Effect Of Body Condition Score Research Articles

The effect of live body condition score of beef cows on carcass characteristics, carcass-cutting yields, processor profitability, and tenderness in the longissimus lumborum and psoas major muscles.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition score (BCS) of cull cows on carcass characteristics, carcass-cutting yields, profitability, and tenderness development for the longissimus lumborum and psoas major muscles. During a 5-wk period (May-June 2023), 10 boner cull cows (BCS 4 to 6) and 10 leaner cull cows (BCS 1 to 3) were purchased at a commercial auction market. Live conformation, carcass characteristics, weights of fabricated cuts, tenderness, pH decline, and temperature decline were recorded following slaughter. Carcasses were fabricated into the following cuts: knuckle, inside round, outside round, eye of round, strip loin, top sirloin, bottom sirloin flap, tenderloin, flank, ribeye roll, chuck tender, and brisket, whereas lean was separated into lean and fat components. Beef processor returns for boner cows were calculated as the sum of USDA Carlot Report values for the subprimal cuts, trim, bone, and drop value subtracted by actual live costs at the auction market whereas beef processor returns for leaner cows were calculated as the sum of USDA Carlot Report values for the trim, bone, and drop value subtracted by actual live costs at the auction market. Carcass and merchandizing value parameters were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a fixed effect of classification (leaner or boner) and a random effect of slaughter day. Live weight was used as a covariant for all carcass and merchandizing value parameters due to the pronounced effect of live weight for most parameters. Temperature decline, pH decline, shear force, and cooking loss parameters were analyzed using a completely randomized design with a fixed effect of classification (leaner or boner) and a random effect of slaughter day. Boner cows were found to be heavier for both live and carcass weights when compared with leaner cows. In addition, backfat thickness was 0.39cm greater (P = 0.03), and ribeye area was 9.17cm2 (P = 0.05) greater for boner cows compared with leaner cows. This resulted in boner cows yielding larger subprimal cuts and a greater amount of lean trim, which in turn generated more beef processor revenue. However, specific consideration should be provided for profitability as the ability to market subprimal cuts is highly dependent on muscle size, fat deposition, meat quality, and market prices for both boner and leaner cows.

Effect of body condition score on the interobserver variability of vertebral heart scale assessment in dogs.

The vertebral heart scale (VHS) is widely known and used as an objective standard for the evaluation of cardiomegaly on thoracic radiographs. It, therefore, plays an important role in assessing the severity of canine heart disease. The body condition score (BCS) is a nine-scale body condition scoring system used to objectively document the body condition in dogs. Obese animals have widened precardiac and postcardiac mediastinum, fat deposits between the sternum and lungs or heart, as well as increased pericardial fat. These conditions could complicate cardiac silhouette evaluation and could, therefore, result in higher interobserver variability in the assessment of VHS. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether overweight dogs (BCS 6/9, 7/9, 8/9, and 9/9) have more variability in the interobserver VHS measurement compared with dogs with a normal BCS (BCS 4/9 and 5/9). The dogs were admitted to a private referral center for different medical reasons. The VHS was measured by three trained observers in right lateral radiographs of 18 overweight dogs and 33 dogs with a normal BCS. Bland-Altmann plots were constructed, and limits of agreement were calculated to show the variability of VHS measurements. No statistically significant differences in VHS variability were found between BCS categories, observers, sex, or age categories. In conclusion, BCS does not affect the reliability of VHS assessment among trained veterinarians.

Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Reproductive Performance in Nili Ravi Buffaloes

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of body condition score (BCS) at calving on post-calving reproductive performance in Nili Ravi buffaloes. The study was conducted at the Livestock Experiment Station, Hasalpur, Pakistan. Thirty-six buffaloes were selected approximately 40 days before the expected date of calving and randomly divided into three study groups (12 buffaloes/group) based on their BCS. The BCS was assigned on a scale of 1–5 with 0.25 increment and the BCS groups were categorized as; 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25 to 3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75. The feeding allowance was given according to the requirements of individual animals to maintain their BCS till calving. Post-calving feeding was done according to their production level. The enrolled buffaloes were followed till 300 d of lactation. The results revealed that the body condition score (BCS) at calving significantly influenced reproductive performance in buffaloes. Buffaloes in the medium BCS group had 101 fewer days to first estrus, 1.5 fewer services per conception, and 87 fewer days open compared to the low BCS group (p < 0.05). However, the performance of the medium BCS group was only numerically better compared to the high BCS group for these reproductive measures (p > 0.05). The results suggested better reproductive performance in buffaloes with a medium BCS at calving (3.25-3.5) compared to those with low and high BCS.

Obesity and gestation in Criollo mares: endocrine and metabolic profiles

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of body condition score (BCS) on metabolic and endocrine parameters in pregnant Criollo mares (n=41), which were categorized according to their BCS as obese (7 to 9 BCS, n=26) or normal (5 to 7, n=15). Blood samples were taken during gestation in 3 periods: between 3.5 and 5 months (I), 8 and 9 months (II) and in the last month of gestation (III). The data was analyzed in the statistical model by mixed procedures, including BCS, gestational period and their interaction as fixed effects. BCS was only different in period I, as normal mares increased their BCS in the later periods. Leptin concentrations were greater in obese mares when compared to non-obese mares during all sampling periods (P<0.01), while glucose concentrations were also greater in the former group (P<0.01) but only during the first sampling period. Insulin concentrations and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were greater also in obese mares in periods I and III (P<0.05). Adiponectin concentrations in period I were lower in obese mares (P<0.05). Cholesterol concentrations increased during gestation, and obese mares tended to have greater concentrations than nonobese mares (P<0.1). Triglyceride concentrations were not affected by group or gestational period. This study revealed adaptations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during gestation in mares. Several parameters are dependent on the degree of body fat reserves, which are reflected in the concentrations of biomarkers such as leptin and adiponectin. Insulin concentration in obese mares was higher than non-obese mares at the end of gestation, a similar profile was observed for HOMA-IR although cutoff values are yet still to be validated.

The Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on the Productive Performance of Holstein Cows

The Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on the Productive Performance of Holstein Cows

PSXIV-4 Body Condition and Production Status Impacts on Estrus Indicators in Beef Cattle on a Producer Farm

Abstract The use of artificial insemination (AI) in cattle can increase farm profitability by increasing the genetic merit of offspring, but animal body condition (fatness) and stage of production can influence breeding efficacy. Therefore, during an on-farm AI session, the effect of body condition score and production status (nursing offspring or not) on indicators of estrus (readiness for breeding) was examined. Thirty-six cows 3 to 12 years of age and having previously had at least one calf were used. Cows were estrus synchronized by the owners using the Co-Synch with CIDR fixed time AI protocol (GnRH and CIDR on day 0 followed by CIDR removal and prostaglandin on day 7 with AI and GnRH on day 10). At AI using cryopreserved semen from a commercial source (Premier Select Sires), body condition score was assessed (1-9; 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese), and indicators of estrus (presence of mucous, pink color of vulva, turgid and open cervix and easy insemination) were noted. On this farm, body condition scores for the animals the producer chose to estrus synchronize ranged from 3 to 5. Animals were nursing calves 3 to 5 months of age (n = 15) or were not nursing calves (n = 21). Statistical analysis (with SAS) indicated that nursing negatively impacted body condition as well as number of estrus indicators noted at AI and that body condition tended to be positively related to the number of estrus indicators noted.

Increased body condition score has a detrimental effect on arterial oxygen tension and increases the risk of hypoxaemia in anaesthetised horses

SummaryBackgroundImpaired oxygenation during anaesthesia can be detrimental. Bodyweight and body shape influence arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) but the effect of body condition score (BCS) has not been investigated.ObjectivesTo examine the effect of BCS on respiratory indices.Study designRetrospective.MethodsIn total, 524 anaesthetic records were reviewed. Records from healthy adult horses under isoflurane anaesthesia in dorsal recumbency, receiving controlled mechanical ventilation, with complete ventilation and arterial blood gas data and BCS assessment by one person (KL) were included in data analysis. Data were analysed using student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐squared analysis and logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 135 records for 85 horses with BCS &lt;6/9 (Group N) and 50 horses with BCS ≥6/9 (Group O) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, there was a strong negative correlation between BCS and PaO2 (Spearman's r = 0.72, p &lt; 0.001). Group O had significantly lower PaO2 (112 [50–546 mmHg]) compared to Group N (380 [65–658 mmHg], p &lt; 0.001) which remained when horses were further categorised by bodyweight &gt;500 kg (118 mmHg vs. 390 mmHg, p &lt; 0.001) and &lt;500 kg (160 mmHg vs. 451 mmHg, p &lt; 0.04). Group O were 34 times more likely to be hypoxaemic (PaO2 &lt; 100 mmHg) compared to Group N (χ2 = 34.39, p = 0.03). Alveolar dead space fraction was greater in Group O (0.27 [0.10–0.41]) versus Group N (0.24 [0.12–0.35]), p &lt; 0.001. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a significant association between PaO2 and bodyweight (p = 0.01), alveolar dead space fraction (p = 0.005) and BCS (p &lt; 0.001).Main limitationsRetrospective design.ConclusionsBody condition score ≥6/9 has a detrimental effect on PaO2, alveolar dead space fraction and is a risk factor for hypoxaemia in healthy anaesthetised horses in dorsal recumbency.

An Enhanced Body Condition Improved Sexual Behavior, Ovarian Structure and Function, and Reproductive Fitness in Rangeland-Crossbred Dairy Goats

The possible effect of body condition score (BCS) on ovarian function, sexual behavior, (i.e., females and males; appetitive and consummative), estrus, ovulation, and reproductive performance was investigated in crossbred dairy goats under extensive conditions. Based on their BCS, female goats (n = 48) were divided into two experimental groups, either with a low (LG; 1.0 ± 0.2 units; n = 26) or with a high BCS (HG: 2.5 ± 0.9 units; n = 22). Bucks n = 4; cc = 2.5. Female sexual behavior (i.e., acceptance of anogenital sniffing and approach, flight, and tail wagging) was higher in the HG (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, bucks exposed to HG goats showed more approach and mounting attempts (p &lt; 0.01). There were no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) between the groups in either the follicular diameter or size. Interestingly, although follicular volume, pregnancy rate, kidding rate, and total number of kids born alive were higher in the HG goats (p &lt; 0.05), there were no significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in fetal mortality and prolificacy between the HG and LG goats. In addition, the response variables of female ovulation, total number of corpus luteum, ovulation rate, corpus luteum diameter, and luteal tissue volume were more favorable in the HG goats (p &lt; 0.05). Our research results demonstrate that a higher BCS improves not only the reproductive responses, but also sexual behavior (i.e., female and male). Larger ovarian structures, higher ovulation rates, higher pregnancy and kidding rates, and higher prolificacy were observed in the HG goats managed under a marginal semiarid extensive production system.

Metabolic changes in obese pregnant mares

Pregnancy in mares is associated with insulin dysregulation (Fowden et al. Equine Veterinary Journal. 1984; 16(4), 239-246), which is exacerbated by obesity (Pardié et al. International Congress on Animal Reproduction. June 2022; p204, W71). We studied the effect of body condition score (BCS) on metabolic variables in Criollo pregnant mares. Criollo pregnant mares (n=41) were categorized according to their BCS (scale 1-9, Henneke et al. Equine Veterinary Journal. 1983; 15(4), 371-372) as obese (7 to 9 BCS, n=26) or normal BCS (<7, n=15). Animals were grouped into three gestational periods; between 3 and 5 months (mo) of gestation (period I), 8 and 9 mo (period II) and the last mo of gestation (period III), BCS was determined and serum was obtained for biochemistry determination in every period. Biochemistry variables were determined by spectrophotometer, insulin by immunoradiometric assay and all variables were analyzed by ANOVA using a mixed procedure including BCS group, observation (time of gestation) and their interaction. The cut off value used was P<0.05. Glucose concentration was affected by gestation (P<0.0001), BCS (P=0.017) and their interaction (P=0.0005). Glucose concentrations were greater in obese than normal weight mares (82.3±2.7 vs 72.0±2.1 mg/dL, P=0.0046). Insulin concentration was affected by gestation (P<0.01) and BCS effect trended towards significance and its concentrations tended to be greater in obese comparedto normal mares (15.4±1.3 vs 11.2±1.7 mUI/L, P=0.065). Cholesterol concentrations were markedly affected by the gestational period (P=0.0006), tended to be affected by the BCS, but their interaction was not significant. Cholesterol increased during gestation from period I to II (80.1±1.8 vs 93±3.1 mg/dL, P=0.0009) remaining stable thereafter. Obese mares tended to have greater cholesterol concentrations than normal weight mares (92±3 vs 86.8±2.3 mg/dL). Triglycerides concentrations were not affected by any fixed effect. Urea concentration was affected both by gestation (P=0.02) and BCS (P=0.0004), but their interaction was not significant. The urea concentration increased during gestation from period I to II (49.3±1 vs 53.2±1.5 mg/dL, P=0.03). Urea concentration was higher in the normal weight group (55.5±1.1 vs 48±1.4 mg/dL, P<0.05). Creatinine concentrations were affected by gestation (P<0.001) and BCS (P<0.02), but the interaction between them was not significant. The creatinine concentration increased during gestation from periods I to II (P=0.0002) with the most significant increase between periods II and III (P=0.04). Creatinine concentrations were greater in the obese group (1.31±0.04 vs 1.12±0.02 mg/dL), P<0.05. This study shows that there is are metabolic adaptations during gestation, and even though this may be physiological, it could be altered by the degree of body reserves in obese mares.

Milk production of dairy cow at PT. Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan

This study aims to determine the effect of body condition score (BCS), lactation length, and dry period on milk production of dairy cows at PT. Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan (UPBS). The research was conducted at PT. UPBS, Pengalengan, West Java, the following method used is survey method, where the data of primary and secondary data using 130 lactating dairy cows 3. Complete milk production records as variable y and BCS, lactation length, and dry period as variable x. The effect of BCS, duration of lactation, and dry period were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study discovered that each factor of BCS, lactation length and dry period duration a very significant effect (P<0,01) with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 76.2%, average milk production 7835±631,33 kg, BCS score 3,25 ±0,26; lactation length is 346±65,26 days, and dry period (R2) is 77±33,18 days. The conclusions of this study; to optimize milk production, the implementation of dairy cows maintenance needed on BCS, lactation length, and optimal dry period according to the recommendations.

Effect of body condition score on biochemical parameters and hormonal profiles during the mating period in Ouled Djellal ewes in arid zone

ABSTRACTThis study aims to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) on hormonal profiles and to reveal their influence on the blood metabolites in Ouled Djellal ewes during the mating period. The experiment was conducted on thirty, clinically healthy and non-pregnant, Ouled Djellal ewes which have been kept into two groups according to their body condition score (Group I: BCS &lt; 2.50 units; n = 13, Group II: BCS &gt; 2.50 units; n = 17). In both groups, oestrus was synchronized using hormonal patterns then the ewes were left to be naturally inseminated. Blood samples were collected at the time of the sponge removal. Plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and Progesterone were recorded. The plasma level of triglycerides and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) increase significantly (P &lt; 0.01) in group II. Progesterone concentrations were similar (P ≥ 0.05) in both groups at mating period, although we recorded higher rate in group I. Therefore, we conclude that body condition score has a significant impact on some hormone profiles and blood parameters during the mating period.

Effect of body condition score at calving on transition success in Nili Ravi buffaloes

Body condition score (BCS) at calving is a vital indicator of the effectiveness of the beginning of lactation in dairy animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of BCS at calving on milk production and transition success in dairy buffaloes. Thirty-six (36) Nili Ravi buffaloes were enrolled at 40 days of expected calving and followed through 90 days of lactation. The buffaloes were categorized into three groups according to their BCS (on a scale of 1-5 with 0.25 increments) as follows: 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25-3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75. All buffaloes were fed a similar diet ad libitum. The lactation diet had increased concentrate allowance according to milk yield. The results revealed that the BCS at calving did not affect milk yield; however, fat percentage (fat%) was lower in the low-BCS group. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar among the treatment groups, although post-calving BCS loss was greater in the high-BCS group compared to the medium- and the low-BCS groups. Similarly, the buffaloes in the high-BCS group had higher non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration compared to the low- and medium-BCS groups. No cases of metabolic disorders were observed during the study. The present results suggest that the buffaloes in the medium-BCS group appeared to perform better compared to the low- and the high-BCS groups with respect to milk fat% and blood NEFA concentration.

Body condition score at lambing did not affect the resumption of ovarian and estrous activity in lactating Pelibuey ewes

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) at lambing over the resumption of ovarian and estrous postpartum activity in lactating Pelibuey ewes. Twenty ewes were assigned to two groups, according to the BCS at lambing: Low BCS (LBC, n = 10) and High BCS (HBC, n = 10). Ovarian and estrous activities were daily monitored from day 3 postpartum until the first estrous or 90 days postpartum. Continuous variables were analyzed using Student´s t test and binary responses with the exact Fisher test. No significant effect of BCS at lambing on ewes in estrous, lambing to first estrous interval, estrous length, and estrous cycle length, preovulatory follicles at estrous, the maximum follicular diameter at estrous day or ovulation rate was observed. However, the lambing to first preovulatory follicle interval was shorter in the HBC group (HBC = 6.2 ± 2.6 vs LBC = 10.8 ± 4.5 d; P &lt; 0.05). The lambing to first corpus luteum intervals were similar between groups, but without estrous expression. The function of the first corpus luteum postpartum was similar in both groups. BCS at lambing did not affect the resumption of ovarian and estrous activity postpartum in lactating Pelibuey ewes.

EFFECT OF BODY CONDITION SCORE ON MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF BOKANI DAIRY COWS

The study was conducted on the Erbil Dairy Herd of the Erbil city, to evaluate the effect of body condition score of Bokani dairy cow on milk composition. Milk samples were examined weekly for milk yield and milk fat, protein percentage, fat / protein ratio, lactose, solids not fat (SNF) and freezing point for sixty days. Body condition score of individual cows was recorded in a 1-5 scale. Milk samples were collected from individual cow. Samples collected from cows having similar body condition score were mixed together to make composite sample. The results revealed that the body condition score was affected milk yield and fat percentage significantly (P&lt;0.01). This score was also influenced the percentage of milk protein, fat/protein ratio, lactose, solids-non-fat (SNF) and freezing point (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the body condition score is an important indicator to predict the milk yield traits in dairy cows and can be used as a marker for milk yield and milk quality in dairy cows.

The effect of BCS, PPM, S/C and days open on the calving interval of dairy cows at PT. Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan

The calving interval is a key factor in the dairy industry that determines overall milk production and heavily influences management and the environment. This study aims to determine the effect of body condition score (BCS), post-partum mating (PPM), service per conception (S/C), and days open (DO) on calving interval (CI) for dairy cows at PT. Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan (UPBS). A total of 99 Friesian Holstein samples were used during their fourth lactation period. The reproduction traits were collected from the UPBS dataset. A linear regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect reproduction traits of CI. Furthermore, CI was used as the dependent variable (Y), while BCS, PPM, S/C, and DO were used as the independent (X). The result showed that BCS, PPM S/C, and DO significantly influenced CI (P<0.05). The regression equation obtained in Y = 244,243 – 13,710 X1 + 1,202 X2 + 12,563 X3 + 0,730 X4 + e with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 92,8%. It was concluded that BCS, PPM, S/C, and DO affected the CI of dairy cows at the PT. UPBS.

Effect of Body Condition Score on Reproductive Performance and Chest Girth of Bali cows in Different Rearing Systems

&lt;p class="abstrak2"&gt;&lt;span&gt;Nutrition and rearing systems are some of the main factors affecting productivity of cows. Body condition score (BCS) is a method used to assess nutritional status and evaluate rearing systems of each animal. This study was done to analyze effect of BCS on reproductive performance and chest girth of Bali cow in different rearing systems. This study was conducted at the Field Station of Sekolah Peternakan Rakyat Kuamang Abadi, Bungo Regency, Jambi, Indonesia. A total of 62 heads of Bali cow with BCS of 2, 3, and 4 (scale 1-5) reared on intensive, semi-intensive and extensive systems were used in this study. This study was conducted using survey and direct observation. Variables observed were as follows: BCS, calving interval (CI), days open (DO), service per conception (S/C) and chest girth (CG). Data were analyzed using simple correlation and regression analysis in SPPS, followed by descriptive analysis. Result showed that the BCS of Bali cow in different rearing systems did not affect CI, DO, S/C and CG. BCS had a weak correlation coefficient (r), with the reproductive performance of CI, DO, and S/C at 0.09, 0.09, and 0.08, respectively. In addition, the relationship between BCS and CG was highly significant, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.532. Therefore, BCS had a positive relationship with CI, DO, S/C, and CG. Moreover, BCS cannot be used as the only indicator to assess the reproductive performance of Bali cow in different rearing systems.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Postpartum Performance of Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Body condition score (BCS) system is a subjective method to assess the body fat reserves particularly over the bony prominences like back and pelvic region. It is based on evaluation of the outer appearance of the animal that interacts with its body fat reserves and therefore is directly influenced by energy balance. Studies on the relationship between BCS and postpartum performance were meager in buffaloes. Hence, the present work was carried out to study the relationship between BCS at calving and postpartum performance in Murrah buffaloes. Methods: The effect of body condition score at calving (BCSc) on the postpartum performance was studied in 24 Murrah buffaloes grouped based on BCS, maintained at Buffalo Research Station during 2018-19. Result: The study showed that buffaloes of BCSc above 3.5 with significantly (P less than 0.01) higher body weights showed better reproductive performance compared to buffaloes of BCSc groups below 3.5 with less body weights. The prepartum and weekly postpartum changes in BCS studied showed that the buffaloes gained a BCS of 0.57 from 3 months prepartum to one week prepartum, lost 0.17 BCS due to calving, further showed a decline in BCS up to 9 weeks of postpartum and then started regaining BCS gradually until 18 weeks postpartum. The mean LBCS over the period of 18 weeks postpartum was comparatively higher (0.75±0.05) than BCS restored in the early lactation which was shown as GBCS (0.34±0.02). Buffaloes of BCSc group 3.5-3.99 showed the best reproduction performance among the four BCSc groups with less postpartum estrus period (46.66 days), service period (58.83 days), number of service per conception (1.50) and high rate of 1st service conception (66.66%).

Effect of body condition score at kidding on birth and weaning weights of goat kids

Effect of body condition score at kidding on birth and weaning weights of goat kids

Influence of pre and postpartum maternal body condition score on the growth of Neuquén Criollo kids

In Neuquén Criollo goat production systems, the sale of goat kids for slaughter is the main source of income. Marketing kids weighing at least 14 kg live weight before 90 days of age improves economic returns due to better meat quality, while also reducing doe lactation requirements and subsequent pressure on grazing land. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) in does from the Neuquén Criollo breed during the last third of gestation and lactation, on subsequent kid survival, birth weight and growth rate. Thus, two groups of does were penned and fed at two distinct nutritional levels during the last third of gestation and lactation period: High Condition Score (BCS3) and Medium Condition Score (BCS2), to maintain a BCS of 3 and 2, respectively. Kids remained with their dams without nutritional supplementation from birth to weaning. The results indicated that BCS of the dam contributed substantially in the kids’ live weight (LW) in different stages: at birth (BW), at slaughter (50 days of age = 50D) and at weaning, (90 days of age = 90D) and these differences were maintained during rearing (220 days of age = 220D). The single and twin male goat kids of the BCS3 group reached slaughter weight (15.16 ± 0.08 and 14.15 ± 0.51 kg, respectively) at 50 days of age (50D), whereas male kids from the BCS2 group did not reach slaughter weight in an equivalent timeframe. Furthermore, the single and twin female goat kids born from BCS3 group between 50 and 90 days of age doubled in weight compared to those born from the BCS2 group. Consequently, single and twin female kids born from BCS3 group only reached 17.52 ± 0.12 kg and 15.52 ± 0.43 L W, respectively, in the first breeding season (220D). Results highlight the need for supplementation management strategies to increase does’ BCS during gestation and lactation; in order to improve kids’ BW, reduce kid mortality and to ensure target slaughter weights are achieved before 2 months of age. Developing early supplementation strategies in the last stage of lactation before weaning and in the rearing period post-weaning may increase survival and anticipate the reproductive age of female kids.

Effect of body condition score on the testicular biometrical measures, semen characteristics and testosterone level in jackass.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) on testicle and epididymis biometrics, semen characteristics and testosterone level in Egyptian Jack. This study was conducted on 50 mature Jacks divided according to their body condition score into four groups: Poor (G1), moderate (G2), good (G3) and fat (G4). The complete testis was collected immediately after execution in the Giza Zoo abattoir; then, the epididymis was carefully dissected at the testicular junction. Biometrical measures including length, weight and volume were determined for the right and left testis and epididymis. Also, epididymal sperm was collected from all examined animas and evaluated for sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability and sperm abnormalities. Serum samples were collected for determination of total testosterone level. Results showed that the body condition score of the examined animal affects their biometrical measure of testicles and epididymis. There is a significant decrease (p<.05) in biometrical measures for the testicles and epididymis, sperm concentration, motility, viability and testosterone level in poor BCS animals (G1). The highest values were recorded in Good BCS (G3) Jacks. Conclusion: Jacks with good BCS (G3) should be selected for breeding activity in donkey.