1. IntroductionBody Condition Scores (BCS) are associated with improved animal Performance, Husbandry, and Welfare. BCS changes over season, and correlations with heart girth/body weights, milk production, and calving management have been reported for various breeds including dairy cattle. We developed and are evaluating this management tool for application to native Ankole cattle in Uganda, as part of a larger study of pasture quality and dry season supplementation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a BCS system for Ankole cattle that correlates with production parameters

2. MethodsBased on farmer interviews, published literature, and charts developed

for other breeds, we targeted breed characteristics and defined initial

conformation criteria to establish a standardized visual scoring system

(depicted at right).

Validation of these descriptions, and correlations with milk production

will be tested:

• Eight farms with at least 20 cattle in the Kayunga district of NE Uganda identified to participate

• Individual animals to be scored on bi-weekly basis over 6-mo period through long dry season

• Body weights will be estimated with heart girth tape, and milk production quantified weekly

• Pasture quality contribution to nutritional status will be monitored throughout study

3. ConclusionsBy targeting specific characteristics of the local breed, we anticipate implementation of this practical management tool to assist management and husbandry of native dairy cattle. Training programs will emphasize application of optimal BCS criteria at critical life stages – early lactation, at calving, and maintenance through the long dry season. The system will be refined, if needed, based on farmer feedback/inputs.

Development of a Standardized Body Condition Scorefor Native Cattle in Uganda

E.S. Dierenfeld1 & B. Lukuyu2

1Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO USA2International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, KENYA

1. Very Thin 2. Underweight 3. Ideal 4. Overweight 5. ObeseScore

OutlineDepictions

PhotoExamples

Rear EndView

OverallCondition

Hips

Ribs

Tailheadand Loin

Brisket

Emaciated, bone structure is prominent, skeletal, no fat

Bone structure is visible, very lean Lean and fit, decreased visibilty of bone structure

Plump, round, fat deposits presentPlump, round, fat deposits present

Hooks and horizontal processes prominent

Horizontal processes and hooks visible, some fat cover

Hooks visible but well covered Hooks are not visibleHooks well padded, horizontal processes barely visible

Individual ribs very apparent Individual ribs are visible with some fat cover

Ribs can barely be seen, some fat cover

Ribs cannot be felt and are thickly padded, abdomen grossly rounded

Ribs cannot be seen and are padded, abdomen somewhat rounded

Deep cavity near tailhead, spine prominent

Some fat cover on tail head, pin bones prominent, little fat on loin

Only slight depression in loin, fat cover on tailhead

Mounds of fat around tailheadTailhead slightly sunken in, fat deposits

No brisket Brisket present, very little fat Slight brisket Brisket is full of fatBrisket is plump