Wednesday, November 11, 2009

BODY CONDITION SCORING

Body Condition Scores (BCS) can be used to see if a bet is under or over weight. Usually BSC is usually scored from 1-5 or 1-9, 1 being under weight and 5 or 9 being over weight.

1 = Emaciated
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all body prominences evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious absence of muscle mass.


2 = Thin
Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bones less prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.


3 = Moderate
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side.


4 = Stout
General fleshy appearance. Ribs palpable with difficulty. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar spine and tail base. Abdominal tuck may be absent.


5 = Obese
Large fat deposits over chest, spine and tail base. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat deposits on neck and limbs. Abdomen distended


Another website that is helpful with body condition scores is here PURINA BODY CONDITION