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Ohio State dairy research shows value of monitoring body condition scores 

Research by Ohio State University shows the importance of tracking the body condition scores for dairy cattle. 

Researchers say changes in body condition throughout lactation generally follow a pattern that mirrors the lactation curve. During early lactation, cows may lose some body condition. Then, after peak milk yield, cows begin to regain condition as nutrient intake meets or exceeds nutrient requirements. Then, during the last third of lactation and the early dry period, cows may become over-conditioned if diets are not adjusted to match declining milk production. 

Cows with poor reproductive performance tend to have extended lactations, which increases the likelihood of over-conditioning, leading to greater body condition score at dry-off. 

The Ohio State researchers say ideally, cows should enter the dry period with a body condition score between 3.0 and 3.5 and maintain that score.  They say regular BCS monitoring throughout the lactation cycle helps identify problems early and allows for timely nutrition and management adjustments.