It is generally accepted that there is a strong link between the body condition of an animal and its health, productivity and reproductive performance. Using a numeric score to estimate the amount of muscle and fat covering the bones, body condition scoring is a useful, easy-to-use management tool to determine the nutritional needs of beef cattle.
The following photographs and descriptions explain the standard 1-5 body condition score (BCS) system for beef cattle. Click on each photograph to expand.
Photos: Jo Miller, formerly Queensland Government. Click here for a two-page print-friendly copy.
Body condition scoring — the key to breeding
Body condition score is an important driver of business profitability and in this video, Eric Simon (cattle producer from May Downs in Queensland) discusses three key topics that help optimise fertility in his cow herd.
Managing breeder condition: body condition score
In this presentation, Bernie English (Senior Beef Extension Officer, Queensland Government, Mareeba) outlines the importance of breeder condition, body condition score, breeder management and how condition can be managed to maximise production from your breeding herd. 11:17 minutes published 2 April 2012 by FutureBeefAu.
