Importance of Body Condition Scoring in Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows: A Review

Abstract

Body condition score (BCS) is a subjective method of assessing the amount of metabolizable energy stored in fat and muscle (body reserves) on a live animal. Body condition scores provide an indication of the energy status of dairy cattle. It can be used on both heifers and cows, although primarily they are used on the lactating dairy herd. Adjusting the nutritional program to obtain desired body condition at different stages of production is necessary to enhance production efficiency. Females that are too thin or too fat can be an expensive investment. Nutritional management is the most crucial one and is a key factor for normal production and reproduction cycle. Thus, it could be used as a management and selection tool to improve reproductive performance in dairy cows.