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Animal Doc | Beef Cattle Body Condition Scoring

Home on the Optimal Range

Welcome to the Optimal Range. Because these cows have received scores from 5 - 8, they carry higher contraception rates. You should know that a BCS of 7 or greater is not needed for the most efficient reproduction. So basically, the best scores to have are 5 and 6. Let's meet our winners.

Here we see a BCS 5.

She still has a thin appearance, with her last two ribs slightly visible. You will also notice some muscling in the hindquarters, backbone and shoulder area. The areas on each side of the tail are filled but not plump.

Check out Miss BCS 6.

She has a moderate weight. She was given her score because she has some fat in her brisket and over the tail head. Her ribs are covered and her hindquarters are plump and full.

This cow, scoring BCS 7, has a smooth-finish look.

She has an abundant amount of fat over her ribs. Her brisket is full. Notice how her back appears square and smooth. Only an outline of the hooks and pins can be seen.

This cow has a fat, blocky appearance. She is a typical BCS 8 with heavy fat deposits in her brisket, along her back and around the tail head. She has so much fat that her bone structure cannot be seen.

 

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This site last updated April 10, 2007