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Relationship between body condition score and ultrasound measurement of backfat thickness in multiparous Holstein dairy cows at different production phases
Author(s) -
Hussein HA,
Westphal A,
Staufenbiel R
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12033
Subject(s) - lactation , zoology , correlation coefficient , ultrasound , ultrasonography , subcutaneous fat , correlation , milk production , biology , mathematics , medicine , pregnancy , statistics , endocrinology , surgery , genetics , geometry , radiology , adipose tissue
Background The validity of the body condition score ( BCS ) for evaluating subcutaneous fat has been questioned because of its subjectivity. With the advent of ultrasonography, backfat thickness ( BFT ) can be objectively measured and used to assess the energy status of dairy cows in conjunction with BCS . Objective Determine the relationship between BCS and ultrasound measurements of BFT throughout the lactation cycle. Methods Cows (n = 1123) were selected randomly and classified according to their lactation stage into four different groups. BCS was determined using a 5‐point scale and BFT measurements were obtained using a 5‐MHz linear transducer. Results The correlation coefficient (r) for the relationship between BCS and BFT varied according to the stage of lactation. There was a high correlation (r = 0.96–0.98) and relationship (r 2 = 0.92–0.96) between BCS and BFT . The highest correlation was found at BFT values of 10–35 mm and BCS of 2–4.5 units. Conclusion BCS is a practical tool for evaluating body condition; furthermore, it may be as valid as BFT for the estimation of subcutaneous fat in Holstein dairy cows over time.