[Methods for continuous body condition scoring in dairy herds - an Overview]

The body condition assessment methods Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and backfat thickness measurement are important methods to assess the energy status of a dairy cow in the dry period and early lactation. An extensive search of the scientific literature (online and analogue) was carried out for the presented review. Various keywords filtered important articles, which were entered into a literature management program and whose content was assigned to various categories, on which the review article is based. The BCS is the tool of choice for acquiring a rapid and precise overview of the dairy herd. The backfat thickness (RFD) may be used for more detailed investigations. The aim of aformentioned studies is to attain an optimal energy balance of the dairy cow during early lactation considering energy intake and energy output as well as to minimize diseases such as fat mobilization syndrome and ketosis, and in consequence to allow for improved animal health and optimal performance.