How to Body Condition Score (BSC)
2 min read
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a method to monitor the health and productivity of dairy cows by assessing their body fat. This page provides a guide on how to carry out BCS, highlighting specific body parts to check, like the backbone, ribs, hip bones, and more. Use the range of videos to better understand the scoring process.
This series of 7 short videos provide an overview and examples of how and why we BCS. Watch the first two videos to understand why we BCS, and the technique used. The following videos have examples of each condition score, how we score each body point and real examples.
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - Introduction
1 / 7 videos 2:58 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - How To Condition Score
2 / 7 videos 3:38 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - BCS 3.0
3 / 7 videos 1:49 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - BCS 4.0
4 / 7 videos 1:39 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - BCS 5.0
5 / 7 videos 1:42 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - BCS 6.0
6 / 7 videos 1:22 min Download from Vimeo
DairyNZ Body Condition Scoring - Summary
7 / 7 videos 2:16 min Download from Vimeo
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
1 / 4 images
2 / 4 images
3 / 4 images
4 / 4 images
How well can you BCS? Are you as good as you think? Complete the interactive courses below to test yourself.
A great introduction for those new to BCS and the DairyNZ BCS standard. Takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
For those who have experience in BCS and are wanting to test or refresh themselves against the DairyNZ BCS standard, use the links below. Each breed takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.