Predicting Ewe Body Condition Score Using Lifetime Liveweight and Liveweight Change, and Previous Body Condition Score Record

The body condition score (BCS) in sheep (Ovis aries) is a widely used subjective measure of body condition. Body condition score and liveweight have been reported to be statistically and often linearly related in ewes. Therefore, it was hypothesized that current BCS could be accurately and indirectly predicted using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight, liveweight change, and previous BCS record. Ewes born between 2011 and 2012 (n = 11,798) were followed from 8 months to approximately 67 months of age in New Zealand. Individual ewe data was collected on liveweight and body condition scores at each stage of the annual cycle (pre-breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, pre-lambing, and weaning). Linear regression models were fitted to predict BCS at a given ewe age and stage of the annual cycle using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight records (liveweight alone models). Further, linear models were then fitted using previous BCS and changes in liveweight, in addition to the lifetime liveweight records (combined models). Using the combined models improved (p < 0.01) the R2 value by 39.8% (from 0.32 to 0.45) and lowered the average prediction error by 10% to 12% (from 0.29 to 0.26 body condition scores). However, a significant portion of the variability in BCS remained unaccounted for (39% to 89%) even in the combined models. The procedures found in this study, therefore, may overestimate or underestimate measures by 0.23 to 0.32 BCS, which could substantially change the status of the ewe, leading to incorrect management decisions. However, the findings do still suggest that there is potential for predicting ewe BCS from liveweight using linear regression if the key variables affecting the relationship between BCS and liveweight are accounted for.

Download Full-text

Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Body Condition Score from Liveweight Records of Mature Romney Ewes

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11020162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 162

Author(s):

Jimmy Semakula ◽

Rene A. Corner-Thomas ◽

Stephen T. Morris ◽

Hugh T. Blair ◽

Paul R. Kenyon

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Body Condition ◽

Annual Cycle ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Learning Algorithms ◽

Machine Learning Algorithms ◽

Ovis Aries ◽

Gradient Boosting ◽

Support Vector ◽

Condition Score

Body condition score (BCS) in sheep (Ovis aries) is a widely used subjective measure of the degree of soft tissue coverage. Body condition score and liveweight are statistically related in ewes; therefore, it was hypothesized that BCS could be accurately predicted from liveweight using machine learning models. Individual ewe liveweight and body condition score data at each stage of the annual cycle (pre-breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, pre-lambing and weaning) at 43 to 54 months of age were used. Nine machine learning (ML) algorithms (ordinal logistic regression, multinomial regression, linear discriminant analysis, classification and regression tree, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, neural networks and gradient boosting decision trees) were applied to predict BCS from a ewe’s current and previous liveweight record. A three class BCS (1.0–2.0, 2.5–3.5, >3.5) scale was used due to high-class imbalance in the five-scale BCS data. The results showed that using ML to predict ewe BCS at 43 to 54 months of age from current and previous liveweight could be achieved with high accuracy (>85%) across all stages of the annual cycle. The gradient boosting decision tree algorithm (XGB) was the most efficient for BCS prediction regardless of season. All models had balanced specificity and sensitivity. The findings suggest that there is potential for predicting ewe BCS from liveweight using classification machine learning algorithms.

Download Full-text

Changes in body condition of high-yielding dairy cows

Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry ◽

10.2298/bah1202179n ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 179-194 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Z. Novakovic ◽

Lj. Sretenovic ◽

D. Ostojic-Andric ◽

M.M. Petrovic ◽

S. Aleksic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Level Structure ◽

The Body ◽

Production Cycle ◽

Dry Period ◽

Body Regions ◽

Target Values ◽

Condition Score ◽

Body Condition Scores

Objective of the research was to investigate the level, structure and variability of realized differences between average values of body condition scores in high-yielding cows during most critical phases of production cycle. Realized differences were used as criterion for assessment of changes occuring in the cows? energy status through the level of increase or decrease of body condition. Realized average values of body condition scores, for individual and all body regions, within all studied phases of production cycle, deviated statistically very significantly (p?0,01) from target values. Differences between average values of body condition scores according to phases of production cycle, for individual and all body regions, were statistically very significant (p?0,01). Optimum body condition in dry period was realized by 48,76% cows, at calving 53,61%, in the lactation peak 24,41% and in mid lactation 21,12%. Average value of body condition scores at calving was higher by 0,18 (-0,01 to 0,72) units compared to beginning of dry period, whereas at the lactation peak it was by -1,26 (-2,75 to - 0,41) units lower compared to calving, and in mid lactation compared to lactation peak it was higher by 0,18 (-0,94 to 0,85) units. Within the distribution of achieved differences in body condition scores in the time from the beginning of dry period to calving in 346 cows or 96,11% of total number of animals (n=360) increase of body condition score was realized ranging from ? 0,25 units. Distribution of differences in body condition scores between calving and lactation peak showed that 243 cows or 71,48% of total 340 cows realized loss of body condition score of >1,00 units. Within distribution of differences in body condition scores between the lactation peak and mid lactation, 261 cows or 81,06% of total number of scored animals (n=322) increased the body condition score in value of ? 0,25 units. Study showed that, except in the dry period, changes of the body condition during other phases of production cycle weren?t within the limits of optimum values. Realized results clearly showed the possibility of incidence of various production disorders, health issues and reproduction problems. Consequences are reflected also on longevity, life production and genetic progress. Realzied differences in average values of body condition scoreswere important basis for anticipation of potential problems. In that regard, there are significant reserves in improvement of efficiency of management of body energy reserves in high yielding cows.

Download Full-text

The Effect of Age, Stage of the Annual Production Cycle and Pregnancy-Rank on the Relationship between Liveweight and Body Condition Score in Extensively Managed Romney Ewes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10050784 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 784 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jimmy Semakula ◽

Rene Anne Corner-Thomas ◽

Stephen Morris ◽

Hugh Blair ◽

Paul Kenyon

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Body Condition ◽

Annual Cycle ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Production Cycle ◽

Pregnancy Diagnosis ◽

Unit Change ◽

Condition Score ◽

The Relationship ◽

Effect Of Age

This study determined the nature of the relationship between liveweight and body condition score (BCS) and assessed the influence of the stage of the annual cycle and pregnancy-rank on the relationship between liveweight and BCS in Romney ewes. Data were collected from the same ewes at different ages (8–18, 19–30, 31–42, 43–54, 55–66 and ≥67 months), stages of the annual cycle (pre-breeding, at pregnancy diagnosis, pre-lambing and weaning) and pregnancy-rank (non-pregnant, single or twin). Linear regression was determined as being sufficient to accurately describe the relationship between liveweight and BCS. Across all data, a one-unit change in BCS was associated with 6.2 ± 0.05 kg liveweight, however, this differed by stage of the cycle, pregnancy-rank and ewe age (p <0.05). The average liveweight per unit change in body condition score increased with the age of the ewe and was greatest at weaning and lowest pre-lambing. Among pregnancy-ranks, the average liveweight per unit change was also greater during pregnancy diagnosis than pre-lambing and was greatest among single and lowest in non-pregnant ewes. The results support the hypothesis that the relationship between liveweight and BCS is affected by the interaction between stage of the annual cycle, pregnancy-rank and ewe age.

Download Full-text

The analysis of the milk production and the body condition on two Saanen goat-farms

Acta Agraria Debreceniensis ◽

10.34101/actaagrar/37/2782 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 53-59

Author(s):

Myrtill Kocsisné Gráff ◽

András Jávor ◽

Sándor Kukovics

Keyword(s):

Milk Production ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

The Other ◽

Saanen Goat ◽

Condition Score ◽

Two Parameters ◽

Production Change ◽

Body Condition Scores

The authors carried out an examination on two Saanen goat farms during four months from May to August 2008. The body condition score and milk production of the goats were measured. In data processing analysis of variance was used to compare the data of the studied farms. They tried to find the answer for the question how the body condition scores and milk production change in each month. The changes observed in each farm were examined separately then they compared the values of the two farms.. On one of the farms the nutrition was proper therefore with an ideal, intermediate body condition (average 2.73) the goats produced a good amount of milk (2.5 milk-kg/mother/day). On the other farm the nutrition was not proper, therefore the body condition of the goats was weak (average 1.88). Their milk production decreased significantly from month to month (average 2.35 milk-kg/mother/day). The authors could conclude considering both farms that the more milk the goats produced, the lower their body condition score became. The two parameters showed negative correlation.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of offspring of dairy sheep given water supplemented with crude glycerin during pregnancy and lactation

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2016v37n4supl1p2567 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (4Supl1) ◽

pp. 2567

Author(s):

Hemilly Cristina Menezes Sá ◽

Iran Borges ◽

Gilberto De Lima Macedo Junior ◽

Felipe Santiago Santos ◽

Luigi Francis Lima Cavalcanti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Live Weight ◽

The Body ◽

Crude Glycerin ◽

Body Measurements ◽

Condition Score ◽

Pregnancy And Lactation ◽

Body Condition Scores

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of crude glycerin (CG) supplementation of dairy ewes during pregnancy and early lactation on the body weight and measurements of offspring from birth to weaning. Twenty-four lambs from 24 Lacaune x East Friesian genotype ewes were evaluated. The sheep were distributed in four treatments that differed in crude glycerin supplementation of 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5%, as well as the concomitant adjustment of dry matter and water intake. Body measurements of lambs were recorded every two weeks from birth until weaning. Body weight was recorded daily. Multiple regression analysis revealed that supplementation with CG explained 5.2% of the variation in the weight of lambs at birth (LW), accompanied by the body condition score of the ewe (12.3%), sex of lamb (19.2%), and live weight of the ewes (26.5%); r2 was 63%. According to the predictions of the model adjusted for simulated scenarios, the leanest lambs were derived from ewes weighing between 40 and 50 kg, with body condition scores from 4 to 5, and that did not receive CG at intermediate levels. Heavier lambs, with LW above 5.5 kg, were derived from ewes that weighed between 80 to 90 kg with low body condition scores of 3, and that received 1.5% CG. Supplementation with CG between 2% and 4% improves the weight of the lambs at birth. Body measurements of lambs were not influenced by dietary supplementation of ewes with CG.

Download Full-text

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 ◽

10.3390/s21041414 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Relationships among body condition score, milk yield and reproduction in Czech Fleckvieh cows

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/335-cjas ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 53 (No. 9) ◽

pp. 357-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

F. Jílek ◽

P. Pytloun ◽

M. Kubešová ◽

M. Štípková ◽

J. Bouška ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

The Body ◽

Yield Level ◽

Subsequent Decrease ◽

Before And After ◽

Condition Score ◽

Statistical Program ◽

Cattle Reproduction

The objective of this study was to confirm the relationship among body condition score at the time around parturition, milk yield in subsequent lactation, reproductive efficiency and BCS development in Czech Fleckvieh dairy cows. The BCS and milk yield were measured once a month and the cows were divided into groups according to their BCS before and after calving. Next, data from the database of cattle reproduction of the Czech Fleckvieh herd book were used. The dataset was analyzed by multifactorial analysis of variance using procedures COOR and GLM of the statistical program SAS. Cows with lower BCS in the 1st month after calving showed an increase in both milk yield and fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) yield. No significant relationship was found between the BCS level before calving and subsequent milk yield. The body condition level in the last month before parturition influenced its subsequent decrease in the first phase of lactation. The group of cows with the highest BCS level before calving retained a high BCS level in the first five months of lactation. Adequately, the group of cows with the lowest BCS in the first month of lactation had the lowest BCS in the next four months. BCS before calving was not related to reproduction indicators, but the significant effect of BCS in the 1st month after calving on the length of calving to the first service interval was confirmed. The group of cows with BCS > 3.5 in the 1st month after calving had the most favourable reproduction indicators, also when the milk yield level was taken into account.

Download Full-text

PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.921 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 467-468

Author(s):

Fernanda F Santos ◽

Luciano Brochine ◽

Vanderlei Benetel Junior ◽

Maria Laura R Coelho ◽

Augusto H Gameiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Milk Production ◽

Body Condition ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Energy Levels ◽

The Body ◽

Metabolizable Energy ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Condition Score

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Download Full-text

PSII-24 Performance, carcass and meat quality of castrated and intact Dorper lambs slaughtered at different body condition scores

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.301 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 170-171

Author(s):

Edson Luis de A Ribeiro ◽

Francisco Fernandes Jr ◽

Camila Constantino ◽

Fernando Augusto Grandis ◽

Natália Albieri Koritiaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Final Body Weight ◽

Condition Score ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Daily Gain ◽

Body Condition Scores

Abstract This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of castrated and intact Dorper male lambs slaughtered at three different body condition scores. Thirty-five lambs, approximately 3 months old, 21.6 ± 4.0 kg of body weight and 3.1 ± 0.5 of body condition score (BCS), were used. The BCS scale used varied from 1.0 (very thin) to 5.0 (very fat). Four weeks prior to the experiment, 17 lambs were castrated. Lambs were further divided into three groups, according to the criteria for slaughter: BCS of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. All animals received the same diet. BCS were achieved after 27, 84 and 130 days in feedlot, respectively. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between sexual conditions and slaughter criteria. Average daily gain of weight (ADG) was different (P < 0.05) for the three BCS (average of 0.263). However, final body weight (28.6 ± 1.7; 42.7 ± 1.8 and 56.8 ± 1.7 kg) and back fat thickness (0.5 ± 0.5; 4.2 ± 0.5 and 7.3 ± 0.5 mm) were different (P < 0.05) among BCS criteria, panelists found that meats from lambs slaughtered with greater fat content were less (P < 0.05) desirable. We can conclude by the performance and meat results that it is better to slaughter Dorper lambs with BCS with no more than 4.0, or 4.2 mm of back fat cover, and for the best acceptability of the meat the lambs should be castrated.

Download Full-text

Lameness in Sheltered Cows and Its Association with Cow and Shelter Attributes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9060360 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 360 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Arvind Sharma ◽

Clive J. C. Phillips

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

The Body ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Joint Injuries ◽

Condition Score ◽

Carpal Joint ◽

Associated Risk Factors

The sheltering of old, unproductive and abandoned cows in traditional cow shelters, known as gaushalas, has been practiced in India since ancient times. Cows are kept in these shelters until they die of natural causes. The welfare of the cows in these shelters was assessed through a cross-sectional study of 54 cow shelters in six states of India. A total of 1620 cows were examined to assess the prevalence of lameness in these cows, and the associated risk factors for lameness were identified through the measurement of animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators. The overall lameness prevalence was 4.2%. The majority (86%) had mild to moderate hock joint swellings but no or only mild carpal joint injuries. Approximately one-half had mild to moderate hock joint hair loss and most were free of hock joint ulcerations. Claw overgrowth was present in almost one half of the cows. Lameness prevalence was positively correlated with coat dirtiness, hock and carpal joint lesions, diarrhea and claw overgrowth scores. In a multivariate analysis, lameness prevalence increased as the Body Condition Score (BCS) decreased and was associated with increased udder dirtiness, the ulceration of the hock joint, carpal joint injuries and claw overgrowth. Resource-based indicators measured at the shelter level suggested that an absence of bedding in the sheds and an increase in the gradient of the shed flooring increased lameness. Addressing the principle risk factors identified for lameness in the sheltered cows (low body condition, dirty udders, lesions on the hock and carpal joints, overgrown claws, and a steep floor gradient) may help to reduce this serious animal welfare problem.

Download Full-text