1. A. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) of Cattle

   1. 1.

      1. a. BCSa standardized, objective method of evaluating the body condition of cattle regardless of breed, age, gender, or body type.
      2. b. Body Conditiona measure of fat cover and scores are indicative of energy reserves in the body.

   2. 2. Several conditions may affect body condition:

      1. a. lack of proper nutrition;
      2. b. severe parasitism;
      3. c. infectious disease;
      4. d. older animals.
   3. 3. Starvation shall not be ascertained by body condition alone but may be determined by amount of feed and forage available.
   4. 4. Consultation with a licensed veterinarian and or a knowledgeable livestock professional may be suitable in remedying the situation.
   5. 5. Body condition shall be evaluated by visual appraisal and by feeling six areas of the animal’s body and then assigning an overall score.
   6. 6. Beef cattle scores range from one (severely emaciated) to nine (very obese).
   7. 7. Dairy cattle scores range from one (emaciated) to five (obese).
   8. 8. BCS below two for beef or dairy scoring indicate emaciated cattle.
2. B. BQA guidelines may be used as a standard reference for all cattle producers (beef and dairy) as a reference in areas of cattle management and record keeping.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:2095.1.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety, Board of Animal Health, LR 39:3242 (December 2013), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Animal Health and Food Safety and the Board of Animal Health, LR 40:987 (May 2014).