Body Condition Scoring Beef Cattle

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a useful management tool for distinguishing differences in nutritional needs of beef cows in the herd. Ideal liveweight varies from cow to cow whereas ideal body condition (BCS 5-6) is the same for all cows. Also, body condition can be measured in the field without gathering or working cattle. The percentage of open cows, calving interval, and calf vigor at birth are all closely related to the body condition of cows both at calving and during the breeding season. Achieving a BCS of 5 or more before calving and throughout the production cycle is the key to a profitable cow-calf operation. Many producers waste profits by over-feeding cows in adequate condition when only part of the herd needs extra energy and supplementation. By sorting and feeding groups based on BCS, the economics of the operation improve.

How does Body Condition Scoring work? Body condition scores are numbers used to estimate energy reserves in the form of fat and muscle of beef cows. BCS ranges from 1 to 9, with a score of 1 being extremely thin and 9 being very obese. Cows at BCS 1 are in a life-threatening situation and need immediate attention. Cows that are over-conditioned (BCS 8-9) are the most costly to maintain. Areas such as the back, tail head, pins, hooks, ribs, and brisket of beef cattle can be used to determine BCS.

A cow in 'thin' condition (BCS 1-4) is angular and bony with minimal fat over the backbone, ribs, hooks, and pins. There is no visible fat around the tail head or brisket. A cow in 'ideal' condition (BCS 5-7) has a good overall appearance. A cow with a BCS of 5 has visible hips, although there is some fat over the hooks and pins and the backbone is no longer visible. Cows with BCS of 6 or 7 become fleshy and the ribs are no longer visible. There is also fat around the tail head and in the brisket. An over-conditioned cow (BCS 8-9) is smooth and boxy with bone structure hidden from sight or touch. She may have large protruding fat deposits (pones) around the tail head and on the pin bones. Be aware that gut fill due to rumen contents or pregnancy can change the appearance of moderately fleshy cows, especially over the ribs or in front of the hooks.

For more information about Body Condition Scoring visit Virginia Cooperative Extension’s website at www.ext.vt.edu.

 BCS 4. Borderline condition. Outline of spine slightly visible. Outline of 3 to 5 ribs visible. Some fat over ribs and hips.

BCS 6 Ideal Body Condition Ribs are fully covered and are not noticeable to the eye. Hindquarters are plump and full. Noticeable sponginess over the foreribs and on each side of the tail head. Firm pressure is now required to feel the transverse processes.

BCS 8. Fat, fleshy and overconditioned. Bone structure not visible. Large patchy fat deposits over ribs, around tail head and brisket.

Problems associated with "thin" or "fat" body condition
Thin Condition BCS 1-4	Fat Condition BCS 8-9
1. Failure to cycle	1. Costly to maintain
2. Failure to conceive	2. Increased dystocia(calving difficulty)
3. Increased calving interval	3. Impaired mobility
4. Increased days to estrus	4. Failure to cycle
5. Decreased calf vigor	5. Failure to conceive