCS unit change = 31kg lwt

Condition score targets

Body condition score at calving	Body condition score targets at mating
Mature cow: BCS of 5.0 Heifers & rising 3 year old: BCS of 5.5 No more than 15% of herd below BCS 5.0 No more than 15% of cows are above BCS 5.5.	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

Body condition scoring is the same for all breeds but remember:

Jersey (smaller frame)	Narrow body with prominent hip bones
Crossbred (475kg lwt)	Even distribution of fat over body
NZ Holstein-Friesian (500kg lwt)	Even distribution of fat over body, blockier shape - shorter, rounder
Overseas Holstein-Friesian (large frame)	Angular body shape, appear thinner, carry more body fat over ribs