|  Why BCS?
Basically, BCS is a visual estimate of how much fat or body reserves a cow is carrying.
It is a very helpful tool that allows producers to sort cows according to their nutritional needs. In other words, it helps "farmers" to plan different menus for different cows.
Splitting up the groups makes the nutritional programs more efficient. Those which need more get it, those which could stand to lose a few pounds receive less.
Let me give you an example.
100 days before calving is the last opportunity to gain body condition. This would be a good time to separate thin cows from cows in good condition so they can increase feed to these skinny cows.
It is expensive to increase condition on thin cows after calving. Also, these cows have weak calves that have low energy, need more time to stand up and nurse, and are more at risk for illness. This creates an expensive and difficult cycle.
Think of some reasons why this is true. |
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Okay, so what? Why is it important to know what the energy reserves of a cow are?
Basically because nature has a priority list for using the nutrients the beef cow gets: body maintenance comes first, followed by lactation and growth (in young cows), with reproduction last. Because reproduction is not truly a necessity, more of a luxury, it simply won't happen if the cow's nutrition is inadequate.
Result: fewer cows. |
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Animal Doc | Beef Cattle Body Condition Scoring