Body condition score and changes in body condition influence animal health and reproductive performance. Gearhart et al. Thin cows at dry-off had increased risk of lameness. In contrast to the previous workers, these investigators did not report an association between BCS or periparturient disease. Excess body condition does predispose cows to metabolic disorder as discussed in a paper by Dr. Grummer in these proceedings.
Excellent management can minimize the potential adverse effects of excessive body weight.
The differences in response to calving BCS and early lactation change in BCS suggest an interaction exists with level of management, especially during the transition period from late lactation to early lactation of the subsequent lactation. Optimal body condition at calving based on summarized research reports would be 3.0 to 3.5. Excessive BCS losses at calving predisposes the animal to metabolic disorders as discussed by another presenter at this conference. However, inadequate body condition could limit energy available to drive milk production during the negative energy balance of the early lactation period. Body condition scoring, while a subjective estimate, can be used effectively to monitor changes in energy balance.