Professional paper

Changes and variations of body condition scoring values in dairy cows during production cycle

Dražen Đuričić orcid.org/0000-0002-8013-2091 ; Veterinarska stanica Đurđevac d.o.o., Đurđevac, Croatia
Predrag Kočila ; TSH Čakovec, Čakovec, Croatia
Damjan Gračner ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ljiljana Bedrica ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivona Žura-Žaja orcid.org/0000-0002-0595-2524 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Samardžija orcid.org/0000-0003-0402-3173 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

We can evaluate the metabolic and energy status of dairy cows at any stage of the production cycle on the basis of blood analysis, and by comparing numerous biochemical indicators. In addition, we can use the simple, inexpensive and practical method of body condition scoring (BCS), which is a determination of the amount of body reserves (fat and muscle tissue) that the cow possesses at a certain stage of production. On the numerical scale, scores from 1 to 5, with score precision to 0.25 points, evaluate the physical fitness of breeder cows. Extremely skinny cows are rated 1, and obese ones with a grade of 5. A BCS less than 2.75, but also higher than 3.75 (on a scale of 1 to 5) around calving are associated with health problems such as fatty liver, ketosis and reduced milk production. The transition or transitional period is the period 2 to 4 weeks before and 2-4 weeks after calving, which is characterized by deep endocrine and metabolic changes that follow increased milk production during early lactation. The dry matter intake and energy status is lower and this results in negative energy balance (NEB). Energy requirements increase during the transition period, resulting in hypoglycaemic status. This situation requires a compensatory response by the organism, consisting of increased adipose tissue lipolysis, gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, mobilization of protein stocks in muscle tissue and mobilization of minerals in the bones. Genetic selection, with the aim of increasing milk production during early lactation, has resulted in cows successfully mobilizing more body reserves at the expense of their own health and fertility

Keywords

cows; body condition scoring; production cycle

Hrčak ID:

250155

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/250155

Publication date:

1.12.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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