Body condition in the New Zealand dairy herd - Part one: The nature of the problem

Authors: Macky SM
Publication: VetScript, Volume 23, Issue 1, pp 13-14,16, Feb 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cattle

---

Abstract:

In the more than 30 years since I graduated, there has been a decline in average body condition score  (BCS) of the New Zealand dairy herd. There are increasing numbers of cows in low body condition,
and for more of the season. Some cows never attain desirable target body condition. Too few cows calve genuinely at or above condition score 5.

The reasons are many and complex but recent poor growing seasons, low dairy payouts, low winter  growth and higher feed costs mean that “thin cow  syndrome” has become more common. It is not an  isolated farm problem... 
 

---