Body Condition Scoring in Dairy Cows - A Conceptual and Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Paul ◽  
Santu Mondal ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Tripti Kumari
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Selection Indices ◽  
Farm Mechanization ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Score Gain ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Good Technique ◽  
On Farm

As herd sizes have increased in the last decades due to commercialization of dairy sector, computer monitoring solutions, which provide fast and accurate evaluation of body condition score, gain more and more importance. The main reasons that discourage the use of traditional BCS estimation techniques are the lack of computerized reports, its subjectivity in the judgment, observational variations and time consuming on farm training of technicians. Moreover, measurement on a cow must be collected every 30 days interval throughout the lactation period to have valuable information for use in selection indices. However, an automated BCS largely diminishes the need for labor, time and training, be less stressful for the animals, increase accuracy and could provide large volumes of data for use in genetic evaluation. The sonography is also good technique to detect depletion of body fat reserve by measuring back fat thickness (BFT) in conjunction with BCS in dairy cattle. In India, BCS monitoring technique is not well adopted due to lack of farm mechanization, awareness and an extra labor charges, can create a burden on farm finances.

scholarly journals Influence of body condition on incidence and degree of hepatic lipidosis in cows

2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 3-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horea Samanc ◽  
Velibor Stojic ◽  
Danijela Kirovski ◽  
Milijan Jovanovic ◽  
Horia Cernescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Hepatic Lipidosis ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Body Condition Scores

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of energy status of cows, estimated by body condition score, on the incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis during the early stage of lactation. Cows were divided into four groups: dry, early puerperal, early lactation and late lactation period. Each group consisted of 60 cows. Body condition was scored by the method established in Elaco Animal Health Buletin Al 8478. According to this method, body condition score is represented numerically from 1 to 5 points. Liver samples for pathohistological analyses were taken by biopsy from early lactation cows (60. day of lactation). Fat content in hepatocytes was determined morphometrically and results were compared with criteria based on total lipid and triglyceride content in liver tissue. On farm A, average body condition scores were in a range from 3.31, at sixty days of lactation, to 3.86 points in the dry period. Nevertheless, the range was wider on farm B, and was from 2.18 points at sixty days of lactation to 4.15 points at the dry period. Besides, differences in average body condition scores were higher than 1 point, and in some cases (between late lactation or dry period to sixty days of lactation) were almost 2 points. The incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis strongly differ between the two examined farms. On farm A the incidence of hepatic lipidosis was 18.33 percent, while on farm B that percent was much higher (43.32). A significant difference was established in the degree of hepatic lipidosis between those two farms. On farm A diffuse hepatic lipidosis was determined in 5.0 percent of cows, while on farm B that percent was 18.33. According to these results, most of the cows on farm B had uncontrolled lipomobilisation and severe fatty liver during the early lactation period, probably due to the obesity of these cows in late lactation and the dry period.

scholarly journals Relation of Automated Body Condition Scoring System and Inline Biomarkers (Milk Yield, β-Hydroxybutyrate, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Progesterone in Milk) with Cow’s Pregnancy Success

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1414
Author(s):  
Ramūnas Antanaitis ◽  
Vida Juozaitienė ◽  
Dovilė Malašauskienė ◽  
Mindaugas Televičius ◽  
Mingaudas Urbutis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Time Analyzer ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
Body Condition Scoring

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relation of automatically determined body condition score (BCS) and inline biomarkers such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), milk yield (MY), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and progesterone (mP4) with the pregnancy success of cows. The cows (n = 281) had 2.1 ± 0.1. lactations on average, were 151.6 ± 0.06 days postpartum, and were once tested with “Easy scan” ultrasound (IMV imaging, Scotland) at 30–35 d post-insemination. According to their reproductive status, cows were grouped into two groups: non-pregnant (n = 194 or 69.0% of cows) and pregnant (n = 87 or 31.0% of cows). Data concerning their BCS, mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected each day from the day of insemination for 7 days. The BCS was collected with body condition score camera (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden); mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected with the fully automated real-time analyzer Herd Navigator™ (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). Of all the biomarkers, three differences between groups were significant. The body condition score (BCS) of the pregnant cows was higher (+0.49 score), the milk yield (MY) was lower (−4.36 kg), and milk progesterone in pregnant cows was (+6.11 ng/mL) higher compared to the group of non-pregnant cows (p < 0.001). The pregnancy status of the cows was associated with their BCS assessment (p < 0.001). We estimated that cows with BCS > 3.2 were 22 times more likely to have reproductive success than cows with BCS ≤ 3.2.

scholarly journals Lactation Characteristic of Etawah Crossed Breed Goats Under Intensive Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuni Suranindyah ◽  
Budi Prasetyo Widyobroto ◽  
Sulvia Dwi Astuti ◽  
Tridjoko Wisnu Murti ◽  
Adiarto Adiarto
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Standard Operating Procedure ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Daily Milk Yield

The study aimed to describe lactation characteristic of Etawah Crossed Breed goats raised under intensive management. The study located in BBPTU HPT Baturraden, Purwokerto, used 27 female pregnant goats, at 24 to 27 months old. The goats were managed followed standard operating procedure of the research institute. The data consisted of body size and body weight, colostrum and milk yield, lactation period and reproductive performance. The results showed the average of daily milk yield, lactation period, total milk and colostrum production in first lactation were 960±340 mL/day, 157±41 days, 114,720±68,900 mL and 415±240 mL/day. The proportion of monthly milk production from initial lactation to dry off were 21.27, 22.17, 20.18, 17.29, 12.52, 9.13, and 5.65% of total lactation yield, respectively. Peak production ranged from first to second months of lactation, the highest was in the week 4th, averaged of 1080 mL/day. Production persistency was 66.39%. The rate of increase toward peak was 5.60%/week and rate of decline from peak was -3.92% of milk yield in the previous week. Trend equation of lactation curve was Y = 8412.7 –233.65 x. Means period of postpartum mating, service per conception and body condition score were 88.7±39.2 days, 1.2 and 3.45, respectively. There was no correlation between postpartum mating, body condition score and milk production. The study concluded that Etawah Crossed Breed goat under intensive management had short lactation period, early peak production, low persistency. The dry period was estimated 3 months and pregnancy occurred after peak production. 

scholarly journals Coprological Detection of Bovine Fasciolosis in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Z Abubakar ◽  
R J Ombugadu ◽  
J D C Tongjura ◽  
G A Amuga ◽  
A B Yako
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Gross Lesions ◽  
Liver Flukes

Bovine Fasciolosis is a vector – borne zoonosis and one of the most neglected tropical diseases that cause huge economic losses and poor animal conditions in Nigeria. The prevalence of Fasciolosis in Cattle slaughtered in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was investigated. Faecal samples were collected from the cattle antemortem and analysed using copro ELISA test-kits and gross lesions were inspected at postmortem. Out of one hundred and eighty six (186) faecal samples analysed, over-all prevalence was 98(52.7%). From each abattoir was 38 (38.8%), 36 (36.7%) and 24 (24.5%) at Karu, Dei-Dei and Gwagwalada abattoirs respectively. Based on body condition scoring, infection rates were 39 (58.2%), 45 (58.4%) and 20 (47.6%) from cattle with poor, moderate and good body conditions accordingly. Males had a higher prevalence rate of 48 (50%) than females with 40 (44.4%). Based on the breed of cattle, infection rate of the diseases was 41 (66.1%), 39 (62.9%) and 20 (32.3%) in White fulani, Sokotogudali and Red bororo accordingly. Out of 186 cattle inspected at postmortem, 47 livers were condemned totally due to the presence of liver flukes (Fasciola species) in the hepatic parenchyma, fluke tracts, livers were friable and chirrotic. This led to an estimated loss of about three million, one hundred and two thousand naira (3,102,000.00). There was no statistically significant association between the infection and breed, sex and body condition score (p>0.05). Treatment of all cattle with an effective flukicides, vector control, enlightening of cattle farmers for proper intervention against fasciolosis are recommended.

scholarly journals Hormonal profile and body condition scoring in dairy cows during pre partum and post partum periods

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Vargová ◽  
Vladimír Petrovič ◽  
Jana Konvičná ◽  
Marián Kadaši ◽  
Peter Zaleha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Hormonal Profile ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected indicators of energy, hormonal profile, body condition score (BCS) and their relationships in dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle from 3 weeks before parturition to 9 weeks after. Significant differences were found in the mean values of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P < 0.001) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (P < 0.05). According to BCS results, the dry cows were overweight (4.42 ± 0.75 points). After calving the cows lost weight significantly, as the BCS was 3.25 ± 0.30 points at 9 weeks post partum (P < 0.001). The highest concentration of leptin was recorded before calving (26.80 ± 11.47 ng/ml). The concentrations of insulin and ghrelin did not change significantly (an increase in insulin concentrations from 580.8 ± 66.30 IU/ml to 625.50 ± 174.90 IU/ml and a decrease in ghrelin concentrations from 29.25 ± 4.82 pg/ml to 26.57 ± 5.35 pg/ml were found comparing 3 weeks to 1 week before parturition, respectively). Relationships between the hormones showed positive correlation between insulin and leptin (r = 0.220, P < 0.05), BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001), BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05) and negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin (r = -0.235, P < 0.05), BCS and ghrelin (r = -0.257, P < 0.05). These data provide evidence that the variations in the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and insulin are related to variations in the BCS. Negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin contributes to the argument that leptin negatively regulates ghrelin.

scholarly journals Effects of parity order on performance, metabolic, and hormonal parameters of grazing beef cows during pre-calving and lactation periods

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus Fellipe de Lana Ferreira ◽  
Luciana Navajas Rennó ◽  
Isabela Iria Rodrigues ◽  
Edenio Detmann ◽  
Mário Fonseca Paulino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Esterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Background Metabolic profile evaluation is a tool widely used in ruminant nutrition as metabolic cues that relate nutrition to physiology. Metabolic and hormonal traits change during pre-partum and lactation according to parity in dairy cows, but studies of beef cows under grazing are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate how metabolic and hormonal traits change over time, their relationship to performance, and determine if these factors differ according to the parity order of grazing beef cows. Thirty-six pregnant Nellore cows (12 nulliparous, 12 primiparous, and 12 multiparous) were used. The study started at 60 d prepartum until 203 d of lactation. Results The initial body weight (BW) and final BW were higher for multiparous cows (P > 0.05). An interaction occurred between parity and day (P < .0001) for body condition score. Nulliparous and primiparous body condition score were reduced from − 60 prepartum to 30 postpartum, then stabilized 60 postpartum (P < 0.05), while multiparous maintained body condition score from − 60 days until 60 days postpartum (P > 0.05). Calf BW, final BW, and average daily gain did not differ between parities (P > 0.05). Effect of day (P < 0.05) was detected for non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, progesterone, and insulin. An interaction was observed between parity and days for glucose, HDL, β-hydroxybutyrate, creatinine and IGF-1 (P < 0.05). Parity affected serum urea nitrogen, total proteins, albumin, and globulins (P < 0.05). Parity and day relative to calving did not impact total T3 and T4 (P > 0.05). Conclusions Hormonal and metabolic profile is strongly influenced by the stage of lactation. Time effects (pre-partum and lactation period) were more pronounced in nulliparous since they displayed more unbalanced metabolic and hormonal traits and lowered BCS pre- and postpartum.

Body condition score and reproductive performance in dairy cows in Greece

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 60-60
Author(s):  
G. Oikonomou ◽  
G. Arsenos ◽  
G.E. Valergakis ◽  
A. Tsiaras ◽  
G. Banos
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Body Energy ◽  
The Impact

Various studies in dairy cows have shown that their Body Condition Score (BCS) effectively reflects their nutritional status and energy content (Ferguson et al. 1994). Extremes in BCS and BCS losses have been identified as a risk factor for health problems and reduced reproductive efficiency (Markusfeld et al. 1997, Lopez-Gatius et al. 2003). Body condition scoring is easy and inexpensive to perform and gives a reliable estimate of body energy reserves. Hence, in practice, BCS can be used as a tool for ration formulation and management decisions concerning reproduction of dairy cows (Banos et al. 2004). The objective of this study was to determine and quantify the impact of BCS in the reproductive performance of primiparous Holstein cows.

Body Condition Score (BCS) and Body Weight of Nellore Brown Sheep at Various Reproductive Stages in Different Systems of Rearing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Rangamma ◽  
A. Sarat Chandra ◽  
N. Rajanna ◽  
M. Gnana Prakash ◽  
M. Venkateswarulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation

Background: Body Condition Score in sheep was used to evaluate the adequacy of previous feed supply, decide potential feed requirements in the future, evaluate individual animal health status, decide animal condition during daily routine, welfare inspection and in meat production systems.Methods: 60 Nellore brown ewes from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district was randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 20 animals. BCS and Body weight of the sheep was recorded at various reproductive stages i.e. just before breeding of animals, during pregnancy and lactation period to assess the nutritional status and reproductive performance of the sheep.Result: The mean average body weight (Kg) of pregnant ewes in G2 group had no significant (P less than 0.05) difference with G3 group. The average mean body weight (Kg) of ewes in G1 (27.58 ± 0.37kg) group had significant (P less than 0.05) difference with G2 (25.50 ± 0.32kg) group during lactation period of 90 days. The total gain of BCS during pregnancy period in the G1, G2 and G3 groups were 0.63 ± 0.06, 0.53 ± 0.06 and 0.44 ± 0.11, respectively. The overall mean BCS of the ewes 48hrs after lambing was higher in G1 (3.0 ± 0.10) group followed by G2 (2.73 ± 0.10) and G3 (2.38 ± 0.08) group.

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