Body condition scoring method in Buffalo

Buffalo body condition score

Body Condition Score Judgement

Body  scoring is very important in assessing  the health  status  of an animal. A  low  score  may  indicate  diseases  or  improper  feeding  while  a  high  score  may  indicate  a high probability of breeding and metabolic problems.

Body condition scoring method in buffalo

BODY SCORE-1

• Extremely  thin.  No  fat  in  brisket  or tail docks.
• All skeletal structures  are visible.
• Dull hair
• May  be  diseased  and  survival during stress is doubtful

 

BODY SCORE-2

• Thin.  Vertebrae,  hips  and  pin  bone prominent.
• Some  tissue  cover  around  tail dock, hip bones and the flank.
• Muscle  tissue  evident  but  not abundant, health may be OK.

 

BODY SCORE-3

• Ribcage  only slightly visible.
• Fat  deposit  behind  shoulder obvious, ideal condition for calving.
• Fat deposit in brisket area.
• Hook  and  pin  bone  visible,  but  not prominent.

 

BODY SCORE-4

• Skeletal  structure  difficult  to identify.
• Obvious  fat  deposits  behind shoulder and tail head.
• Flat appearance to the top line.
• Folds  of  fat  starting  to  develop over ribs and thighs.

 

BODY SCORE-5

• Animal  is  obese,  flat  appearance dominates.
• Brisket  is  heavy  and  bone structure not noticeable.
• Tail head and hip bones completely buried in folds of fat.
• Back  is  flat  and  completely covered by fat.
• Mobility  impaired  by  large  fat deposits.

Body scoring would be a helpful yardstick to monitor health