| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||||
Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, University of California, Tulare 93274 and Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
ABSTRACT
A chart for body condition scoring of freely moving Holstein dairy cows was developed using an iterative process consisting of literature review, interviews with experts, field testing, statistical analysis, and comments from chart users. The chart consists of text and diagrams that detail changes in conformation with body condition change for eight body locations identified as important in body condition scoring. The precision with which a prototype chart was used to give location specific condition scores to cows was examined, and the variability among the assessors described. This chart gave consistent results with small variability among assessors, no significant difference attributable to experience of assessors, and no significant cow assessor interaction.
Minor modifications were made to the chart, which was then used to assess location specific and overall body condition scores. Assessors scored cows in the eight body locations and rescored the cows in a different order to assign an overall score. The chart produced consistent scores over a wide range of body conditions with small variance among assessors. The overall score was most closely related to the condition scores of the pelvic and tailhead areas of the cow. Both location specific scores within cows and the overall body score for a cow were strongly correlated, demonstrating that the chart was internally consistent. The chart is an effective field tool for body condition scoring Holstein cows.
1 Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare, CA 93274.
3 Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Davis, CA 95616.
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  G. Oikonomou, G. E. Valergakis, G. Arsenos, N. Roubies, and G. Banos Genetic Profile of Body Energy and Blood Metabolic Traits Across Lactation in Primiparous Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2008; 91(7): 2814 - 2822. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. K. Bhandari, S. Li, K. H. Ominski, K. M. Wittenberg, and J. C. Plaizier Effects of the Chop Lengths of Alfalfa Silage and Oat Silage on Feed Intake, Milk Production, Feeding Behavior, and Rumen Fermentation of Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2008; 91(5): 1942 - 1958. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Svensson and J. Hultgren Associations Between Housing, Management, and Morbidity During Rearing and Subsequent First-Lactation Milk Production of Dairy Cows in Southwest Sweden J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2008; 91(4): 1510 - 1518. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Kadokawa, N. Tameoka, M. Uchiza, Y. Kimura, and M. Yonai Short Communication: A Field Study on the Relationship Between Body Condition and Embryo Production in Superovulated Holstein Yearling Heifers J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2008; 91(3): 1087 - 1091. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. K. Combs and G. F. Hartnell Alfalfa Containing the Glyphosate-Tolerant Trait Has No Effect on Feed Intake, Milk Composition, or Milk Production of Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2008; 91(2): 673 - 678. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. A. Fregonesi, D. M. Veira, M. A. G. von Keyserlingk, and D. M. Weary Effects of Bedding Quality on Lying Behavior of Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5468 - 5472. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Guo, R. R. Peters, and R. A. Kohn Effect of a Transition Diet on Production Performance and Metabolism in Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2007; 90(11): 5247 - 5258. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. H. Souza, A. Gumen, E. P. B. Silva, A. P. Cunha, J. N. Guenther, C. M. Peto, D. Z. Caraviello, and M. C. Wiltbank Supplementation with Estradiol-17{beta} Before the Last Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Injection of the Ovsynch Protocol in Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2007; 90(10): 4623 - 4634. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Calsamiglia, B. Hernandez, G. F. Hartnell, and R. Phipps Effects of Corn Silage Derived from a Genetically Modified Variety Containing Two Transgenes on Feed Intake, Milk Production, and Composition, and the Absence of Detectable Transgenic Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Milk in Holstein Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2007; 90(10): 4718 - 4723. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. P. Berry, B. Horan, M. O'Donovan, F. Buckley, E. Kennedy, M. McEvoy, and P. Dillon Genetics of Grass Dry Matter Intake, Energy Balance, and Digestibility in Grazing Irish Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2007; 90(10): 4835 - 4845. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. A. Seifi, S. J. LeBlanc, E. Vernooy, K. E. Leslie, and T. F. Duffield Effect of Isoflupredone Acetate With or Without Insulin on Energy Metabolism, Reproduction, Milk Production, and Health in Dairy Cows in Early Lactation J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2007; 90(9): 4181 - 4191. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. P. Valde, M. L. Lystad, E. Simensen, and O. Osteras Comparison of Feeding Management and Body Condition of Dairy Cows in Herds with Low and High Mastitis Rates J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2007; 90(9): 4317 - 4324. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. Hachenberg, C. Weinkauf, S. Hiss, and H. Sauerwein Evaluation of classification modes potentially suitable to identify metabolic stress in healthy dairy cows during the peripartal period J Anim Sci, August 1, 2007; 85(8): 1923 - 1932. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. A. Fregonesi, C. B. Tucker, and D. M. Weary Overstocking Reduces Lying Time in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2007; 90(7): 3349 - 3354. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. K. Bhandari, K. H. Ominski, K. M. Wittenberg, and J. C. Plaizier Effects of Chop Length of Alfalfa and Corn Silage on Milk Production and Rumen Fermentation of Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2007; 90(5): 2355 - 2366. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. C. Bicalho, S. H. Cheong, L. D. Warnick, and C. L. Guard Evaluation of Progesterone Supplementation in a Prostaglandin F2{alpha}-Based Presynchronization Protocol Before Timed Insemination J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2007; 90(3): 1193 - 1200. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 C. Biesenkamp-Uhe, Y. Li, H.-R. Hehnen, K. Sachse, and B. Kaltenboeck Therapeutic Chlamydophila abortus and C. pecorum Vaccination Transiently Reduces Bovine Mastitis Associated with Chlamydophila Infection Infect. Immun., February 1, 2007; 75(2): 870 - 877. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. M. Fairfield, J. C. Plaizier, T. F. Duffield, M. I. Lindinger, R. Bagg, P. Dick, and B. W. McBride Effects of Prepartum Administration of a Monensin Controlled Release Capsule on Rumen pH, Feed Intake, and Milk Production of Transition Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2007; 90(2): 937 - 945. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. R. H. Moussavi, R. O. Gilbert, T. R. Overton, D. E. Bauman, and W. R. Butler Effects of Feeding Fish Meal and n-3 Fatty Acids on Milk Yield and Metabolic Responses in Early Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2007; 90(1): 136 - 144. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. D. Jousan, L. A. de Castro e Paula, J. Block, and P. J. Hansen Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows Administered Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin During Heat Stress J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2007; 90(1): 341 - 351. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
L. C. Zahra, T. F. Duffield, K. E. Leslie, T. R. Overton, D. Putnam, and S. J. LeBlanc Effects of Rumen-Protected Choline and Monensin on Milk Production and Metabolism of Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2006; 89(12): 4808 - 4818. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. E. Pryce and B. L. Harris Genetics of body condition score in New Zealand dairy cows. J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2006; 89(11): 4424 - 4432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. D. Ferguson, G. Azzaro, and G. Licitra Body condition assessment using digital images. J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2006; 89(10): 3833 - 3841. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. D. Reid, P. S. Erickson, S. Hodgdon, E. Lennon, and P. C. W. Tsang Chlortetracycline supplementation of yearling dairy heifers J Anim Sci, September 1, 2006; 84(9): 2406 - 2409. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Oikawa and G. R. Oetzel Decreased insulin response in dairy cows following a four-day fast to induce hepatic lipidosis. J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2006; 89(8): 2999 - 3005. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Kadokawa, D. Blache, and G. B. Martin Plasma leptin concentrations correlate with luteinizing hormone secretion in early postpartum Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2006; 89(8): 3020 - 3027. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. R. Waldron, A. E. Kulick, A. W. Bell, and T. R. Overton Acute Experimental Mastitis Is Not Causal Toward the Development of Energy-Related Metabolic Disorders in Early Postpartum Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, February 1, 2006; 89(2): 596 - 610. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
U. J. Schroder and R. Staufenbiel Invited Review: Methods to Determine Body Fat Reserves in the Dairy Cow with Special Regard to Ultrasonographic Measurement of Backfat Thickness J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 1 - 14. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J L M R Leroy, T Vanholder, B Mateusen, A Christophe, G Opsomer, A de Kruif, G Genicot, and A Van Soom Non-esterified fatty acids in follicular fluid of dairy cows and their effect on developmental capacity of bovine oocytes in vitro Reproduction, October 1, 2005; 130(4): 485 - 495. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Abeni, L. Calamari, F. Calza, M. Speroni, G. Bertoni, and G. Pirlo Welfare Assessment Based on Metabolic and Endocrine Aspects in Primiparous Cows Milked in a Parlor or with an Automatic Milking System J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2005; 88(10): 3542 - 3552. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. K. Tallam, A. D. Ealy, K. A. Bryan, and Z. Wu Ovarian Activity and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows Fed Different Amounts of Phosphorus J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2005; 88(10): 3609 - 3618. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. J. Heinrichs, B. S. Heinrichs, O. Harel, G. W. Rogers, and N. T. Place A Prospective Study of Calf Factors Affecting Age, Body Size, and Body Condition Score at First Calving of Holstein Dairy Heifers J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2005; 88(8): 2828 - 2835. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Urton, M. A. G. von Keyserlingk, and D. M. Weary Feeding Behavior Identifies Dairy Cows at Risk for Metritis J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2005; 88(8): 2843 - 2849. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Vangroenweghe, L. Duchateau, P. Boutet, P. Lekeux, P. Rainard, M. J. Paape, and C. Burvenich Effect of Carprofen Treatment Following Experimentally Induced Escherichia coli Mastitis in Primiparous Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2005; 88(7): 2361 - 2376. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Roesch, M. G. Doherr, and J. W. Blum Performance of Dairy Cows on Swiss Farms with Organic and Integrated Production J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2005; 88(7): 2462 - 2475. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Shamay, D. Werner, U. Moallem, H. Barash, and I. Bruckental Effect of Nursing Management and Skeletal Size at Weaning on Puberty, Skeletal Growth Rate, and Milk Production During First Lactation of Dairy Heifers J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2005; 88(4): 1460 - 1469. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Kokkonen, J. Taponen, T. Anttila, L. Syrjala-Qvist, C. Delavaud, Y. Chilliard, M. Tuori, and A. T. Tesfa Effect of Body Fatness and Glucogenic Supplement on Lipid and Protein Mobilization and Plasma Leptin in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2005; 88(3): 1127 - 1141. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. M. Cooke and J. K. Bernard Effect of Length of Cut and Kernel Processing on Use of Corn Silage by Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2005; 88(1): 310 - 316. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. J. Garbarino, J. A. Hernandez, J. K. Shearer, C. A. Risco, and W. W. Thatcher Effect of Lameness on Ovarian Activity in Postpartum Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2004; 87(12): 4123 - 4131. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Vangroenweghe, P. Rainard, M. Paape, L. Duchateau, and C. Burvenich Increase of Escherichia coli Inoculum Doses Induces Faster Innate Immune Response in Primiparous Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2004; 87(12): 4132 - 4144. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. McDougall, L. Young, and F. M. Anniss Production and Health of Pasture-Fed Dairy Cattle Following Oral Treatment with the Ionophore Lasalocid J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2004; 87(9): 2967 - 2976. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. R. Roche, P. G. Dillon, C. R. Stockdale, L. H. Baumgard, and M. J. VanBaale Relationships Among International Body Condition Scoring Systems J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2004; 87(9): 3076 - 3079. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. C. Plaizier Replacing Chopped Alfalfa Hay with Alfalfa Silage in Barley Grain and Alfalfa-Based Total Mixed Rations for Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2004; 87(8): 2495 - 2505. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Tedesco, A. Tava, S. Galletti, M. Tameni, G. Varisco, A. Costa, and S. Steidler Effects of Silymarin, a Natural Hepatoprotector, in Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(7): 2239 - 2247. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. E. Cerosaletti, D. G. Fox, and L. E. Chase Phosphorus Reduction Through Precision Feeding of Dairy Cattle J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(7): 2314 - 2323. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Meikle, M Kulcsar, Y Chilliard, H Febel, C Delavaud, D Cavestany, and P Chilibroste Effects of parity and body condition at parturition on endocrine and reproductive parameters of the cow Reproduction, June 1, 2004; 127(6): 727 - 737. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Vangroenweghe, L. Duchateau, and C. Burvenich Moderate Inflammatory Reaction During Experimental Escherichia coli Mastitis in Primiparous Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2004; 87(4): 886 - 895. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. O. Juchem, F. A. P. Santos, H. Imaizumi, A. V. Pires, and E. C. Barnabe Production and Blood Parameters of Holstein Cows Treated Prepartum with Sodium Monensin or Propylene Glycol J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2004; 87(3): 680 - 689. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. K. Tallam, T. F. Duffield, K. E. Leslie, R. Bagg, P. Dick, G. Vessie, and J. S. Walton Ovarian Follicular Activity in Lactating Holstein Cows Supplemented with Monensin J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2003; 86(11): 3498 - 3507. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. M. Calberry, J. C. Plaizier, M. S. Einarson, and B. W. McBride Effects of Replacing Chopped Alfalfa Hay with Alfalfa Silage in a Total Mixed Ration on Production and Rumen Conditions of Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2003; 86(11): 3611 - 3619. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. N. Kadarmideen and S. Wegmann Genetic Parameters for Body Condition Score and its Relationship with Type and Production Traits in Swiss Holsteins J Dairy Sci, November 1, 2003; 86(11): 3685 - 3693. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Bobe, B. N. Ametaj, J. W. Young, and D. C. Beitz Potential Treatment of Fatty Liver with 14-Day Subcutaneous Injections of Glucagon J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2003; 86(10): 3138 - 3147. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Reist, D. Erdin, D. von Euw, K. Tschuemperlin, H. Leuenberger, C. Delavaud, Y. Chilliard, H. M. Hammon, N. Kuenzi, and J. W. Blum Concentrate Feeding Strategy in Lactating Dairy Cows: Metabolic and Endocrine Changes with Emphasis on Leptin J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2003; 86(5): 1690 - 1706. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. T. Westwood, I. J. Lean, and J. K. Garvin Factors Influencing Fertility of Holstein Dairy Cows: A Multivariate Description J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2002; 85(12): 3225 - 3237. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Hayirli, R. R. Grummer, E. V. Nordheim, and P. M. Crump Animal and Dietary Factors Affecting Feed Intake During the Prefresh Transition Period in Holsteins J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2002; 85(12): 3430 - 3443. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. K. Bernard, J. W. West, and D. S. Trammell Effect of Replacing Corn Silage with Annual Ryegrass Silage on Nutrient Digestibility, Intake, and Milk Yield for Lactating Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2002; 85(9): 2277 - 2282. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. C. Cordoba and P. M. Fricke Initiation of the Breeding Season in a Grazing-Based Dairy by Synchronization of Ovulation J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2002; 85(7): 1752 - 1763. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
