Sheep Diagram
Body condition scoring (BCS) is a process producers use to know whether their sheep are in good condition to maintain a proper stage of production such as breeding, maintenance, and milk production. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining an adequate BCS to help the ewe throughout all stages of production.
A BCS can be classified as too thin, too fat, or just right. It is based on a 1-5 point system, 3 being an ideal BCS to maintain pregnancy, breeding, and lactation. It is crucial to place your hands on the ewe in order to complete an accurate BCS. Understanding the anatomy of the ewe will also help you with your ability to complete a successful BCS.
Body Condition Scoring is based on feeling the level of muscling and fat over and around the vertebrae in the loin region (Figures 1-3). In addition to the central spinal column, loin vertebrae have a vertical bone protrusion (spinous process) and a short horizontal protrusion on each side (transverse process). Both of these protrusions are felt and used to assess an individual body condition score.
As previously mentioned, a BCS of 3 is ideal to maintain a healthy ewe.
For more information on ewe nutrition and body condition scoring, please contact Ashley Ferren RVT, Livestock Nutrition Consultant
705-308-0295
aferren@sunderlandco-op.on.ca
Contact Your Sunderland Co-op Feed Division