Repeatability, reproducibility and sequential use of condition scoring of Bos indicus cattle

There is a scarcity in the literature of statistical analyses of condition score data. This paper assesses the repeatability and reproducibility of a condition scoring system in order to test whether it can be sufficiently reliable for widespread use and statistical treatment. Differences in cow condition resulting from an eight-month dry season, changes in lactational status and watering frequency were used to demonstrate how condition score data can be used sequentially in parallel with weight or heart girth data to monitor changes in body reserves over a prolonged period. The condition scoring system is based on a nine-point scale and its superiority over a six-point scale is demonstrated under the conditions encountered in Africa. An analysis of the trend in condition over time showed that cows watered daily lost condition linearly while cows watered every three days lost condition in a quadratic decline.