BCS - Body Condition Score
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is an easy method used by farmers and veterinarians to assess the body fat reserves of dairy cows 77. If cows fail to meet their ideal BCS, farmers and veterinarians should take necessary actions.
Scoring Body Condition in Dairy Cows and monitoring over time can be a challenge for vets and farmers. Not meeting the required BCS for each respective stage of lactation, can lead to loss of milk production, impaired fertility, or costly disease treatments.
New BCS Cowdition App
New BCS Cowdition smartphone application from Bayer enhances ease and accuracy of body condition scoring for dairy cows
Assessment of Body Condition Score
- 5-point Body Condition Scoring System 1 - 5
- scaled in half and quarter grades
BCS 1 - very lean
BCS 2 - lean
BCS 3 - good
BCS 4 - fat
BCS 5 - very fat
BCS - Watch Points
Range of ideal Body Condition Scores
Stage of Lactation | Score |
Calving | 3.0 – 3.75 |
1 month p.p. | 2.5 – 3.25 |
Mid-lactation | 2.75 – 3.25 |
Late lactation/Drying-off | 3.0 – 3.5 |
Physiological fluctuation of BCS in HF cows

Under-conditioned cow - increased lameness 46, 47
600 Holstein Frisian cows over 44 month:1
- Body Condition Scoring every 2 month
- Monthly control by claw trimmer
- 1510 cases of lameness
- sole ulcer (39 %)
- sole bruising (13 %)
- dermatitis digitalis (10 %)
- white line disease (8 %)
Lean cows (BCS < 2,5) have a 1,5 to 2,2 higher risk of lameness due to the shrinkage of digital cushion.
* see also our references page