Body scoring is very important in assessing the health status of an animal. A low score may indicate diseases or improper feeding while a high score may indicate a high probability of breeding and metabolic problems.
BODY SCORE-1
- Extremely thin. No fat in brisket or tail docks.
- All skeletal structures are visible.
- Dull hair
- May be diseased and survival during stress is doubtful
BODY SCORE-2
- Thin. Vertebrae, hips and pin bone prominent.
- Some tissue cover around tail dock, hip bones and the flank.
- Muscle tissue evident but not abundant, health may be OK.
BODY SCORE-3
- Ribcage only slightly visible.
- Fat deposit behind shoulder obvious, ideal condition for calving.
- Fat deposit in brisket area.
- Hook and pin bone visible, but not prominent.
BODY SCORE-4
- Skeletal structure difficult to identify.
- Obvious fat deposits behind shoulder and tail head.
- Flat appearance to the top line.
- Folds of fat starting to develop over ribs and thighs.
BODY SCORE-5
- Animal is obese, flat appearance dominates.
- Brisket is heavy and bone structure not noticeable.
- Tail head and hip bones completely buried in folds of fat.
- Back is flat and completely covered by fat.
- Mobility impaired by large fat deposits.
Body scoring would be a helpful yardstick to monitor health