Originally written by Adele Harty, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.
Importance of Body Condition Scoring
Body condition scoring (BCS) is a visual indicator of past energy status of cattle and a method that can be used to monitor nutritional status of the cow herd. Body condition is a key indicator of potential reproductive performance. Various studies (Houghton et al., 1990; Perry et al. 1991; Selk et al., 1986) have determined there is a strong relationship between adequate body condition at calving and subsequent reproductive performance. Mature cows should have a BCS of 5, with a BCS of 6 for first-calf heifers to provide the greatest opportunity to rebreed within 80-85 days of calving to maintain 365-day calving interval. If cows are thin coming into calving, they will be less likely to get pregnant within the desired timeframe, decreasing the economic return to the operation.
