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I created this blog as an instrument of what I have encountered in the world of veterinary medicine as a proud vet student. Comments and suggestions are welcome here at;

sweet_daffodil90@yahoo.co.uk

Regards,
Aina Meducci 2012

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The following blog posts is not genuinely from my research but through readings and citation from trusted website. I do not own any of the copyright and therefore you may use it at your own risk

SINCE I AM NOT A VETERINARIAN YET, THEREFORE I CAN'T CONSULT ANY MEDICAL ADVICE TO YOU AND YOUR PETS! EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!.

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Body condition scoring in goats (BCS)

I am not really expert on these, but posting about BCS makes me learn something of what I think I should know rather than nothing.

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Hellowww?

Every goat producer has animals that are either too thin (under-conditioned) or too fat (overconditioned). Failure to recognize these animals and take corrective actions will cost dearly in terms of decreased fertility, increased disease or internal parasite incidence, decreased milk production, and increased operating costs. Thus, goats need to be maintained with a moderate amount of body condition.

When overall body condition starts to decrease in the herd, it is a sign that managerial intervention is needed such as supplemental feeding, deworming, pasture rotation, etc. Conversely, when overall body condition starts to increase in the herd, it is a sign that the producer should reduce supplemental feeding. Ignoring an animal’s body condition and waiting to intervene until goats become either too thin or too fat may result in production and(or) animal losses or decreased profits from overfeeding. Therefore, producers need to develop skills in assessing body condition of their goats so that a desired moderate body condition can be maintained.

Body condition score (BCS) has been shown to be an important practical tool in assessing the body condition of cattle, sheep, and goats because BCS is the best simple indicator of available fat reserves which can be used by the animal in periods of high energy demand, stress, or suboptimal nutrition. Scoring is performed in goats using a BCS ranging from 1.0 to 5.0, with 0.5 increments.

It is important to note that BCS cannot be assigned by simply looking at an animal. Instead, the animal must be touched and felt. The first body area to feel in determining BCS is the lumbar area, which is the area of the back behind the ribs containing the loin. Scoring in this area is based on determining the amount of muscle and fat over and around the vertebrae. Lumbar vertebrae have a vertical protrusion (spinous process) and two horizontal protrusions (transverse process). Both processes are used in determining BCS.



Lumbar region involved in BCS



Sternum


Body Scoring Condition


BSC 1.0

Visual aspect of the goat: Emaciated and weak animal, the backbone is highly visible and forms a continuous ridge. The flank is hollow. Ribs are clearly visible. There is no fat cover and fingers easily penetrate into intercostal spaces (between ribs).


The spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae can be grasped easily between the thumb and forefinger; the spinous process is rough, prominent, and distinct giving a saw-tooth appearance. Very little muscle and no fat can be felt between the skin and bone. There is a deep depression in the transition from the spinous to transverse process.


The hand can easily grasp the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae which is very prominent. Clearly half of the length of the transverse process is discernible.


Sternal fat can be easily grasped between thumb and fingers and moved from side to side. The cartilage and joints joining ribs and sternum are easily felt.



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BSC 2.0

Visual aspect of the goat: Slightly raw-boned, the backbone is still visible with a continuous ridge. Some ribs can be seen and there is a small amount of fat cover. Ribs are still felt. Intercostal spaces are smooth but can still be penetrated.



The spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae is evident and can still be grasped between the thumb and forefinger; however, a muscle mass can be felt between the skin and bone. There is an obvious depression in the transition from the spinous to transverse process.


The hand can grasp the transverse process but the outline of the transverse process is difficult to see. About one-third to one-half of the length of the transverse process is discernible.


Sternal fat is wider and thicker but can still be grasped and lifted by the thumb and forefinger. The fat layer can still be moved slightly from side to side. Joints are less evident



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BCS 3.0

Visual aspect of the goat: The backbone is not prominent. Ribs are barely discernible; an even layer of fat covers them. Intercostal spaces are felt using pressure.


The spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae cannot be easily grasped because the tissue layer covering the vertebrae is thick. When running a finger over the spinous process, a slight hollow is felt. There is a smooth slope in the transition from the spinous to transverse process.


The outline of the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae is slightly discernible. Less than one-quarter of the length of the transverse process is discernible.


Sternal fat is wide and thick. It can still be grasped but has very little movement. Joints joining cartilage and ribs are barely felt.



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BSC 4.0

Visual aspect of the goat: The backbone cannot be seen. Ribs are not seen. The side of the animal is sleek in appearance.


It is impossible to grasp the spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae, which is wrapped in a thick layer of muscle and fat. The spinous process forms a continuous line. There is a rounded transition from the spinous to transverse process.


The outline of the transverse process of the lumbar vertebrae is no longer discernible. The transverse process forms a smooth, rounded edge, with no individual. Vertebrae discernible.


Sternal fat is difficult to grasp because of its width and depth. It cannot be moved from side to side.



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BSC 5.0

Visual aspect of the goat: The backbone is buried in fat. Ribs are not visible. The rib cage is covered with excessive fat.


The thickness of the muscle and fat is so great that reference marks on the spinous process are lost. The spinous process forms a depression along the backbone and there is a bulging transition from the spinous to transverse process.


The thickness of the muscle and fat is so great that reference marks on the transverse process are also lost. It is impossible to grasp the transverse process.


The sternal fat now extends and covers the sternum, joining fat covering cartilage and ribs. It cannot be grasped.



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Overview of BSC in goats



Sources: BSC Description (Goat research) Langson University





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