Professional paper

Body condition evaluation in domestic ruminants

Karla Milošević ; Dierenkliniek Vetcare, Amsterdam, Netherland
Sven Menčik ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Aneta Piplica ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Željko Pavičić ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Tajana Trbojević Vukičević ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb
Mario Ostović ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb

Abstract

The body condition of domestic animals is one of the most important indicators used to evaluate and score their physical appearance and health. Condition is a hereditary trait yet it is significantly influenced by external non-genetic factors, and it changes over the lifetime of an individual. Body condition is most often evaluated subjectively, at the level of the individual or herd, in order to prevent high variability in the body condition of domestic animals, and to preserve and improve their productivity, health, welfare and longevity. This paper describes types of body condition in domestic animals. The emphasis is on the approach and procedures used to evaluate body condition in domestic ruminants, cattle, sheep and goats, where body condition evaluation in cattle can serve as a basic example of evaluation for other species of domestic animals.

Keywords

body condition; evaluation; domestic animals; ruminants; cattle; sheep; goats

Hrčak ID:

243836

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/243836

Publication date:

30.6.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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