Condition Score 1.0
This cow is too thin. She has no body reserves to draw on to meet her needs.
- Each vertebra is individually identifiable and distinct.
- Short ribs individually visible.
- Thurl is extremely dished.
- Hook and pin bones and the ligaments connecting the two are clearly defined.
- Sunken tail head.
Condition Score 2.0
May be possible to get full production out of this cow but she lacks reserves.
- Prominent vertebrae but cannot distinguish individually.
- Short ribs are easily counted.
- Thurl area is very dished.
- Hook and pin bones and connecting ligaments are prominent.
- Hollows either side of tail head.
Condition Score 2.5
This cow is fit to cope with most stages of lactation. The ideal target condition.
- Rounded vertebrae - not visible as individual bones.
- Back-bone visible.
- ½ to 1 inch of tissue over short ribs.
- Edges of ribs are rounded.
- Visible, but rounded hook and pin bones.
- Hook and pin connecting ligaments are rigid and clearly visible.
- Visibly dished thurl.
- Hollows either side of tail head - suggestion of fat on tail head.
Condition Score 3.5
This cow is at the higher end of ideal. A little extra condition easily tips her into the fat category. Ideal condition goal for heifers at calving and dry-off.
- Fat can be felt over the back-bone and short ribs.
- Fat obvious over the ligaments connecting the hook and pin bones.
- Well rounded hook and pins.
- Rounded either side of tail head.
- Hook and pin connecting ligaments are rigid.
Condition Score 4.5
This cow is carrying too much fat
- Back will appear 'solid'.
- Individual short ribs not visible and only felt with deep palpation.
- Very well rounded hook and pins with obvious fat padding.
- Clearly rounded either side of tail head with no skin folds.
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