Body Condition Scoring System Research Articles

Exploration of Available Feed Resources, Feeding Practices, Morphometric and Nutritional Status of Horses in Kashmir Valley of India

Nutrition is a critical component of equine health. Horse owners’ knowledge of nutrition is likely to affect their feeding practices. The study was conducted with the aim to survey available feed resources for equines, existing feeding practices and morphometric and nutritional status of horses in four major horse rearing tehsils (Sopore, Pattan, Tangmarg and Gulmarg) of district Baramulla in Kashmir valley. Twelve equine keeping families from each study area were selected at random. The daily dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE) and macro minerals (Ca and P) intakes by different classes of horses were calculated from the feed intakes and compared with the nutrient requirement given in the feeding standard. Among body morphometry, body weight (BW) was calculated using body measurements, age was predicted by dentition and body condition scoring (BCS) was done using the Henneke BCS system. Adult horses were being fed rice straw and wheat bran; however, in addition to these, maize grains was fed in Tangmarg and Gulmarg areas, while jaggery was fed as energy supplement in Sopore only. The horses were fed blend of spicy ingredients locally called as “masala”. None of the farmers offered any oil seeds/cakes, compound pelleted feed or mineral supplement to their horses, though, salt licks were allowed to the adult animals on daily basis in all the study areas. The chemical composition of all the feeds and fodders fed to horses in the study areas of district Baramulla were within the ranges as prescribed for Indian feeds and fodders. During the survey, no lactating mare was observed in the entire study areas, while no foal was observed in Sopore and Gulmarg areas. Average age of the adult animal was 7.08±0.29 years, BW was in the range of 224.40 to 271.13 kg, and BCS ranged from 4.28 to 5.21 with an average of 4.93. While adult horses received optimum DM, the daily CP and DE intakes were found to be deficient along with imbalanced Ca and P intake when compared to the standard requirements. Foals were found to get diets deficient in DM, DE, CP and Ca but surplus in P. It was concluded that horse owners of district Baramulla lack basic knowledge on equine nutrition, feeding un-balanced diets to adult horses that were optimum only in terms of quantity; however, foals were fed diets deficient both in quantity as well as quality. The veterinarian-client dialog needs to be enhanced to address the misconceptions of horse owners about nutrition and feeding practices.

Clinico-haematological features of dermatophilosis in indigenious breeds of cattle in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study evaluated the clinical-hematological profiles in bovine dermatophilosis. A total of 50 dermatophilosis infected cattle were studied clinically and 50 blood samples taken from two different locations of Akinyele cattle market and Bodija Abattoir Ibadan. Hematological parameters such as PCV, Hb, RBC,WBC,Platelets, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Lymphocyte and Neutrophils were evaluated using standard procedures .The level of severity was classified based on the extent of the surface lesions and the chronicity as observed on the animals vis a viz body condition scoring system, hematological parameters under different breeds, sexes, ages and severity of disease condition were subjected to a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with no level of significance established at p < 0.05. White Fulani was the breed with the highest cases of dematophilosis (66%), females (86%) were more infected than males. Cattle within age bracket of 2-2½ years (38%) showed clinical signs of dermatophilosis more than other age groups. Sokoto Gudali breed had the highest values for most hematological parameters, while Kuri breed had the least values for most of the hematological parameters. Females showed better values than males. Age range 3-3½ years had most of the highest values. Mild infestation showed the highest values. Therefore, this study has been able to revealed variation to dermatophilosis susceptibility, Kuri breed, adult cattle and bulls appeared to be more resistance. The hematology in generalized dermatophilosis have been elucidated by this present study and have been found to vary with age, sex, severity of infection and breed of cattle.Keywords: Clinical-Haematological, Profile, Dermatophilosis, Cattle, Nigeria

Glycemic control in minks with tendency to obesity in the perinatal period with the use of HbA1C

The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of HbA1C as a test in monitoring the long-term glycemic control during the perinatal period in minks with the tendency to obesity. On the scanbrown mink farm, screening research on one-year-old females showing predilections to obesity was conducted. In the first year of the experiment, 120 females were assessed using body condition score (BCS) system. The two groups that differed significantly in body weight were selected based on the BCS system and then two treatment groups of 30 females were formed: BCS II (lean) and BCS IV (thick). The groups were subjected to tests during the two years of the experiment. The biological material was urine and blood taken from vena safena five times a year. In whole blood, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin A1C was determined by ion exchange chromatography with chromatographic-spectrophotometric test (BioSystems S.A. company). Plasma glucose level was determined using Cormay reagents and BS 130 apparatus. The level of glucose in urine was also determined using diagnostic Medi-Test Combi 10 VET strips. The results were statistically analyzed using the SAS Enterprise Guide 5.1. The descriptive statistics and the analysis of one-way variance (ANOVA) were used. Statistically significant differences were analyzed by Tukey test at the significance level α = 0.05. Glycosuria was found in females in all studied stages of the production cycle. In both BCS II and BCS IV, hyperglycemia was observed in late lactation and decreased after weaning. Average concentrations of HbA1C reached values from 3.64 to 5.17%. HbA1C is a useful test for monitoring glycemic control that is why the presented research should be continued due to the lack of reference values in case of HbA1C in minks, which can contribute to making the diagnosis and help in confirmation or exclusion of diabetes.

Validation of body condition score system in Holstein x Zebu cows via ultrasound method during the transition period and early lactation

This study aims to validate, by means of subcutaneous rump fat thickness (RFT), the suitability of the visual evaluation of body condition score (BCS) to indicate the body condition of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein x Zebu) during the transition period and early lactation. Animals were selected according to lactation period and distributed into three groups: PP (0 to 4 weeks antepartum; n = 30), L4 (0 to 4 weeks postpartum; n = 15), and L + 5 (5 to 14 weeks postpartum; n = 63). The relationship among RFT, BCS, and body weight (BW) was investigated using correlation and regression analyses. The variables BCS, RFT, and BW were different among the three groups (P < 0.05). The correlations between BCS and RFT were higher in groups PP and L + 5 (r = 0.78 and r = 0.71 respectively). However, the L4 group showed a weak correlation (r = -0.04). The regression models were able to explain how much RFT varies because of changes in BCS, with coefficients of determination equal to 0.61 for PP and 0.51 for L + 5 group. In conclusion, BCS can be considered a good predictor of RFT for crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows in antepartum and postpartum for over 5 weeks of lactation.

Correlación entre el pH ruminal y el índice de condición corporal en vacas con acidosis ruminal subaguda

Objetivo. Los objetivos de este estudio de campo fueron a) confirmar la presencia de acidosis ruminal subaguda (SARA) en los rebaños de vacas lecheras turcas en la región de Aydin, b) registrar su distribución regional y c) determinar si existe una relación entre las puntuaciones del estado corporal, ruminal Contracciones y pH ruminal. Materiales y métodos. Se extrajeron muestras de líquido ruminal, a través de rumenocentesis, de un total de 120 vacas lecheras Holstein, de 5 hatos (n = 24 vacas por rebaño). El pH del rumen se analizó en el sitio con un pH-metro portátil para un diagnóstico preciso de SARA. Los sistemas clásicos de clasificación de estado corporal (método USBCS) se utilizaron en escala 1-5 con intervalos de 0,25. Resultados. De las 120 vacas inscritas, 13 fueron (10.83%) clasificadas como SARA (pH =5.5), 6.6% marginales (pH 5.6-5.8) y 82,5% normales (pH>5.8). Hubo una diferencia significativa (p<0.01) entre la finca V y otras fincas con respecto al pH ruminal medio. El promedio global de BCS fue de 3.45±0.037, 3.43±0.122 y 4.30±0.075 en animales sanos, SARA sospechosos de vacas y vacas con SARA, respectivamente con aumento de BCS en vacas con SARA (p<0.01). La comparación intergrupal de contracciones ruminales mostró significación estadística (p<0.01). Hubo correlaciones entre el pH ruminal y la contracción ruminal (r=0.622, p<0.01), pH ruminal y estado de salud (r =-0.770, p<0.01), contracción ruminal y estado de salud (r=0.546, p<0.01). Conclusiones. En el presente estudio se utilizaron indicadores BCS y contracciones ruminal como indicadores, en los que se encontraron correlaciones entre pH ruminal y contracción ruminal y pH ruminal y BCS, favoreciendo el uso o esos parámetros como biomarcadores probables en vacas con SARA.

Relationship between Body Condition and some Reproductive Parameters of Holstein Cattle

Abstract The body condition scoring system (BCS) is a means of accurately determining body condition of dairy cows, independent of body weight and farm size. The body condition scores represent a subjective visual or tactile (or both) evaluation of the amount of subcutaneous fat in a cow. The system is a useful method of evaluating body energy reserves and is used widely for evaluating nutritional status in dairy cows. The different stages of lactation have different recommended scores. BCS change during the lactation period depends on the milk production, reproduction and health status. Extreme body condition loss in the early lactation can cause irregular heats, longer time to first ovulation, and fail to conceive. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of BCS on Holstein cows’ reproduction. The relationship between some BCS parameters: BCS at calving (BCSc), minimum BCS after calving (BCSmin) and the reduction of BCS after calving (BCSr) on one hand and three reproductive parameters: the days from calving to first service (DFS), number of inseminations to conception (NIC), and days open (DO) on the other hand were studied in three private dairy farms in South Hungary. BCS were determined monthly during milk recording. A total of 786 records of Holstein cows from 1 to 3 lactation were evaluated. DFS was significantly (P<5%) influenced by BCSs and BCSmin. The number of inseminations to conception (NIC) varied according to the individual cow. In the present study was between 1 and 12. The most favourable DO values were observed in the group having >3.5 BCSc (150.04 days), the group with 3.0-3.5 BCSmin (138.92) and the group having >1 BCSr. There was no significant relationship found between DO and the BCS groups.

English

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Kemissie, Dawa Cheffa District to estimate the prevalence and identify possible risk factors for the disease in the study area. Animal identification based on age, sex, breed and body condition score and management system of the study animals were taken into account followed by coprological examination for the presence of the developmental stages of parasites or parasite in naturally infected cattle. For this purpose, four hundred and five randomly selected animals were examined during the study period out of which 75 (18.5%) were found positive for schistosomiasis based on fecal examination. Variation together with age and sex of animals did not show statistical significance (P>0.05) in the disease occurrence. However, the prevalence of the disease was highest in young animals (23.14%), followed by adults (17.61%) and least in old animals (15.49%). On the other hand, statistical significant association (P<0.05) was seen with the variation of breeds, body condition score and management systems in the disease occurrence. In conclusion, relatively moderate prevalence (18.5%) was recorded in and around Kemissie and based on the results obtained, recommendations were forwarded. Key words: Cattle, coproscopy, Kemissie, prevalence, Schistosomiasis.

Body condition score in large pure bred dogs: a preliminary study on agreement between owner's perception and scientific evaluation

Obesity is a severe health issue among companion dogs. It may seriously impair the quality of a dog's life predisposing to many other disease conditions. Incorrect assessment of the body condition (BC) of their pets by the dog owners has been identified as an obstacle which would prevent early intervention in canine obesity. This study was designed to assess the degree of agreement between the dog owner's perception of their pet's BC and the scientific assessment of body condition score (BCS). Eighty-two large pure bred dogs were included in the study. Scientific evaluation was performed using 1-5 BCS system proposed by Royal Canin™ (1-emmaciated, 2- thin, 3-ideal, 4-over weight, 5- obese). Following the scientific evaluation the owners were asked to assess their pet's BC using a grading system which included appropriate lay terms to describe the 1-5 scoring positions in the scientific method (1=very thin, 2=thin, 3=ideal, 4=fat, 5=very fat). In addition the knowledge of necessity of feeding adjustments and exercise, health risk of obesity and awareness of scientific BC evaluation methods were evaluated using a short questionnaire. Agreement between the owner's perception and scientific method was analyzed using Fleiss' kappa test. Misperception occurred among 31.71% (26/82) of the owners and there was only a fair agreement (K=0.374321, P<0.05) between two evaluation methods. Interestingly owner misperception about the body condition existed not only in the BCS=4/ Overweight and BCS=5/ Obese groups but also in BCS=2 / Thin group as well. Despite the good knowledge on health risk of obesity and need of exercise among the owners, under estimation was common in BCS=4/ Overweight (40%, 8/20) and BCS =5/ Obese (100%, 5/5) groups which might be a sequela to owner's misperception. In the BCS=2/ Thin group there was a prominent overestimation 3/5 (60%). Only 12.1% of the owners were aware of existence of scientific body condition evaluation methods. Current findings are suggestive of the importance of modifying the owner's perception about their pet's body condition and the necessity of the adequate veterinary intervention through client communication about pet feeding and exercising.

Scoring Body Condition in Wild Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Using Camera Traps and Opportunistic Photographic Material

Body condition score (BCS) systems have been used in wild animals as a technique for evaluating the health status of species that are difficult to capture but can be observed in their habitat. In this study, our goal was to enable scoring the BC of wild Baird’s tapir ( Tapirus bairdii) without the need for direct observation, using camera trap and opportunistic photographic records. First, we modified a BCS assessment that was created for other tapir species, using captive Baird’s tapirs. Second, we applied it to a set of photographs of wild Baird’s tapir that were obtained over six consecutive years in a protected area in southern Mexico. We compared morphometric measurements and muscle and fat deposited in several anatomical regions. We also evaluated changes in BC between seasons for individuals photographed on several occasions. We show that neck and thorax circumferences are significantly correlated with all BCSs associated with these anatomical regions, whereas abdominal circumference is correlated only with half of the BCS. BCS of captive tapirs that we evaluated averaged 24.93 ± 5.61, which was higher than that of wild tapirs (22.63 ± 3.68). No significant difference in BC was apparent between rainy and dry seasons in our study site; wild tapirs were able to maintain good BC throughout the year. Camera trap records and opportunistic photographs were a useful tool to track changes in BC over time.

Body condition scoring of Bornean banteng in logged forests

The Bornean banteng (Bos javanicus lowi) is an endangered subspecies that often inhabits logged forest; however very little is known about the effects of logging on their ecology, despite the differing effects this has on other ungulate species. A body condition scoring system was created for the Bornean banteng using camera trap photographs from five forests in Sabah, Malaysia, with various past and present management combinations to establish if banteng nutrition suffered as a result of forest disturbance. One hundred and eleven individuals were photographed over 38,009 camera trap nights from April 2011 to June 2014 in five forests. Banteng within forests that had a recent history of reduced-impact logging had higher body condition scores than banteng within conventionally logged forest. Conversely, when past logging was conducted using a conventional technique and the period of forest regeneration was relatively long; the banteng had higher body condition scores. The body condition scoring system is appropriate for monitoring the long-term nutrition of the Bornean banteng and for evaluating the extent of the impact caused by present-day reduced-impact logging methods. Reduced-impact logging techniques give rise to individuals with the higher body condition scores in the shorter term, which then decline over time. In contrast the trend is opposite for conventional logging, which demonstrates the complex effects of logging on banteng body condition scores. This is likely to be due to differences in regeneration between forests that have been previously logged using differing methods.

Body condition scoring system for greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis): Development and application.

Preventing obesity in zoo animals is increasingly recognized as an important husbandry objective. To achieve this goal, body condition scoring (BCS) systems are available for an ever-increasing number of species. Here, we present a BCS for the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) based on an evaluation (on a scale from 1 to 5) of seven different body regions, and report resulting scores for 62 animals from 27 facilities, based on digital photographs. In animals above 4 years of age, this BCS correlated with the body mass:shoulder height ratio. Although differences between the sexes for individual regions were noted (with consistently higher scores in males for the neck and shoulder and in parous females for the abdomen), the average BCS of all regions did not differ significantly between males (4.3 ± 0.4) and females (4.1 ± 0.5). Linking the BCS to results of a questionnaire survey and studbook information, there were no differences in BCS between animals with and without foot problems or between parous and non-parous females. In a very limited sample of 11 females, those eight that had been diagnosed with leiomyoma in a previous study had a higher BCS (range 3.9-4.9) than the three that had been diagnosed as leiomyoma-free (range 3.5-3.7). The BCS was correlated to the amount of food offered as estimated from the questionnaire. Adjusting the amounts and the nutritional quality of the diet components is an evident measure to maintain animals at a target BCS (suggested as 3-3.5). Zoo Biol. 35:432-443, 2016. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development of automatic body condition scoring using a low-cost 3-dimensional Kinect camera

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a farm-management tool for estimating dairy cows’ energy reserves. Today, BCS is performed manually by experts. This paper presents a 3-dimensional algorithm that provides a topographical understanding of the cow’s body to estimate BCS. An automatic BCS system consisting of a Kinect camera (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) triggered by a passive infrared motion detector was designed and implemented. Image processing and regression algorithms were developed and included the following steps: (1) image restoration, the removal of noise; (2) object recognition and separation, identification and separation of the cows; (3) movie and image selection, selection of movies and frames that include the relevant data; (4) image rotation, alignment of the cow parallel to the x-axis; and (5) image cropping and normalization, removal of irrelevant data, setting the image size to 150×200 pixels, and normalizing image values. All steps were performed automatically, including image selection and classification. Fourteen individual features per cow, derived from the cows’ topography, were automatically extracted from the movies and from the farm’s herd-management records. These features appear to be measurable in a commercial farm. Manual BCS was performed by a trained expert and compared with the output of the training set. A regression model was developed, correlating the features with the manual BCS references. Data were acquired for 4 d, resulting in a database of 422 movies of 101 cows. Movies containing cows’ back ends were automatically selected (389 movies). The data were divided into a training set of 81 cows and a test set of 20 cows; both sets included the identical full range of BCS classes. Accuracy tests gave a mean absolute error of 0.26, median absolute error of 0.19, and coefficient of determination of 0.75, with 100% correct classification within 1 step and 91% correct classification within a half step for BCS classes. Results indicated good repeatability, with all standard deviations under 0.33. The algorithm is independent of the background and requires 10 cows for training with approximately 30 movies of 4 s each.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Regional Fat Distribution and Its Relationship With Body Condition in an Easy Keeper Horse Breed

Body scoring system is a functional method to monitor overall adiposity. However, scorer experience, horse breed, gender, or local fat deposits are confounding factors, primarily in breeds with noticeable phenotype and tendency to subcutaneous fat deposition. Therefore, the ultrasonographic evaluation of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) could be an objective alternative method to assess fat distribution. The aims of this study were to characterize SFT at seven anatomic locations (over 25%, 50%, and 75% of neck length, behind the shoulder, over the ribs, over the rump, and over the tailhead), to evaluate the relationship between the body condition score (BCS) and SFT and to determine the influence of gender and age on BCS and SFT measurements. A sample of 127 Andalusian horses (78 stallions and 49 barren mares) were included. Body condition score was estimated, and SFT was measured by ultrasonography. The results showed that in the neck area, significant differences in fat accumulation over 25% and 50% of neck length were observed according to the gender and the age; however, regarding the body condition, no significant differences were found. Subcutaneous fat thickness at tailhead was the largest deposit and the most positively correlated parameter with BCS with influence of gender and age. However, SFT at the rump was the only measurement related to the body condition, independent of gender and age. Therefore, the assessment of localized fat deposits by ultrasonography suggests that preferred anatomic sites for fat deposition are evident and BCS systems should be adjusted according to breed-specific criteria.

Creation and validation of a novel body condition scoring method for the magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in the zoo setting.

This research aims to validate a novel, visual body scoring system created for the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) suitable for the zoo practitioner. Magellanics go through marked seasonal fluctuations in body mass gains and losses. A standardized multi-variable visual body condition guide may provide a more sensitive and objective assessment tool compared to the previously used single variable method. Accurate body condition scores paired with seasonal weight variation measurements give veterinary and keeper staff a clearer understanding of an individual's nutritional status. San Francisco Zoo staff previously used a nine-point body condition scale based on the classic bird standard of a single point of keel palpation with the bird restrained in hand, with no standard measure of reference assigned to each scoring category. We created a novel, visual body condition scoring system that does not require restraint to assesses subcutaneous fat and muscle at seven body landmarks using illustrations and descriptive terms. The scores range from one, the least robust or under-conditioned, to five, the most robust, or over-conditioned. The ratio of body weight to wing length was used as a "gold standard" index of body condition and compared to both the novel multi-variable and previously used single-variable body condition scores. The novel multi-variable scale showed improved agreement with weight:wing ratio compared to the single-variable scale, demonstrating greater accuracy, and reliability when a trained assessor uses the multi-variable body condition scoring system. Zoo staff may use this tool to manage both the colony and the individual to assist in seasonally appropriate Magellanic penguin nutrition assessment.

Development and validation of a visual body condition scoring system for dairy goats with picture-based training

Body condition scoring (BCS) is the most widely used method to assess changes in body fat reserves, which reflects its high potential to be included in on-farm welfare assessment protocols. Currently used scoring systems in dairy goats require animal restraint for body palpation. In this study, the Animal Welfare Indicators project (AWIN) proposes to overcome this constraint by developing a scoring system based only on visual assessment. The AWIN visual body condition scoring system highlights representative animals from 3 categories: very thin, normal, and very fat, and was built from data sets with photographs of animals scored by a commonly used 6-point scoring system that requires palpation in 2 anatomical regions. Development of the AWIN scoring system required 3 steps: (1) identification and validation of a body region of interest; (2) sketching the region from photographs; and (3) creation of training material. The scoring system’s reliability was statistically confirmed. An initial study identified features in the rump region from which we could compute a set of body measurements (i.e., measures based on anatomical references of the rump region) that showed a strong correlation with the assigned BCS. To validate the result, we collected a final data set from 171 goats. To account for variability in animal size and camera position, we mapped a subset of features to a standard template and aligned all the rump images before computing the body measurements. Scientific illustrations were created from the aligned images of animals identified as representative of each category to increase clarity and reproducibility. For training material, we created sketches representing the threshold between consecutive categories. Finally, we conducted 2 field reliability studies. In the first test, no training was given to 4 observers, whereas in the second, training using the threshold images was delivered to the same observers. In the first experiment, interobserver results was substantial, showing that the visual scoring system is clear and unambiguous. Moreover, results improved after training, reaching almost perfect agreement for the very fat category. The visual body condition scoring system is not only a practical tool for BCS in dairy goats but also shows potential to be fully automated, which would enhance its use in welfare assessment schemes and farm management.

Challenging Body Condition Score in Monitoring Dairy Cow Physiology and Health

Body condition scoring system (BSC), despite being a standardized management tool and global indicator of dairy cow peripheral adiposity, suffers from not monitoring visceral adiposity. The abdominal splanchnic fats are of increasing signifi - cance in management of metabolic disorders and farm economics. Efforts must be made to address such a major pragmatic shortcoming of BCS and seek insights to account for it in modern dairy farm management.

Novel geometrical model for assessing body condition in dairy cattle

In this study, the Alpha (α) body condition scoring system was proposed as an alternative to the subjective condition scoring and its applicability was tested in Brown Swiss dairy cattle. This system was based on measuring the angles formed by depressed hip occurred in the thurl area, and provides information about cattle body condition. Measurements were done by depth gauge. Fifty Brown Swiss milk cows’ values of Alpha angles, which corresponded to the subjective 5 scoring system, were determined for each score that matches its feature. Furthermore, in order to test its reliability and applicability, 5 farmers, with no prior experience in scoring were asked to determine the condition scores of 50 Brown Swiss milk cows both objectively and subjectively and results were compared. The correlation coefficients between the values determined by assessors were examined and it was understood that the Alpha (α) condition score method was more reliable but required more care, time and labor.

Trained vs untrained evaluator assessment of body condition score as a predictor of percent body fat in adult cats.

Body condition scoring (BCS) provides a readily available technique that can be used by both veterinary professionals and owners to assess the body condition of cats, and diagnose overweight or underweight conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate a five-point BCS system with half-point delineations using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Four evaluators (a veterinarian, veterinary technician, trained scorer and untrained scorer) assessed 133 neutered adult cats. For all scorers, BCS score was more strongly correlated with percent body fat than with body weight. Percent body fat increased by approximately 7% within each step increase in BCS. The veterinarian had the strongest correlation coefficient between BCS and percent fat (r = 0.80). Mean body fat in cats classified as being in ideal body condition was 12 and 19%, for 3.0 and 3.5 BCS, respectively. Within BCS category, male cats were significantly heavier in body weight than females within the same assigned BCS category. However, DXA-measured percent body fat did not differ significantly between male and female cats within BCS category, as assigned by the veterinarian (P >0.13). Conversely, when assessed by others, mean percent body fat within BCS category was lower in males than females for cats classified as being overweight (BCS >4.0). The results of this study show that using a BCS system that has been validated within a range of normal weight to moderately overweight cats can help to differentiate between lean cats and cats that may not be excessively overweight, but that still carry a higher proportion of body fat.

Comparison of a classical with a highly formularized body condition scoring system for dairy cattle

Body condition scoring is a common tool to assess the subcutaneous fat reserves of dairy cows. Because of its subjectivity, which causes limits in repeatability, it is often discussed controversially. Aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of considering the cows overall appearance on the scoring process and on the validity of the results. Therefore, two different methods to reveal body condition scores (BCS), ‘independent BCS’ (iBCS) and ‘dependent BCS’ (dBCS), were used to assess 1111 Swiss Brown Cattle. The iBCS and the dBCS systems were both working with the same flowchart with a decision tree structure for visual and palpatory assessment using a scale from 2 to 5 with increment units of 0.25. The iBCS was created strictly complying with the defined frames of the decision tree structure. The system was chosen due to its formularized approach to reduce the influence of subjective impressions. By contrast, the dBCS system, which was in line with common practice, had a more open approach, where – besides the decision tree – the overall impression of the cow’s physical appearance was taken into account for generating the final score. Ultrasound measurement of the back fat thickness (BFT) was applied as a validation method. The dBCS turned out to be the better predictor of BFT, explaining 67.3% of the variance. The iBCS was only able to explain 47.3% of the BFT variance. Within the whole data set, only 31.3% of the animals received identical dBCS and iBCS. The pin bone region caused the most deviations between dBCS and iBCS, but also assessing the pelvis line, the hook bones and the ligaments led to divergences in around 20% of the scored animals. The study showed that during the assessment of body condition a strict adherence to a decision tree is a possible source of inexact classifications. Some body regions, especially the pin bones, proved to be particularly challenging for scoring due to difficulties in assessing them. All the more, the inclusion of the overall appearance of the cow into the assessment process counteracted these errors and led to a fair predictability of BFT with the flowchart-based BCS. This might be particularly important, if different cattle types and breeds are assessed.

Owner misperception of canine body condition persists despite use of a body condition score chart.

Canine obesity is a prevalent disease, but many owners are unaware of it, partly due to misperception of their dog's body shape. Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple method of assessing body composition, but whether it can reduce owner misperception is unclear. Our aim was to determine the effect of a BCS system on owners' ability to estimate the body condition of their dog. Information from 110 dog owners attending three UK veterinary practices was gathered, by interview, between March and April 2013. First, owners were asked to determine their dog's body condition without guidance, and then reassess it using a five-point BCS chart. Most owners (85/110, 77%) believed the chart to have improved their ability to estimate the condition of their dog correctly. However, only a weak agreement existed between owner estimates and those of the primary investigator, both with (kappa (κ)=0·28; P<0·001) and without (κ=0·32; P<0·001) the BCS chart. Furthermore, most owners incorrectly estimated their dog's body condition, both with (71/110; 64%) and without (72/110; 65%) the chart (P=1·00), with underestimation being most common (with=63/71, 89%; without=66/72, 92%; P=0·57). Owners of overweight dogs more commonly misperceived their dog's body condition, both with (BCS 1-3: 5/35, 14%; BCS 4-5: 64/75, 85%; P < 0·001) and without (BCS 1-3: 10/35, 28%; BCS 4-5: 61/75, 81%; P<0·001) the BCS chart. Thus, use of a five-point BCS chart does not improve accuracy of owners' perception of their dog's body shape, despite the accompanying perception that it does.