Condition Scoring and Its Use and Importance in Autumn and Spring Calving Suckler Cows - Article Example

? Condition Scoring and Its Use/ Importance in Autumn and Spring Calving Suckler Cows Condition scoring is one of themost underutilized means of assuring health cattle and more so suckler cows. One of the biggest challenges in use of condition scoring is the fact that most people even those in farming do not know how to successfully employ the technique. In situations where some have knowledge on the techniques they are hampered by inconsistency and therefore end up with the wrong scores. The ramification of this is that it becomes difficult to guarantee the body condition of the suckler cow throughout the season. This is quite risky given the changing seasons and different food demands. In producing this technical note we aim at developing a technical note that can guide the application of condition scoring and the meaning of the resultant scores. Defining condition scoring Condition scoring is a procedure employed in determining the body condition of livestock on a regular basis. Moran (****) defines condition scoring as the visual appraisal of the quantity of muscle and fat casing the bones of the cattle (.p.209). This can be done independently of live weight; pregnancy and gut fill and entails a look at specific parts of the cow’s body (Moran,.p.210). Body scoring technique can be an informative means that contributes extensively to the practice of good husbandry and proper management of beef cows (EBLEX). This helps in ensuring that the cow is in the proper condition throughout the annual cycle and that proper dietary adjustments are made in case of any deficiencies. Proper maintenance of suckler cows Suckler cows adjust their fat levels based on the availability of feed. In cases where feed is plentiful they lay down fat and use it up when the food supply does not meet up with the necessary nutritional demands. Broadly, overfeeding during the last months of pregnancy leads to weight build up of the unborn calf a factor that may bring about complexities during calving. Notably, this heavy feeding does not improve the body condition of the cow (Phillips, 2008.p.37). It should also be clear that the idea is not to under feed as low feeding at this time can weigh negatively on the cow’s reproductive efficiency. Through condition scoring a farmer is able to determine a proper feeding regime based on the condition of the cow (NADIS). This is in knowledge of the fact that over feeding or underfeeding will have a downside effect on the cow. As a techniques, condition scoring merges three factors, these are: Good welfare, by ensuring good welfare the farmer is able to address calving difficulties and curtail calf loss. Good husbandry, this addresses the dietary requirements of a cow. It seeks to introduce the right dietary combinations as determined by the needs of the cow and calf. Good performance, this dwells on the general health of the cow and calf and highlights both good welfare and good husbandry which inform proper development of the cow and the calf. The significance of condition score The ideal behind condition scoring is achieving a balance between economic feeding, good production and good welfare. Overfeeding which leads to over fatness together with use of huge sires such as Belgian Blue will heighten the risk of difficult calving. The problem can be amalgamated or appear more prominent under lowland conditions (Raquel, 2010.p.151). However, a huge number of suckler cows are reared on the hills where the greatest concern is being too thin not being too fat. Such welfare concern is particularly pronounced among Continental cross cows during the first two lactations (EBLEX). These cows are still developing and require a range of nutrients to allow for strong muscle and bone formation. Besides, these relatively younger animals are not as competitive as the older cows in regard to winter feeding. Pregnant heifers require greater attention as their food needs are stretched by individual demands as well as the demands raised by the unborn calf. If these demands are not met the heifers’ are bound to become ‘nutritionally stressed’ a factor which contributes to the loss of body condition (Osorol and Wright, 1992.p.1665). Spring calvers Spring calvers are supposed to be in supreme condition in late autumn. A program aimed at economic food use and deliberate weight loss can then be initiated for the winter season. Even with marked weight loss care should be taken to avoid excessive shedding of weight as this can lead to poor quality of colostrums (DEFRA). Excessive weight loss can also be linked to a delay in return to service. Similar consequences can result from delayed weaning at the beginning of winter. Autumn calvers The most pronounced condition for this group of calvers is excessive weight build up and thence difficulties in calving (NADIS). However, caution should be exercised to avoid inappropriate low body condition which would translate to low milk production and bring about adverse effects on the onset of oestrus. Stage of production and body condition Pre-calving (drying off) At this stage, the goal should be achieving fitness and not fatness. For autumn calving sucklers, increased weight during this period is inevitable especially for those cows under ‘normal grazing (Drennan and Berry, 2006.p.27). However, this gain in condition should be controlled to avoid excessive growth. For animals being raised on the hillside, spring calvers may be hit by loss of condition and it is thus critical that they be supplemented to evade suckling and consequent fertility concerns (EBLEX). At calving It should be noted that excessive weight should be avoided during the calving period as this can translate to calving difficulties. On the other hand, spring calving sucklers should not be subjected to poor conditions as this exposes them to milk fever. Early lactation Very thin cows may not have adequate milk to meet the calves’ growth needs. A well balanced ration should be formulated to meet the cow’s needs in light of factors such as the level of milk production, the age of the cow, the body condition of the cow, the prevailing climatic conditions and the cow’s breed (Osorol and Wright, 1992.p.1665). As an example, cows directly exposed t the winter conditions have higher energy requirements as compared to housed cows. At service Service brings forth the question of fertility. A cow’s fertility is only guaranteed when they are gaining body condition, there should also be a sufficient supply of energy (Drennan and Berry, 2006.p.27). At weaning Gaining body condition is a common phenomenon among spring calving sucklers especially during the summer. In case there is an inadequate supply of feeds supplementary feeds are necessary to attain the desired level of body condition (NADIS). The energy needs for a cow reduces marginally once they are dried off and early weaning may be necessary under certain conditions (Gordon, 2004.p.175). Means of Body Condition Scoring Body condition scoring is carried out on a scale of 1-5 where 1 represents an extremely thin body whereas 5 represent an extremely fat cow. For easy determination the body condition should be referenced to the nearest half score. For reliable results, there must be consistency as this is a primary determinant of the technique’s success (EBLEX). If consistency is not assured then the technique fails in good condition scoring. In designing the scoring criterion thought is given in regard to the variant breeds but there it is necessary to allow some allowance for diverse types (Webster, 2011.p.151). As an example, a commendable conformation of a well built Belgian Blue cross may represent a low level of body fatness (DEFRA). On the other hand, a Friesian cross with a poor conformation may bear more body condition that can be visually perceptible. It is imperative that one avoids confusion between animal condition and animal conformation. Cows should be examined from the tail head, through to the ribs and in the loin region. Basic assessment is concentrated around the tail head with the fat around the loin and ribs used to ascertain the body condition score (IE). Care should be taken as not to disturb the animal. Uniformity should also be ensured especially use of the same hand from cow to cow. An overall visual assessment of the cow is also vital. Scorign should also not be carried out in ignorance of the seasonal body changes. It is postulated that suckler cows can vary by 20% with optimal management (Jarrige, 1989.p.98). Areas of Assessment The Tail head This is assessed by standing directly at the rear of the cow. This is assessed by determining the amount of fat in the tail often determined by feeling and checking the protrusion and size of the pelvic bone (Irvine, 2002). Loins and Ribs Loins and ribs are assessed by standing on the side of the cow. In scoring the loin one feels the horizontal and vertical protrusions of the vertebrae and the volume of fat in-between them (EBLEX). Scoring of the rib is done by using the flat side of the hand and the finger tips which are used to feel the volume of fat over them. Scoring Score Description Visual representation 1-Poor representing very thin Tail head Absence of fatty tissue beneath the skin. Deep cavity. The skin is moderately agile and mostly rough. Loin A visible protruding spine Prominent horizontal processes. Ribs Prominent and no fat 2-Moderate Tail head A somewhat buried cavity. Some little fat beneath the skin A supple skin. Loin The horizontal processes can be seen with rounded ends. Ribs Can be seen individually but are rounded as opposed to sharp. 3-Good Tail head The entire area covered with fat. The skin is smooth. The pelvic is not visible but can be felt with stiff pressure. Loin The horizontal processes invisible but can be felt with firm pressure. A fairly depression in loin. Ribs Ribs not prominent and can only be felt with firm pressure. 4-Fat Tail head Completely filled with fat and is soft. Loin Horizontal processes cannot be seen. These have become completely rounded. Ribs Fat can be felt forming over ribs. 5-Grossly fat The bone structure cannot be seen. Tail head Entirely buried in fat tissues. Loin The pelvis cannot be seen or felt even with firm pressure. Ribs Immersed in a thick layer of fat tissues. Feeding Suckler Cows So far, we have realized and mapped out the importance and conduct of body condition scoring. Notably, a proper and consistent application of the body condition score (BCS) helps greatly in maintaining the cows balanced body condition and thus underlines animal husbandry and the cow’s welfare (Osorol and Wright, 1992.p.1665). After conducting body scoring one ends up with specific scores that tell of the exact body condition of the cow (Andrews et al 2007.p.10). It is after drawing this conclusion that one designs the appropriate feeding regime based on the suckler cows score. By now, and through following the preceding table one can clearly determine what every score from 1 to 5 represents and what it says about the cow’s body condition (DEFRA). In trying to guide proper body conditioning a farmer must aim at registering the following scores for spring and autumn calving herds, these are considered the ideal scores for each of the periods or seasons. Ideal/Target body condition score Stage Spring Calving Autumn calving At calving 2.5 3.0 At service 2.5 2.5 At turnout 2.0+ 2.0 At housing 3.0-3.5 2.5-3.0 In conclusion, by understanding how to score and interpret the resulting scores it becomes easier to understand the body condition of the suckler cows. The importance of understanding the body condition is that the farmer is able to take adequate measures to address any deficiencies in the cow’s condition. Notably, there are established scores that help in benchmarking a cow’s condition. If these benchmark scores are not attained it becomes necessary to introduce an alternate feeding system to help bridge the gap in conditioning. Notably, good body conditions helps ease calving, ensures the calves’ health and help retain the fertility levels of the suckler cow. Bibliography Andrews, A. H., Blowey, R. W.,and Boyd, H. (2007). Bovine Medicine: Diseases and Husbandry of Cattle. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. DEFRA. (2013). Conditioning scoring of beef suckler cows and heifers. Retrieved December 11, 2013, from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69370/pb6491-cattle-scoring-020130.pdf Drennan, M.J. and Berry, D.P. (2006). Factors affecting body condition score, live weight and reproductive performance in spring-calving suckler cows. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 45, 25-38. EBLEX. (2013). Feeding suckler cows and calves for better returns. Retrieved December 11, 2013, from http://www.eblex.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Manual-5-feedingsucklercowsandcalvesforbetterreturns.pdf Gordon, I. R. (2004). Reproductive technologies in farm animals. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: CABI Pub. Great Britain. (2002). Condition scoring of beef suckler cows and heifers. London: DEFRA. IE. (2013). Feeding suckler cows. Retrieved December 11, 2013, from http://www.farmfile.ie/beefnutrsuckler Irvine, B., Northern Ireland., & Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture. (2002). Condition scoring: Suckler cows. Belfast: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Jarrige, R. (1989). Ruminant nutrition: Recommended allowances and feed tables. Paris: Institut national de la recherche agronomique. Moran, J. (2005). Tropical dairy farming: Feeding management for small holder dairy farmers in the humid tropics. Melbourne: Csiro. NADIS. (2013). Condition Score (BCS) in Beef Herds. pp. 1-4. Osorol, K., & Wright, I. A. (1992). The Effect of Body Condition, Live Weight, Breed, Age, calf performance and calving date on reproductive performanceof spring-calving beef cows. J ANIM SCI 70 , 1661-1666. Phillips, C. J. C. (2008). Principles of cattle production. Wallingford [u.a.: CABI Publishing. Raquel, B.C. (2010). Knowledge and experiences for the development of sustainable silvopastoral systems in heathlands in Asturias. Santiago: Univ Santiago de Compostela. Webster, J. (2011). Management and welfare of farm animals: UFAW farm handbook. Wheathampstead, Herts, UK: Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Read More