Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
The body condition score, or BCS, is a standardized, specie-specific scale for evaluating the appearance of an animal related to muscle and fat. A BSC is assigned on key factors, like visibility of ribs or other bones and presence of fat layer. A low BSC score indicates emaciation, while a high score indicates obesity. “Normal” range is usually lies in the middle of the scale.
Equine (Henneke BCS Chart)
- Body Condition Score Chart (Kentucky Equine Research PDF)
Dairy Cattle (Elanco Animal Health PDF)
Beef Cattle (Kansas State University PDF)
Goats: Body Condition Scores in Goats (Langston University PDF) (Kansas State University PDF)
Sheep: Body Condition Scoring (Ohio State University Extension link)
Poultry: Scoring Paw Pad Lesions (Jones-Hamilton Co. PDF)
Animal Care
Animal care encompasses many aspects, from housing to nutrition to handling and more. Much research has been done on the topic. The following resources are offered as helpful guidance, by species, from credible subject matter experts. This list is by no means complete. These are commonly referenced materials to answer basic questions about the many aspects of animal care.
