scholarly journals A comparison of two scales of body condition scoring in Hereford x Friesian beef breeding cows

2002 ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.T. Morris ◽  
P.R. Kenyon ◽  
D.L. Burnham
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cows ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Simple Relationship ◽  
Score System ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
The Relationship

Condition scoring is an easy to use management tool that can assist farmers to monitor their feeding regimes, allowing both better feed and animal management. The relationship between two commonly used condition score systems utilised by New Zealand beef cattle farmers was investigated. Results indicated that there is not a simple relationship between the 0-5 condition score and the 1-10 score system. The relationship varies throughout the year and a single calibration equation should not be used when converting data from one system to the other. Despite this, the use of condition scoring in beef cow herds should be encouraged and operators can use either system, as long as care is taken when interpreting data from publications using different scales. Keywords: beef cows, cattle, condition score, liveweight

scholarly journals 86 Factors affecting beef calf vigor at birth: Dam peripartum body condition score, calving season, and calf size

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 3-3
Author(s):  
Lindsey G Wichman ◽  
Colby A Redifer ◽  
Natalie B Duncan ◽  
Craig A Payne ◽  
Allison M Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Abdominal Girth ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calving Season ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract To determine effects of cow BCS and calving season on calf vigor and size and the relationship of calf size with vigor, 310 multiparous and primiparous beef cows (age: 4.6 ± 2.2 yr; BW: 663 ± 86 kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.6) from 3 spring (2015, 2016, 2017) and 4 fall (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) calving seasons were observed during parturition. Time to stand (n = 191) was determined as minutes from birth to standing successfully for 5 sec. Within 24 h, calf BW (n = 187) and size [shoulder to tailhead length (STL), heart girth (HG), and abdominal girth (AG; n = 154)] were recorded. Data were analyzed using a mixed model containing effects of calving season (spring and fall), BCS category (< 5, =5, ≥6), and their interaction. Correlations were determined between time to stand and calf measurements separately for spring (n = 79) versus fall (n = 111). Cows with BCS < 5 gave birth to lighter (P = 0.02) calves that tended to have a faster (P ≤ 0.13) time to stand than =5 and ≥6. Calves from cows with BCS ≥6 tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.09) STL than =5 and < 5. Calves from cows with BCS < 5 had smaller (P = 0.13) HG than =5. Fall-born calves tended to have smaller (P ≤ 0.06) BW, HG, and AG than spring-born calves. Within fall calves, there tended to be a positive relationship (r = 0.16; P = 0.09) between time to stand and calf BW. Despite this, spring calves had a negative relationship (r = -0.26; P = 0.02) between time to stand and calf BW. In conclusion, cow BCS and calving season affect calf size and may affect calf vigor. These data suggest that calving season may dictate the relationship between calf vigor and size.

scholarly journals Body condition score to predict the postpartum fertility of crossbred beef cows

2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Carlos Miguel Jaume ◽  
Carlos José Hoff de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
The Third ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between changes in body condition score (BCS) during the postpartum and fertility in beef cows suckling calves under extensive conditions were investigated. Cows were subjected to four BCS evaluations over the postpartum period, starting around one month after calving. In the second evaluation cows were treated with medroxy-progesterone acetate impregnated pessaries and received an injection of estradiol benzoate. At the third evaluation, pessaries were removed and calves were separated from the cows for 96 hours, during which time estrous was observed twice a day, and animals artificially inseminated 12 hours after detection. When calves returned to their dams, bulls were introduced until a 60-day mating period was reached. The distribution of BCS differed among calving groups and evaluations. Results indicated that only cows comprising a BCS 3 (1 to 5 scale) around the first month postpartum can be used in an artificial insemination program with possibilities of becoming pregnant. There was no statistical difference between the calving groups in pregnancy rate. The evolution of the BCS of the cows during postpartum can be used to adjust the start of the breeding season to coincide with the time of the year where herd pregnancy rates will be highest.

scholarly journals Performance of lactating suckler cows of diverse genetic merit and genotype under a seasonal pasture-based system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. McCabe ◽  
N. McHugh ◽  
N.E. O’Connell ◽  
R. Prendiville
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Selection For

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic merit of the national Irish maternal index and genotype (i.e. beef vs. beef × dairy [BDX]) of beef cows and subsequent performance of their progeny. With the exception that high genetic merit cows produced 0.57 kg more milk and tended to have 0.04 of a lower body condition score (BCS), no significant differences were observed between cows of diverse genetic merit. Differences between contrasting cow genotype were apparent. Beef cows were 50 kg heavier and had a BCS 0.27 greater than BDX cows. The BDX cows produced 1.67 kg more milk and had a greater 24-d submission rate than beef cows. Calves generated from BDX cows were 19 kg heavier at weaning and were worth €51 more than progeny generated from beef cows. Beef cow progeny, however, had 0.77 of a greater conformation score at slaughter than BDX. While differences were observed across cows of different replacement strategies, results from the current study showed that genetic selection for national maternal index had no effect on the overall performance of suckler cows in a pasture-based spring-calving system.

scholarly journals 29 The effect of fleshing ability on cow and calf performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 22-22
Author(s):  
Amanda Holder ◽  
Aksel Wiseman ◽  
Adam McGee ◽  
David Lalman ◽  
Claire Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May-August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.

A study of the relationship between plane of nutrition during lactation and certain production characteristics in autumn-calving suckler cows

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Somerville ◽  
B. G. Lowman ◽  
R. A. Edwards ◽  
G. Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Compensatory Growth ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Intakes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Production Characteristics

ABSTRACTHereford ♂ × British Friesian ♀ cows that had calved in September/October and were suckling mainly Charolais ♂ × calves were offered individually one of three planes of nutrition based on their estimated maintenance requirement during their first 150 days of lactation.The mean daily intakes of metabolizable energy were 95·8, 71·5 and 52·1 MJ for the high, medium and low planes of nutrition respectively. Data were collected from 122 lactations. The mean 150-day cumulative milk yields of the cows were 1 355, 1 258 and 1 187 kg for the high, medium and low planes of nutrition respectively (P < 0·001). A i-kg increase in calf birth weight was associated with an increase in 150-day cumulative milk yield of 14·7 ± 2·17 kg (P < 0·001). Losses in live weight and condition score were significantly greater for cows given the low plane of nutrition during lactation (P < 0001).Although there was a significant (P < 0·01) positive correlation between the growth rate of the calves and their dams' nutritional level during the winter there was evidence of compensatory growth at grass, since by the time of weaning in August, the plane of nutrition of the dam during the winter had no significant effect on the weight of the calves.The experiment demonstrates that energy-deficient beef cows will attempt to maintain milk production at the expense of body reserves and that when supplementary solid food is made available to the suckled calves, their weaning weights are unaffected by the plane of nutrition of the dam during the winter.

PSXII-22 Relationship between beef cow fertility and maternal immunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 420-420
Author(s):  
Amin Ahmadzadeh ◽  
McKenzie Corpron ◽  
Pedram Rezamand ◽  
Qun Huo
Keyword(s):  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Visual Observation ◽  
Maternal Immunity ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Estrous Behavior

Abstract Immunity plays important role in reproduction. There is evidence that maternal immunity changes from a type 1 to a type 2-biased during pregnancy and lack of such a shift may contribute to unsuccessful pregnancy in animals. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between relative balance between type 1 and type 2 and fertility in suckled beef cows by characterizing relative quantity ratio of IgG 1 and 2 subclasses (IgG1/IgG2). Angus-Hereford cows (n = 394) were synchronized (d0) with a 5-d CIDR protocol. Estrous behavior was monitored using estrus detection aids and visual observation from d5 until AI (d8). On d8 all cows were inseminated at a fixed time and blood samples were collected form to be examined for type1/type/2 ratio and progesterone (P4). A new rapid blood test (D2Dx) was used to assess the type 1/type 2 immunity balance by measuring the relative quantity ratio of IgG1 and IgG2. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasound 48 to 63 days after AI. Overall pregnancy per AI was 51%. Mean relative quantity of IgG1/IgG2 was different (P &lt; 0.05) between non-pregnant and pregnant cows. There was negative relationship between relative IgG/IgG2 ratio and probability of pregnancy to AI (P &lt; 0.05). As IgG1/IgG2 ratio increased, probability of P/AI decreased. Mean relative IgG1/IgG2 ratio was lesser (P &lt; 0.05) in cows detected in estrus vs non-estural cows. There was no correlation between serum P4 concentrations and IgG1/IgG2 ratio. The results indicate that blood IgG1/IgG2 at the time AI has a potential to be used as a marker for pregnancy prediction in beef cows.

scholarly journals 178 The Effect of Fleshing Ability on Cow and Calf Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Amanda Holder ◽  
Aksel Wiseman ◽  
Adam McGee ◽  
David Lalman ◽  
Claire Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract Several factors influence the overall maintenance requirements of a mature beef cow including age, gain, lactation, pregnancy, and fleshing ability. However, limited research is available to distinguish what sets a hard-fleshing cow apart from an easy-fleshing cow. Cows that are hard-fleshing maintain a lower body condition score (BCS) throughout the year compared to easy-fleshing counterparts. The objectives of this experiment are to determine the differences in characteristics and production between cows classified as easy- vs. hard- fleshing. Characteristics of interest include feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight changes, BCS changes, and other body composition measurements, as well as calf weaning weight. In this study, 24 spring-calving, mature Angus beef cows were classified as either hard-fleshing or easy-fleshing based on BCS and ultrasound measurements for back fat and rump fat. The intake study took place during the second trimester, cows were assigned to an easy- or hard-fleshing pen based on treatment where they remained for the entirety of the 45-day intake study. Each treatment was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Milk data collection began one month after calving with monthly milkings from May—August. There were no differences (P = 0.9) in DMI, although hard-fleshing cows had greater DMI calculated on a metabolic body weight basis (P = 0.05). There was a trend (P = 0.12) for hard-fleshing cows to wean heavier calves, although there was no difference in mean milk yield (P = 0.44). Body condition score was positively correlated with protein and carbohydrate content of milk with easy-fleshing cows having greater contents of both (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Overall, an increase in BCS without an increase in DMI may be beneficial from a reproductive standpoint, though more research in this area is needed.

scholarly journals Use of pedometers to measure the relationship of dog walking to body condition score in obese and non-obese dogs

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (S1) ◽  
pp. S85-S89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbour S. Warren ◽  
Joseph J. Wakshlag ◽  
Mary Maley ◽  
Tracy J. Farrell ◽  
Angela M. Struble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The objective of the present study was to utilise an accurate canine pedometer methodology and to assess the relationship between activity and body condition score (BCS) in dogs. Initial methodology validation used videography and pedometer step measurements to assess actual steps taken in comparison with pedometer readings for twenty large, medium and small dogs. During the validation, dogs considered to be medium or large breed showed no significant difference between pedometer readings and actual steps taken. A total of seventy-seven obese and non-obese dogs over 35 cm (14 inches) shoulder height and over 10 kg were recruited from a dog obesity clinic and a community sample to assess daily walking activity. Body condition scoring and pedometer steps were assessed on three separate weeks during a 10-week period. During the activity monitoring, daily step counts ranged from 5555 to 39 970 steps/d among the seventy-seven medium and large dogs. Dogs’ BCS were inversely correlated with average daily steps (Spearman's ρ = − 0·442, P < 0·0001). The present study identified a significant inverse correlation between daily walking steps and BCS over a range from 4 to 9 out of 9 (P < 0·0001).

Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Black Spruce Needles and Branches on Beef Cow Performance and Health During Mid to Late Gestation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Lafreniere ◽  
Robert Berthiaume ◽  
Leo Giesen ◽  
Cheryl Campbell ◽  
Dale Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Cow Performance

Pregnant beef cows (56; 727 ± 102 kg BW) in second trimester were used to examine black spruce (BSP) needles and branches for replacing alfalfa silage in wintering cow diets. Five dietary treatments assessed BSP inclusion rates (0, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5% in the diet) for 92 days up until 2 weeks before start of calving using a randomized complete block design (10-12 cows/treatment). There were linear decreases (P < 0.001) in total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intakes (DMI) as amounts of dietary BSP increased. Low DMI feeding BSP may be attributed to palatability issues and lower rates of digestion. Changes in body condition score (BCS) increased(P < 0.003) as dietary BSP increased. These effects are supported by corresponding linear decreases (P < 0.001) for changes in rump fat cover and increases (P < 0.001) in serum non-esterified fatty acids as dietary BSP increased. Post-feeding of test diets, there were no dietary treatment differences (P > 0.42) for calf birth and weaning weights and cow pregnancy and culling rates. Based on this study, incorporation of BSP into gestating cow diets cannot be recommended.

scholarly journals BEEF COWS BODY CONDITION SCORING AND ITS MEASUREMENTS RELATIONSHIP

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-46
Author(s):  
Ismagil Khakimov ◽  
Rinat Mudarisov ◽  
Aleksandr Akimov
Keyword(s):  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Regression Coefficient ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
The Third ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Selection Of

The purpose of the study is improving the efficiency of breeding work in selection of cows by live weight, body measurements with mandatory consideration of animal condition score. The degree and nature of relationship be-tween live weight and body measurements of beef cows with condition score, regression coefficient were calculat-ed. The research was carried out on beef Hereford and Kazakh white-headed cows. A high positive relationship between live weight, body measurements and the condition score of cows was established. The regression coeffi-cient showed that change in finish by 1 point increases the live weight of Hereford cows of the first group by 46.3 kg, the second – by 44.2 kg, and the third – by 42.1 kg. The cows of the second group have the largest bulk, they signif-icantly exceeded the Hereford and Kazakh white-headed cows of the first and third groups by this indicator. The difference was 51.2 and 45.9 kg, respectively, the coefficients of variability – varied between 4.1 to 9.2%. Hereford Cows of the second group were superior in heart girth (with a difference of 4 cm) to cows of the first group and 10.6 cm to cows of the third group. The coefficients of variability ranged within 12.9 to 27.0 %. In terms to heart girth (by 1.05 and 0.95 cm) and chest depth (by 8.9 and 2.9 cm), the cows of the second group were superior to the cows of the first and the third groups, respectively (the difference is not reliable). The variation coefficients ranged within 10.3 to 15.7% for heart girth and from 13.0 to 16.7% for chest depth.

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