Health and Body Conditions of Riding School Horses Housed in Groups or Kept in Conventional Tie-Stall/Box Housing

We compared welfare measures of horses among Swedish riding schools (RS) during winter where horses were kept either in group housing (n = 8) or in tie-stalls/boxes (n = 8), Health data for six previous months were obtained for all horses at each RS from their records. Ten horses per RS were examined, with the exception of one where only 8 horses were examined. Health conditions and body condition score (BCS) using the Henneke scale were recorded and management factors were quantified (health check routines, feeding, housing-related risk factors, time outside). RS-recorded health data (for 327 horses in total) revealed that lameness was the most common issue in both systems. Respiratory problems and colic were significantly more common in tie-stall/box horses. The percentage of horses with respiratory problems (mean ± SEM) was 5.8 ± 1.4 in tie-stall/box systems and 1.1 ± 0.8 in group housing (F = 8.65, p = 0.01). The percentage with colic was 2.38 ± 0.62 in tie-stall/box systems and 0.38 ± 0.26 in group housing (F = 8.62, p = 0.01). Clinical examination of 158 horses revealed 207 conditions in these horses, the most common being minor skin injuries in areas affected by tack (i.e., saddle and bridle, including bit). Such injuries tended to be more prevalent in horses housed in tie-stalls/boxes (1.8 ± 0.6) than in group housing (0.5 ± 0.3) (F=3.14, p = 0.01). BCS was similar between systems (tie-stall/box 6.2 ± 0.1, group 6.3 ± 0.1), but the average BCS exceeded the level that is considered optimal (BCS 4–6). In conclusion, we found that Swedish RS horses are generally in good health, particularly when group-housed. However, 25%–32% were overweight. Riding schools would thus benefit from having an independent feeding expert performing regular body condition scoring of all horses and advising on feeding regimens.

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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.

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Short Communication: Genetic association of body condition score with disease resistance in first lactation Canadian Holsteins

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/cjas2012-047 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (3) ◽

pp. 285-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Astrid Koeck ◽

Filippo Miglior ◽

David F. Kelton ◽

Flavio S. Schenkel

Keyword(s):

Disease Resistance ◽

Genetic Association ◽

Body Condition ◽

Short Communication ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Health Data ◽

Condition Score ◽

System Body ◽

Cattle Health ◽

Type Classification

Koeck, A., Miglior, F., Kelton, D. F. and Schenkel, F. S. 2012. Short Communication: Genetic association of body condition score with disease resistance in first lactation Canadian Holsteins. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 285–289. The objective of this study was to investigate if body condition score (BCS) can be used as an indicator of specific diseases in first lactation Canadian Holstein cows. Body condition score was routinely recorded by professional type classifiers, as part of the national type classification system. Health data recorded by producers were available from the national dairy cattle health recording system. Body condition score was genetically negatively correlated with several health disorders, indicating that animals with a higher BCS have fewer disease cases. The results imply that BCS could be used to indirectly select for animals that are more resistant to specific diseases.

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

NIGERIAN ANNALS OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES ◽

10.46912/napas.110 ◽

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.

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

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb201584020141 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 141-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

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.

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Body condition score and reproductive performance in dairy cows in Greece

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200019633 ◽

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.

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

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.b-3859 ◽

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.

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An Improved Approach to Automated Measurement of Body Condition Score in Dairy Cows Using a Three-Dimensional Camera System

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani12010072 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 72

Author(s):

Rodrigo I. Albornoz ◽

Khageswor Giri ◽

Murray C. Hannah ◽

William J. Wales

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Data Sets ◽

Camera System ◽

Visual Method ◽

Condition Score ◽

Body Condition Scoring ◽

Over Time

Body condition scoring is a valuable tool used to assess the changes in subcutaneous tissue reserves of dairy cows throughout the lactation resulting from changes to management or nutritional interventions. A subjective visual method is typically used to assign a body condition score (BCS) to a cow following a standardized scale, but this method is subject to operator bias and is labor intensive, limiting the number of animals that can be scored and frequency of measurement. An automated three-dimensional body condition scoring camera system is commercially available (DeLaval Body Condition Scoring, BCS DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden), but the reliability of the BCS data for research applications is still unknown, as the system’s sensitivity to change in BCS over time within cows has yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of an automated body condition scoring system for dairy cows for research applications as an alternative to visual body condition scoring. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows (9 ± 6.8 days in milk) were body condition scored visually by three trained staff weekly and automatically twice each day by the camera for at least 7 consecutive weeks. Measurements were performed in early lactation, when the greatest differences in BCS of a cow over the lactation are normally present, and changes in BCS occur rapidly compared with later stages, allowing for detectable changes in a short timeframe by each method. Two data sets were obtained from the automatic body condition scoring camera: (1) raw daily BCS camera values and (2) a refined data set obtained from the raw daily BCS camera data by fitting a robust smooth loess function to identify and remove outliers. Agreement, precision, and sensitivity properties of the three data sets (visual, raw, and refined camera BCS) were compared in terms of the weekly average for each cow. Sensitivity was estimated as the ratio of response to precision, providing an objective performance criterion for independent comparison of methods. The camera body condition scoring method, using raw or refined camera data, performed better on this criterion compared with the visual method. Sensitivities of the raw BCS camera method, the refined BCS camera method, and the visual BCS method for changes in weekly mean score were 3.6, 6.2, and 1.7, respectively. To detect a change in BCS of an animal, assuming a decline of about 0.2 BCS (1–8 scale) per month, as was observed on average in this experiment, it would take around 44 days with the visual method, 21 days with the raw camera method, or 12 days with the refined camera method. This represents an increased capacity of both camera methods to detect changes in BCS over time compared with the visual method, which improved further when raw camera data were refined as per our proposed method. We recommend the use of the proposed refinement of the camera’s daily BCS data for research applications.

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

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511001814 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (S1) ◽

pp. S85-S89 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

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).

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

NIGERIAN ANNALS OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES ◽

10.46912/napas1i.2019110 ◽

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

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Dairy Cows' Body Condition Score. Effects on reproduction, health and milk production. Use in farm management

Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society ◽

10.12681/jhvms.14966 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. 320

Author(s):

G. OIKONOMOU (Γ. ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ) ◽

Z. BAZDAGIANNI (Ζ. ΜΠΑΣΔΑΓΙΑΝΝΗ) ◽

G. E. VALERGAKIS (Γ. Ε. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ)

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Production ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Fatty Tissue ◽

Special Equipment ◽

Body Regions ◽

Condition Score ◽

Body Condition Scoring

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is an assessment of dairy cows' subcutaneous fatty tissue that can provide useful information on their body energy reserves. It is a quick and easy to perform method that does not require special equipment and can be easily used at farm level. A body condition scoring method based on visual observation of specific body regions has been described. A 5 point scale (1 = emaciated, 5 = obese) is used. Low BCS and high BCS losses were found to have adverse effects on cows' reproductive performance. Low or high BCS and high BCS losses were also found to have adverse effects on cows' health, while they were also found to significantly affect milk production. Body condition score has medium-high heritability and significant genetic correlation with reproduction. Body condition score levels should be 3-3.25 at calving, not higher than 3.25 at drying off and at least 2.5 60-80 days post calving. Farmers and their consultants should try to achieve these goals through proper management. Body condition scoring can be performed at calving, 30 days post calving, at first artificial insemination, at mid-lactation and at drying off.

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