| Horse Body Condition Scores and Descriptions (Adapted from Henneke et al., 19831) | |
| Score | Condition Description |
| 1 – Poor | Animal extremely emaciated. Spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, and point of hip and point of buttocks project prominently; bone structure of |
Jessica Pempek, The Ohio State University
Jessica Pempek was raised on a beef cattle farm in St. Clairsville, OH, which her family still owns and operates today. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences and her Master of Science degree specializing in Animal …
Dr. Maurice Eastridge, The Ohio State University
Dr. Maurice Eastridge, Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist, has been on the faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University since March 1986. His primary responsibilities include teaching, Extension, and research in dairy cattle nutrition. He …
How do you body condition score a dairy cow?
Body condition scoring provides an objective indication of the amount of fat cover on a dairy animal. This evaluation is accomplished by assigning a score or number relative to the amount of fat observed on several skeletal parts of the …
Why is it so important to regularly trim the feet of sheep and goats?
Hoof trimming is an essential part of sheep and goat management. Flocks should be checked on a regular basis for hoof growth. Overgrown hooves may make walking painful, predispose the animal to other foot and leg problems, and competing for …
How long does it take for broiler chickens to be ready for the market?
Broilers chickens are specially bred for fast growth and slaughtered when they weigh approximately four pounds, usually between seven and nine weeks of age. Birds between 12 and 20 weeks of age, typically weighing between five and ten pounds, are …
Animal Welfare as Related to Egg Production Systems
Limited scientific data exists comparing the welfare of laying hens kept in cages and non-cage (alternative) housing systems. As a result, very little evidence is available to support the assumption that welfare is enhanced (or poorer) in one system or …
Animal Welfare Issues – Locally and Nationally
State-based legislation continues to be proposed and enacted across the United States, varying from strict prohibition of particular housing systems in some states, to implementation of boards to formulate standards of animal care in other states. Within the tri-state region, …
How do you body condition score a pig?
Body condition scoring in an important management tool and may be used by producers to help optimize production, evaluate health and welfare, and to adjust nutrient requirements. According the United States Department of Agriculture, the appropriate way to body condition …