Body Condition Score Flashcards
1
Q
Body Condition Scoring
A
Objective system of evaluating a horse’s level of body condition (amount of stored fat) and assigning a numerical score to enable comparison between animals
2
Q
When/where was BCS developed
A
At Texas A&M University in 1980
Dr. Henneke
3
Q
Importance of BCS
A
- allows for ration adjusting
- enables assessment of pregnant mares
- used for inter-breed comparisons
4
Q
The 7 BSC
A
1 Poor 2 Very thin 3 Thin 4 Moderately thin 5 Moderate 6 Moderate to fleshy 7 Fleshy 8 Fat 9 Extremely fat
5
Q
BCS 1 : Poor
A
- Extremely emaciated
- Spinous process, ribs, tailhead and bony part of pelvic girdle are prominent
- Bone structure of withers, shoulders, neck are noticeable
- No fatty tissue can be felt
6
Q
BCS 2 : Very Thin
A
- Emaciated
- Slight fat covering base of spinous processes
- Transverse processes of loin area, vertebrae feel rounded
- Spinous processes, ribs, shoulders, and neck structures are faintly discernible
7
Q
BCS 3 : Thin
A
- Fat is built up about halfway on spinous processes
- Transverse processes cannot be felt
- Slight fat cover on ribs
- Spinous processes and ribs are easily discernible
- Tailhead is prominent, but individual vertebrae can’t be visually identified
- Withers, shoulders, and neck are accentuated
8
Q
BCS 4 : Moderately thin
A
- Negative crease along back (spinous processes protrude slightly above surrounding tissue)
- Faint outline of ribs discernable
- Fat can be felt around tailhead
- Hook bones not discernible
- Withers, shoulders, and neck are not obviously thin
9
Q
BCS 5 : Moderate
A
- Back is level
- Ribs can’t be visually distinguished, but easily felt
- Fat around tailhead behind to feel spongy
- Wither appear rounded over spinous processes
- Shoulders and neck blend smoothly into body
10
Q
BCS 6 : Moderate to Fleshy
A
- May have slight crease down back
- Fat over ribs feels spongy
- Fat around tailhead feels soft
- Fat begins to be deposited along withers, shoulders, along neck
11
Q
BCS 7 : Fleshy
A
-May have crease down back
-Ribs can be felt but with noticeable fat
Fat around tailhead is soft
-Fat deposited along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck
12
Q
BCS 8 : Fat
A
- Crease down back
- Difficult to feel ribs
- Fat around tailhead is very soft
- Area along withers is filled with fat
- Fat deposited on buttocks
- Fat on neck
13
Q
BCS 9 : Extremely Fat
A
- Obvious crease down back
- Patchy fat over ribs
- Bulging fat around tailhead, withers, shoulders, neck
