Body Condition Score 8. Important Factors to Consider When Body Condition Scoring For consistent herd evaluations, a single individual should score cattle over successive years. The subjectivity of the scoring system may result in variation between individuals assigning scores. Many factors influence how cattle look or feel at observation time. Consider cow age, breed, and frame size when determining body condition score.
Older cattle tend to carry less condition over their top than younger cattle.
Keep the scoring system simple. A thin cow looks sharp and angular, whereas a fat one appears smooth and square. Consistency and simplicity are key in evaluating energy balance of a cowherd. Using Body Condition Score to Evaluate Your Herd Body condition scoring should be used to achieve optimal body condition of the cow at calving. This will maximize the overall reproductive and economic efficiency of the herd.