Body condition score (BCS)

Body condition scoring is a visual and hands-on estimate of body fat reserves, made at the loin, hooks, pins and tail head. In North America it is scored from 1 (emaciated) to 5 (obese) in quarter points.

Scores are most useful when they are taken at the same stages each lactation: dry-off, calving and peak milk. The change between calving and peak tells more than any single score.

Written for the 2026 edition of the library.