Body condition scoring is an important tool for cattle producers that can be used to determine cow energy reserves and potential for reproductive success. In winter months, energy becomes increasingly important from a nutritional standpoint.
As weather conditions shift to cool and often rainy conditions, daily maintenance requirements for the cow herd increase. This is because cattle are trying to maintain body temperature and everyday functionality under shifts in weather patterns.
In addition to these needs, many cow herds in the Southeast are amid the breeding season (for fall calving systems) or are preparing to calve (winter and spring systems). Both are important times to make sure cattle have adequate energy reserves to support reproduction and/or lactation.
Cows should have a minimum body condition score (BCS) of 5 entering into the calving season, preferably a 6. It is normal for cows to lose up to 1 BCS after calving as they mobilize fat reserves to support post-calving recovery and lactation needs. The first 60 days post-calving represents peak energy demands for mature cows. After this time period, cow energy demands begin to decrease slowly as the calf matures and approaches weaning. Cows should have a BCS of 5 or greater entering into the breeding season.
Providing the best plane of nutrition to the cow herd beginning prior to calving through the breeding season can help buffer swings in body condition and ensure cows have the best chance for reproductive success. This may require a combination of strategies, such as providing high-quality winter grazing (stockpiled tall fescue or cool-season annuals), moderate-quality hay or better, and a high-energy (greater than 65% total digestible nutrients) feed supplement.
Periodic visual assessment of cow BCS can help producers make nutritional adjustments on the go to help keep cattle in good condition for the season.
