Beef Cattle Live Animal Assessments - Revision history

Aashish at 16:37, 9 August 2024

2024-08-09T16:37:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 9 August 2024
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	=3.6 Live animal assessments=		=3.6 Live animal assessments=

	==Assessment of muscularity==		==== Assessment of muscularity ====

	Linear scoring is a technique which allows a systematic description of an animal’s morphology. Linear scoring reveals part of the animal’s economic value and, if the scored traits are heritable, part of its genetic value. Economic and environmental conditions vary over time and between countries so the economic importance of each scored trait may differ depending on the circumstances. The specific relative importance has to be determined by the responsible breeding organisations.		Linear scoring is a technique which allows a systematic description of an animal’s morphology. Linear scoring reveals part of the animal’s economic value and, if the scored traits are heritable, part of its genetic value. Economic and environmental conditions vary over time and between countries so the economic importance of each scored trait may differ depending on the circumstances. The specific relative importance has to be determined by the responsible breeding organisations.

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	The following recommendation may be used both for dual-purpose breeds as well as for specialised beef breeds. Linear scoring can be conducted on any category of animals, such as male and female calves, heifers, cows, bulls and steers.		The following recommendation may be used both for dual-purpose breeds as well as for specialised beef breeds. Linear scoring can be conducted on any category of animals, such as male and female calves, heifers, cows, bulls and steers.

	==Recommended approach to be taken in organising Linear Scoring==		==== Recommended approach to be taken in organising Linear Scoring ====

	Linear scoring has the following characteristics:		Linear scoring has the following characteristics:

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	[[File:3.6.1 h.jpg]].		[[File:3.6.1 h.jpg]].

	==3.6.3 Requirements for linear scoring==		==== 3.6.3 Requirements for linear scoring ====

	All factors accounting for any non-genetic variance should be recorded., e. g.		All factors accounting for any non-genetic variance should be recorded., e. g.
	<ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">		<ol style="list-style-type:lower-alpha">
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	be monitored and training should be provided annually or more often if necessary.		be monitored and training should be provided annually or more often if necessary.

	==Assessment of body condition==		==== Assessment of body condition ====

	Condition scoring can be defined as an objective attempt to describe the body condition or degree of fatness of cattle by visual assessment. By adjusting the plane of nutrition, body condition can, to a large extent be controlled.		Condition scoring can be defined as an objective attempt to describe the body condition or degree of fatness of cattle by visual assessment. By adjusting the plane of nutrition, body condition can, to a large extent be controlled.

	===Purpose===		===== Purpose =====

	Condition scoring provides a means of attaining the desired target condition scores for optimum production and reproduction, whilst simultaneously making optimum use of available feed sources.		Condition scoring provides a means of attaining the desired target condition scores for optimum production and reproduction, whilst simultaneously making optimum use of available feed sources.

	Differences in condition can also be recorded within contemporary groups as a means of quantifying differences among animals or for consideration in models for genetic evaluations.		Differences in condition can also be recorded within contemporary groups as a means of quantifying differences among animals or for consideration in models for genetic evaluations.

	===Recommended methods===		===== Recommended methods =====

	Different scoring systems have been developed through the years. For example, one such system has been developed by the East of Scotland College of Agriculture in 1973. In this instance, the score range between 1 (extremely thin) and 5 (extremely fat) with half scores sometimes used between the main scores.		Different scoring systems have been developed through the years. For example, one such system has been developed by the East of Scotland College of Agriculture in 1973. In this instance, the score range between 1 (extremely thin) and 5 (extremely fat) with half scores sometimes used between the main scores.

	The method recommended is based on the nine-point system developed for zebu cattle by Nicholson and Butterworth (1985) or similar systems. A nine-point system gives distinguishable steps that can be described and used to account for the wide range of body conditions that are shown by cattle from temperate to tropical areas. It avoids the use of half-points, which can be common when applying a five-point system. An arrangement in which three main categories are first defined, and which are then each sub-divided into three to give nine possible options gave repeatable results as well as being easy to teach and explain to others. Units of three worked well where subjective assessment was required. There is always one unit at each end and one in the middle, making decisions easier.		The method recommended is based on the nine-point system developed for zebu cattle by Nicholson and Butterworth (1985) or similar systems. A nine-point system gives distinguishable steps that can be described and used to account for the wide range of body conditions that are shown by cattle from temperate to tropical areas. It avoids the use of half-points, which can be common when applying a five-point system. An arrangement in which three main categories are first defined, and which are then each sub-divided into three to give nine possible options gave repeatable results as well as being easy to teach and explain to others. Units of three worked well where subjective assessment was required. There is always one unit at each end and one in the middle, making decisions easier.

	===How to condition score===		===== How to condition score =====

	Condition scoring is primarily concerned with two specific areas in assessing fat cover (Figure 3.1).		Condition scoring is primarily concerned with two specific areas in assessing fat cover (Figure 3.1).
	The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.		The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.

Bgolden at 16:32, 25 September 2023

2023-09-25T16:32:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:32, 25 September 2023
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	[[Category:3 Specific recommendations for data collection]]		[[Category: Beef Cattle Recording: Specific recommendations for data collection]]
	=3.6 Live animal assessments=		=3.6 Live animal assessments=

Bgolden: Bgolden moved page 3.6. Live animal assessments to Beef Cattle Live Animal Assessments without leaving a redirect

2023-09-25T16:31:12Z

Bgolden moved page 3.6. Live animal assessments to Beef Cattle Live Animal Assessments without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:31, 25 September 2023
(No difference)

Rbanks at 01:20, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T01:20:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 29 April 2023
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	=3.6 Live animal assessments=		=3.6 Live animal assessments=

	==~~3.6.1~~ Assessment of muscularity==		==Assessment of muscularity==

	Linear scoring is a technique which allows a systematic description of an animal’s morphology. Linear scoring reveals part of the animal’s economic value and, if the scored traits are heritable, part of its genetic value. Economic and environmental conditions vary over time and between countries so the economic importance of each scored trait may differ depending on the circumstances. The specific relative importance has to be determined by the responsible breeding organisations.		Linear scoring is a technique which allows a systematic description of an animal’s morphology. Linear scoring reveals part of the animal’s economic value and, if the scored traits are heritable, part of its genetic value. Economic and environmental conditions vary over time and between countries so the economic importance of each scored trait may differ depending on the circumstances. The specific relative importance has to be determined by the responsible breeding organisations.
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	The following recommendation may be used both for dual-purpose breeds as well as for specialised beef breeds. Linear scoring can be conducted on any category of animals, such as male and female calves, heifers, cows, bulls and steers.		The following recommendation may be used both for dual-purpose breeds as well as for specialised beef breeds. Linear scoring can be conducted on any category of animals, such as male and female calves, heifers, cows, bulls and steers.

	==~~3.6.2~~ Recommended approach to be taken in organising Linear Scoring==		==Recommended approach to be taken in organising Linear Scoring==

	Linear scoring has the following characteristics:		Linear scoring has the following characteristics:
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	The following series of illustrations can serve as a guide in scoring cattle for condition (Figure 3.2).		The following series of illustrations can serve as a guide in scoring cattle for condition (Figure 3.2).
	<br>		<br>
			''Figure 3.2. Illustration of body condition scores.''
	[[File:3.6.4.3 3.2.jpg]]		[[File:3.6.4.3 3.2.jpg]]

	Condition scoring does not eliminate the need for weighing animals. Ideally these two operations should be carried out simultaneously. Condition scores should not be affected by weight, age or breed.		Condition scoring does not eliminate the need for weighing animals. Ideally these two operations should be carried out simultaneously. Condition scores should not be affected by weight, age or breed.
	More accurate alternatives exist to compare differences in animals for body condition, such as subcutanious fat thickness measurements by using Real Time Ultrasound methods. Visual condition score, however is a cheap and quick alternative.		More accurate alternatives exist to compare differences in animals for body condition, such as subcutanious fat thickness measurements by using Real Time Ultrasound methods. Visual condition score, however is a cheap and quick alternative.

Rbanks at 01:18, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T01:18:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 29 April 2023
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	The fat cover over the loin area (transverse and spinous processes) is the most important scoring area since changes in fat deposition can be clearly felt and assessed particularly in thinner animals (Scores 1 to 5 on the 9-point scale). The deposition of fat in cattle with a score greater than 5 is such that the transverse processes become increasingly difficult to feel. Fat deposition over the pin bones and the surrounding tail head area becomes increasingly excessive in cows with scores of 7, 8 and 9. The difference between a score of 6 and 7 is the actual deposition of fat on either side of the tail-head which must be clearly visible.		The fat cover over the loin area (transverse and spinous processes) is the most important scoring area since changes in fat deposition can be clearly felt and assessed particularly in thinner animals (Scores 1 to 5 on the 9-point scale). The deposition of fat in cattle with a score greater than 5 is such that the transverse processes become increasingly difficult to feel. Fat deposition over the pin bones and the surrounding tail head area becomes increasingly excessive in cows with scores of 7, 8 and 9. The difference between a score of 6 and 7 is the actual deposition of fat on either side of the tail-head which must be clearly visible.
	Ideally, the weighing of animals and condition scoring should be carried out simultaneously so that the relevant assessing areas can be felt. Continuous practicing in condition scoring of cattle will increase the accuracy of assessment and the speed at which it is carried out by the operator.		Ideally, the weighing of animals and condition scoring should be carried out simultaneously so that the relevant assessing areas can be felt. Continuous practicing in condition scoring of cattle will increase the accuracy of assessment and the speed at which it is carried out by the operator.
			<br>
			Table 3.2. Description of the body condition scores for cattle on a scale from 1 to 9.

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	\|		\|
	\|}		\|}

			<br>
			The following series of illustrations can serve as a guide in scoring cattle for condition (Figure 3.2).
			<br>
			[[File:3.6.4.3 3.2.jpg]]

	Condition scoring does not eliminate the need for weighing animals. Ideally these two operations should be carried out simultaneously. Condition scores should not be affected by weight, age or breed.		Condition scoring does not eliminate the need for weighing animals. Ideally these two operations should be carried out simultaneously. Condition scores should not be affected by weight, age or breed.
	More accurate alternatives exist to compare differences in animals for body condition, such as subcutanious fat thickness measurements by using Real Time Ultrasound methods. Visual condition score, however is a cheap and quick alternative.		More accurate alternatives exist to compare differences in animals for body condition, such as subcutanious fat thickness measurements by using Real Time Ultrasound methods. Visual condition score, however is a cheap and quick alternative.

Rbanks at 01:11, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T01:11:43Z

@@ Line 136: / Line 136: @@
 Ideally, the weighing of animals and condition scoring should be carried out simultaneously so that the relevant assessing areas can be felt. Continuous practicing in condition scoring of cattle will increase the accuracy of assessment and the speed at which it is carried out by the operator.
-[[File:Table 3.pdf|thumb]]
+{| class="wikitable"
 Condition scoring does not eliminate the need for weighing animals. Ideally these two operations should be carried out simultaneously. Condition scores should not be affected by weight, age or breed.
 More accurate alternatives exist to compare differences in animals for body condition, such as subcutanious fat thickness measurements by using Real Time Ultrasound methods. Visual condition score, however is a cheap and quick alternative.

Rbanks at 00:52, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T00:52:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:52, 29 April 2023
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	The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.		The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.

			<br>
			''Figure 3.1. Areas on the body where fat cover is assessed for body condition scoring.''
	[[File:3.6.4.3 3.1.jpg]]		[[File:3.6.4.3 3.1.jpg]]

Rbanks at 00:50, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T00:50:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 29 April 2023
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	The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.		The first is the loin area (between the hip bone and the last rib) which incorporates the spinous and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. The area surrounding the tail head and pin bones is the second.

	[[File:~~Figure~~ 3.~~pdf\|thumb~~]]		[[File:3.6.4.3 3.1.jpg]]

	The fat cover over the loin area (transverse and spinous processes) is the most important scoring area since changes in fat deposition can be clearly felt and assessed particularly in thinner animals (Scores 1 to 5 on the 9-point scale). The deposition of fat in cattle with a score greater than 5 is such that the transverse processes become increasingly difficult to feel. Fat deposition over the pin bones and the surrounding tail head area becomes increasingly excessive in cows with scores of 7, 8 and 9. The difference between a score of 6 and 7 is the actual deposition of fat on either side of the tail-head which must be clearly visible.		The fat cover over the loin area (transverse and spinous processes) is the most important scoring area since changes in fat deposition can be clearly felt and assessed particularly in thinner animals (Scores 1 to 5 on the 9-point scale). The deposition of fat in cattle with a score greater than 5 is such that the transverse processes become increasingly difficult to feel. Fat deposition over the pin bones and the surrounding tail head area becomes increasingly excessive in cows with scores of 7, 8 and 9. The difference between a score of 6 and 7 is the actual deposition of fat on either side of the tail-head which must be clearly visible.

Rbanks at 00:37, 29 April 2023

2023-04-29T00:37:04Z

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 a) Shoulder width
 [[File:3.6.1 a.jpg]]
 ==3.6.3	Requirements for linear scoring==

Rbanks at 02:19, 28 April 2023

2023-04-28T02:19:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:19, 28 April 2023
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	The following is a graphical representation of the linear muscular anatomical sites.		The following is a graphical representation of the linear muscular anatomical sites.
	<br>		<br>
	[[File:3.6 1 ~~Type scoring diagram~~.jpg]]
			a) Shoulder width
			[[File:3.6.1 a.jpg]]

	==3.6.3 Requirements for linear scoring==		==3.6.3 Requirements for linear scoring==