Open Access
Copyright: The authors. This article is an open access
article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) which permits unrestricted use,
distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly
cited.
R esearch
(Published online: 07-03-2015)
7.
Body condition score and its correlation
with ultrasonographic back fat thickness in transition crossbred
cows - Randhir Singh, S. N. S. Randhawa and C. S.
Randhawa
Veterinary World, 8(3): 290-294
doi:
10.14202/vetworld.2015.290-294
Randhir
Singh:
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and
Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India; dr.randhirlo@gmail.com
S. N.
S. Randhawa:
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and
Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India;
sarnarinder@gmail.com
C. S.
Randhawa: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev
Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana Punjab, India;
singhcharanjit11@gmail.com
Received: 31-10-2014, Revised:18-01-2015, Accepted: 22-01-2015,
Published online: 07-03-2015
Corresponding author:
Randhir Singh, e-mail: dr.randhirlo@gmail.com
Citation:
Singh R, Randhawa SN,
Randhawa CS (2015) Body condition score and its correlation with
ultrasonographic back fat thickness in transition crossbred cows,
Veterinary World 8(3): 290-294.
Abstract
Aim:
The aim was to study the effect of the transition to body
condition score (BCS) and ultrasonographic back fat thickness (USG
BFT) in crossbred cows.
Materials and Methods: A total of 101 multiparous crossbred
cows in advanced pregnancy from organized dairy farm were taken up
for study. The cows were grouped according to transition stage,
i.e. far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh (F). BCS was
estimated by using the five point visual BCS technique with 0.5
increments. The USG BFT was measured by real-time ultrasound using
a portable Sonosite instrument.
Results: In cows with BCS 2-2.5, the BFT of F period was
significantly lower than FOD period. In cows with BCS 3-3.5, the
mean BFT at F period was significantly reduced as compared to FOD
and CUD period. The overall correlation coefficient between BCS
and BFT for different transition stages was 84%, 79% and 75% for
FOD, CUD and F period, respectively.
Conclusion: The USG BFT gives an accurate
measure of fat reserves in cows. The cows with BCS of
≥3.5 entering the
transition period are more prone to lose body condition and hence
require better and robust management during the transition period.
Keywords: body condition score, back fat
thickness, cow, transition period.
References
1. Vasseur, E., Gibbons, J., Rushen, J. and Passillé, A.M.D.
(2013) Development and implementation of a training program to
ensure high repeatability of body condition scoring of dairy
cows. J. Dairy Sci., 96(7): 4725-4737.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-6359
PMid:23660141 |
|
|
2. Roche, J.R., Berry, D.P. and Kolver, E.S. (2006a)
Holstein-Friesian strain and feed effects on milk production,
body weight, and body condition score profiles in grazing
dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 89: 3532-3543.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72393-1 |
|
|
3. Roche, J.R., Berry, D.P., Lee, J.M., Macdonald, K.A. and
Boston, R.C. (2007a) Describing the body condition score
change between successive calvings: A novel strategy
generalizable to diverse cohorts. J. Dairy Sci., 90:
4378-4396.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2006-729
PMid:17699059 |
|
|
4. Roche, J.R., Blache, D., Kay, J.K., Miller, D.R., Sheahan,
A.J. and Miller, D.W. (2008). Neuroendocrine and physiological
regulation of intake, with particular reference to
domesticated ruminant animals. Nutr. Res. Rev. 21: 207-234.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954422408138744
PMid:19087372 |
|
|
|
5. Bittante, G., Gallo, L., Carnier, P., Comin, A. and
Cassandro, M. (2004) Management and breeding of cows using
body condition score. Inf. Agrario, 60: 55-58. |
|
|
6. Kirsten, S., Jana, F., Ulrich, M., Susanne, K., Dania, R.,
Jürgen, R. and Sven, D. (2014) Effects of prepartal body
condition score and peripartal energy supply of dairy cows on
postpartal lipolysis, energy balance and ketogenesis: an
animal model to investigate subclinical ketosis. J. Dairy
Res., 81(3): 257-266.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022029914000107
PMid:24594287 |
|
|
7. Kadivar, A., Ahmadi, M.R. and Vatankhah, M. (2014)
Associations of prepartum body condition score with occurrence
of clinical endometritis and resumption of postpartum ovarian
activity in dairy cattle. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 46:
121-126.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0461-9
PMid:23979776 |
|
|
8. Roche, J.R., Macdonald, K.A., Schütz, K.E., Matthews, L.R.,
Verkerk, G.A., Meier, S., Loor, J.J., Rogers, A.R., McGowan,
J., Morgan, S.R., Taukiri, S. and Webster, J.R. (2013) Calving
body condition score affects indicators of health in grazing
dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 96(9), 5811-5825.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-6600
PMid:23871378 |
|
|
9. Santos, J.E.P., Bisinotto, R.S., Ribeiro, E.S., Lima, F.S.,
Greco, L.F., Staples, C.R. and Thatcher, W.W. (2010) Applying
nutrition and physiology to improve reproduction in dairy
cattle. Soc. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl., 67: 387-403.
PMid:21755686 |
|
|
10. Koenen, E.P.C., Veerkamp, R.F., Dobbelaar, P. and De Jong,
G. (2001) Genetic analysis of body condition score of
lactating Dutch Holstein and Red-and-White heifers. J. Dairy
Sci., 84: 1265-1270.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)74588-2 |
|
|
11. Coffey, M.P., Simm, G., Oldham, J.D., Hill, W.G. and
Brotherstone S. (2004) Genotype and diet effects on energy
balance in the first three lactations of dairy cows. J. Dairy
Sci., 87: 4318-4326.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(04)73577-8 |
|
|
12. Friggens, N.C., Ingvartsen, K.L. and Emmans, G.C. (2004b)
Prediction of body lipid change in pregnancy and lactation. J.
Dairy Sci., 87: 988-1000.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(04)73244-0 |
|
|
13. Pryce, J.E. and Harris, B.L. (2006) Genetics of body
condition score in New Zealand dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 89:
4424-4432.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72490-0 |
|
|
14. Sumner, J.M. and McNamara, J.P. (2007) Expression of
lipolytic genes in the adipose tissue of pregnant and
lactating Holstein dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci., 90: 5237-5246.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0307
PMid:17954764 |
|
|
15. Berry, D.P., Roche, J.R. and Coffey, M.P. (2008b) Body
condition score and fertility – more than just a feeling. In:
Royal, M.D., Friggens, N.C. and Smith, R.F., editors.
Fertility in Dairy Cows: Bridging the Gaps. British Society of
Animal Science, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
p107-118.
PMid:18422022 |
|
|
16. Markusfeld, O., Galon, N. and Ezra, E. (1997) Body
condition score, health, yield and fertility in dairy cows.
Vet. Rec., 141: 67-72.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.141.3.67
PMid:9257435 |
|
|
17. Sheldon, I.M., Lewis, G.S., LeBlanc, S. and Gilbert, R.O.
(2006) Defining postpartum uterine disease in cattle.
Theriogenology, 65, 1516-1530.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.08.021
PMid:16226305 |
|
|
18. Edmonson, A.J., Lean, I.J., Weaver, L.D., Farver, T. and
Webster, G., (1989) A body condition scoring chart for
Holstein Dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 72: 68-78.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(89)79081-0 |
|
|
|
19. Bewley, J.M. and Schutz, M.M. (2008) Review: An
interdisciplinary review of body condition scoring for dairy
cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci., 24: 507-529. |
|
|
20. Anitha, A., Sarjan R.K., Suresh J., Srinivasa, M.P.R. and
Kotilinga, R.Y. (2010) Development of the body condition score
system in Murrah buffaloes: validation through ultrasonic
assessment of body fat reserves. J. Vet. Sci., 11(1): 1-8.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2010.11.1.1
PMCid:PMC2833424 |
|
|
21. Wildman, E.E., Jones G.M., Wagner, P.E., Boman, R.L.,
Troutt, J.R. and Lesch, T.N. (1982) A dairy cow body condition
scoring system and its relationship to selectedproduction
characteristics. J. Dairy Sci. 65: 495-501.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(82)82223-6 |
|
|
|
22. Nanda, P.J. and Herdt, T.H. (2009) Clinical use of
ultrasound for subcutaneous fat thickness measurements in
dairy cattle. Curr. Vet. Ther. Food Anim. Pract., 5: 150-153. |
|
|
23. Bernabucci, U., Ronchi, B., Lacetera, N. and Nardone, A.
(2005) Influence of body condition score on relationships
between metabolic status and oxidative stress in
periparturient dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 88: 2017-2026.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72878-2 |
|
|
24. Lucy, M.C., Verkerk, G.A., Whyte, B.E., Macdonald, K.A.,
Burton, L., Cursons, R.T., Roche, J.R. and Holmes, C.W. (2009)
Somatotropic axis components and nutrient partitioning in
genetically diverse dairy cows managed under different feed
allowances in a pasture system. J. Dairy Sci., 92: 526-539.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1421
PMid:19164663 |
|
|
25. Domecq, J.J., Skidmore, A.L., Lloyd, J.W. and Kaneene,
J.B. (1995) Validation of body condition scores with
ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat of dairy cows. J.
Dairy Sci., 78: 2308-2313.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(95)76857-6 |
|
|
|
26. Chebel, C.R. (2010) The long lasting impact of
reproductive performance on health and production. West. Dairy
News., 10(10):
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ilm/proinfo/wdnnewsletter.htm
Last accesed on 04-01-2015. |
|
