By Andi Anderson
Preparing cows for spring calving begins months before the season arrives. A cow’s body condition does not change quickly, so producers must start monitoring early to avoid entering calving season with thin or stressed animals. Body condition score, or BCS, offers a simple and effective way to track cow health during winter.
This year, many producers face challenges with both forage supply and forage quality. Drought for a second year has reduced pasture growth, leaving cows in poorer condition heading into winter. Early rains also reduced hay quality, with many bales harvested late or damaged by moisture. Forage testing shows that only a small percentage of hay meets the energy and protein needs of cows in late gestation.
BCS helps farms make better nutrition decisions. Scored on a scale of 1 to 9, BCS evaluates visible features such as ribs, hips, and backbone. Because weight scales are not always accessible, BCS provides a practical alternative. The same person should score each time to maintain consistency. Producers should record a starting score now and then reassess every 4–6 weeks.
If cows begin dropping below ideal condition, supplemental feed or better forage may be needed. If only a few cows show decline, grouping them separately can save feed. For spring calving cows, a minimum BCS of 5 is recommended. Research links lower scores with reduced colostrum, weaker calves, and slower return to estrus, leading to delayed breeding and longer calving intervals.
Using BCS helps producers catch nutritional issues early. Adjustments made before late gestation improve calf vigor and overall herd performance. By blending forage analysis with routine BCS checks, producers can support healthier cows, smoother calving seasons, and stronger calves in the year ahead.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Dairy Cattle