effects of body condition on performance - dairy … · body condition loss ... if cows are fat at...

Effects of Effects of

Body Condition Body Condition

on Performanceon Performance

Web PresentationUpdated July 2004

�� Using body condition scoring to fine tune Using body condition scoring to fine tune herd nutrition and health management herd nutrition and health management has become a widely accepted practice. has become a widely accepted practice.

�� This presentation will examine the This presentation will examine the influence of body condition oninfluence of body condition oninfluence of body condition oninfluence of body condition on

�� milk production, milk production,

�� dry matter intake, dry matter intake,

�� reproduction, and reproduction, and

�� health of cows in your herdhealth of cows in your herd

1 2 3 4 5

Periods

Body StoresUsed for

Milk Production

Body StoresRegained forNext Lactation

Dry PeriodRumenRehab

Nutrient and Milk Yield Relationships Nutrient and Milk Yield Relationships in the Lactation and Gestation Cyclein the Lactation and Gestation Cycle

Dry Matter Intake

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Month

Freshening

BCS and Milk ProductionBCS and Milk Production

�� BCS at calvingBCS at calving�� < 2.75 < 2.75 �� reduced milk yieldreduced milk yield�� > 3.25 > 3.25 �� reduced milk yieldreduced milk yield

�� Penn State & Cornell research shows cows with a BCS Penn State & Cornell research shows cows with a BCS >3.25 at calving produce 5 pounds less milk each day >3.25 at calving produce 5 pounds less milk each day

�� Penn State & Cornell research shows cows with a BCS Penn State & Cornell research shows cows with a BCS >3.25 at calving produce 5 pounds less milk each day >3.25 at calving produce 5 pounds less milk each day than cows with lower BCS during the first 30 days of than cows with lower BCS during the first 30 days of lactationlactation

�� BCS change after calvingBCS change after calving�� Decrease of 1 BCS unit Decrease of 1 BCS unit �� increase of 930 lb milk in increase of 930 lb milk in 305305--d lactationd lactation

�� Body reserves essential to support milk productionBody reserves essential to support milk production

Waltner et al., 1993

Pedron et al., 1993

BCS and Increased Health RiskBCS and Increased Health Risk

�� Excess Body ConditionExcess Body Condition

�� Fat Cow SyndromeFat Cow Syndrome

�� KetosisKetosis

Displaced AbomasumDisplaced Abomasum

�� Thin Body ConditionThin Body Condition

�� LamenessLameness

�� Displaced AbomasumDisplaced Abomasum

�� Milk FeverMilk Fever

�� MetritisMetritis

�� MastitisMastitis

�� LamenessLameness

�� Limited Dry Matter Limited Dry Matter IntakeIntake

Metabolic problems can set the stage for consequences of other nutritional-stress complications, including infections such as mastitis.

BCS and ReproductionBCS and Reproduction

�� Cows > 3.75 BCS at dry off were 2.8 times more Cows > 3.75 BCS at dry off were 2.8 times more likely than cows with average BCS to experience likely than cows with average BCS to experience the following reproductive problems in their next the following reproductive problems in their next lactationlactationlactationlactation

�� DystociaDystocia

�� Retained placentaRetained placenta

�� Uterine infectionUterine infection

�� Cystic ovariesCystic ovaries

�� AbortionAbortion

Gearhart et al., 1990

Relationship between BCS Loss in First 5 Relationship between BCS Loss in First 5 Weeks after Calving and ReproductionWeeks after Calving and Reproduction

Body Condition LossBody Condition Loss

ItemItem < 0.5< 0.5 0.5 to 1.00.5 to 1.0 > 1.0> 1.0

# Cows# Cows 1717 6464 1212

Days to first ovulation Days to first ovulation 2727aa 3131aa 4242bb

Days to first heatDays to first heat 4848abab 4141aa 6262bbDays to first heatDays to first heat 4848abab 4141aa 6262bb

Days to first serviceDays to first service 6868aa 6767aa 7979bb

First service conception First service conception rate, %rate, %

6565aa 5353aa 1717bb

Services per conceptionServices per conception 1.81.8 2.32.3 2.32.3

Pregnancy rate, %Pregnancy rate, % 9494 9595 100100

Means in a row with different superscripts differ Means in a row with different superscripts differ PP < 0.05< 0.05

Butler and Smith, 1989

In Summary. . .In Summary. . .

�� BCS changes can cause problems when BCS changes can cause problems when they arethey are

�� Too LittleToo Little�� Too LittleToo Little

�� Too MuchToo Much

�� Too Rapidly ChangedToo Rapidly Changed

Managing Body Condition LossManaging Body Condition Loss

�� Avoid over conditioningAvoid over conditioning

�� If cows are fat at dry offIf cows are fat at dry off

�� Do Not allow BCS loss during dry periodDo Not allow BCS loss during dry period�� Do Not allow BCS loss during dry periodDo Not allow BCS loss during dry period

�� Body condition score dry cows to monitor Body condition score dry cows to monitor changeschanges

�� Maximize dry matter intake of close up Maximize dry matter intake of close up and fresh cows to limit negative energy and fresh cows to limit negative energy balancebalance

BCS Loss in High ProducersBCS Loss in High Producers

�� HighHigh--producing cows can lose between producing cows can lose between 100 to 150 pounds during the first 60 to 100 to 150 pounds during the first 60 to 80 days (the equivalent of 1 BCS unit) 80 days (the equivalent of 1 BCS unit)

Rate of 1 to 2 pounds per day Rate of 1 to 2 pounds per day �� Rate of 1 to 2 pounds per day Rate of 1 to 2 pounds per day

�� But weight loss of 3 to 4 pounds per day But weight loss of 3 to 4 pounds per day �� May increase the possibility of metabolic May increase the possibility of metabolic disorders such as ketosis disorders such as ketosis

�� May discourage implantation of the fetus, May discourage implantation of the fetus, resulting in cows that are "apparently not resulting in cows that are "apparently not conceiving"conceiving"

More on High ProducersMore on High Producers

�� Negative energy balance is common for Negative energy balance is common for highhigh--producing cows in early lactationproducing cows in early lactation�� Mobilized body fat is used to produce milkMobilized body fat is used to produce milk

1 pound of mobilized fat = 7 pounds of milk1 pound of mobilized fat = 7 pounds of milk�� 1 pound of mobilized fat = 7 pounds of milk1 pound of mobilized fat = 7 pounds of milk

�� Our goal is to minimize weight loss by Our goal is to minimize weight loss by encouraging intake ofencouraging intake of�� High quality, highly palatable forage dry High quality, highly palatable forage dry matter at 1.8 to 2.0% of body weight daily matter at 1.8 to 2.0% of body weight daily

�� Sufficient grain, the quantity being gradually Sufficient grain, the quantity being gradually increased over the first few weeks of lactationincreased over the first few weeks of lactation

Managing Body Condition GainManaging Body Condition Gain

�� Add body condition in late lactationAdd body condition in late lactation

�� Efficient storage of energyEfficient storage of energy

�� Monitor BCS of lactating cows to identify Monitor BCS of lactating cows to identify �� Monitor BCS of lactating cows to identify Monitor BCS of lactating cows to identify thin and fat cows early, in time to make thin and fat cows early, in time to make adjustments before drying offadjustments before drying off

�� Avoid changes in BCS during dry periodAvoid changes in BCS during dry period

�� Very thin cows may benefit from extra feed in Very thin cows may benefit from extra feed in the early dry periodthe early dry period

More on Body Condition GainMore on Body Condition Gain

�� Cows should start replenishing fat Cows should start replenishing fat reserves after reaching peak milk reserves after reaching peak milk

�� A few cows, 5 to 10%, may never put on A few cows, 5 to 10%, may never put on �� A few cows, 5 to 10%, may never put on A few cows, 5 to 10%, may never put on much flesh much flesh

�� A similar proportion may be "easy A similar proportion may be "easy keepers" and tend to be obese most of keepers" and tend to be obese most of the time the time

BCS Changes Over LactationBCS Changes Over Lactation

�� Efficient, high producing cows do not Efficient, high producing cows do not experience large changes in body experience large changes in body conditioncondition

Inefficient, low producing cows increase in Inefficient, low producing cows increase in �� Inefficient, low producing cows increase in Inefficient, low producing cows increase in BCS over a lactationBCS over a lactation

�� Most cows are between these extremesMost cows are between these extremes

�� BCS decreases to about 100 daysBCS decreases to about 100 days

�� Then increases until dryThen increases until dry--offoff

Recommended BCS byRecommended BCS byStage of LactationStage of Lactation

BCSBCS

Stage of LactationStage of Lactation DIMDIM GoalGoal MinMin MaxMax

CalvingCalving 3.503.50 3.253.25 3.753.75CalvingCalving 3.503.50 3.253.25 3.753.75

Early LactationEarly Lactation 1 to 301 to 30 3.003.00 2.752.75 3.253.25

Peak MilkPeak Milk 31 to 10031 to 100 2.752.75 2.502.50 3.003.00

Mid LactationMid Lactation 101 to 200101 to 200 3.003.00 2.752.75 3.253.25

Late LactationLate Lactation 201 to 300201 to 300 3.253.25 3.003.00 3.753.75

Dry OffDry Off > 300> 300 3.503.50 3.253.25 3.753.75

DryDry 3.503.50 3.253.25 3.753.75

BCS at CalvingBCS at Calving

�� Recommended Score: Recommended Score: 3.25 to 3.753.25 to 3.75

�� Nutritional Objective:Nutritional Objective:�� Nutritional Objective:Nutritional Objective:�� Cows calve with adequate, Cows calve with adequate, but not excessive, bodybut not excessive, body--fat reservesfat reserves

Red Flags Red Flags –– CalvingCalving

�� BCS < 3.25BCS < 3.25�� Too little energy Too little energy provided in late lactation provided in late lactation or dry periodor dry period

�� Risk low milk productionRisk low milk production

�� BCS > 3.75 BCS > 3.75 �� Too much energy Too much energy provided in late lactation provided in late lactation or dry periodor dry period

�� Separate dry cows from Separate dry cows from �� Risk low milk productionRisk low milk production�� Especially if ration is not Especially if ration is not balanced or not palatablebalanced or not palatable

�� Separate dry cows from Separate dry cows from milking herd milking herd

�� Feed lowFeed low--energy ration energy ration balanced for protein, balanced for protein, minerals, and vitaminsminerals, and vitamins

�� Niacin may helpNiacin may help�� Reduce ketosisReduce ketosis

�� Increase fat mobilizationIncrease fat mobilization

�� Increase appetiteIncrease appetite

BCS in Early BCS in Early LactationLactation


�� Nutritional Objectives:Nutritional Objectives:�� Nutritional Objectives:Nutritional Objectives:�� Maximize intake of a highMaximize intake of a high--energy ration energy ration

�� Minimize body condition Minimize body condition loss and offset negative loss and offset negative energy balanceenergy balance

�� Ration must contain enough Ration must contain enough protein to support high milk protein to support high milk productionproduction

Red Flags Red Flags –– Early LactationEarly Lactation

�� BCS < 2.75 and low BCS < 2.75 and low milk production milk production

�� Too little energy Too little energy provided in rationprovided in ration

�� BCS > 3.25 BCS > 3.25 �� Too little protein Too little protein provided in ration to provided in ration to support milk productionsupport milk production

�� Check intake of water, Check intake of water, �� High producers may High producers may drop below 2.75, but drop below 2.75, but condition must be condition must be regained to prevent regained to prevent reproductive problemsreproductive problems

�� Check intake of water, Check intake of water, minerals, and vitaminsminerals, and vitamins

BCS at Peak BCS at Peak Milk YieldMilk Yield

�� Recommended Score: 2.5 Recommended Score: 2.5 to 3.25to 3.25

Nutritional Objectives:Nutritional Objectives:�� Nutritional Objectives:Nutritional Objectives:�� Maximize intake of a highMaximize intake of a high--energy ration energy ration

�� Minimize body condition Minimize body condition loss and offset negative loss and offset negative energy balanceenergy balance

�� Ration must contain Ration must contain enough protein to support enough protein to support high milk productionhigh milk production

Red Flags Red Flags –– Peak MilkPeak Milk

�� BCS < 2.5 and low milk BCS < 2.5 and low milk productionproduction

�� Too little energy provided Too little energy provided in rationin ration

�� BCS > 3.25BCS > 3.25

�� Too little protein provided Too little protein provided in rationin ration

Check intake of water, Check intake of water, in rationin ration �� Check intake of water, Check intake of water, minerals, and vitaminsminerals, and vitamins

BCS in Mid BCS in Mid LactationLactation


�� Nutritional Objectives: Nutritional Objectives:

�� Maintain body conditionMaintain body condition

�� Begin to gain condition Begin to gain condition for maximum milk for maximum milk productionproduction

�� Avoid excessive body Avoid excessive body weight gainweight gain

Red Flags Red Flags –– Mid LactationMid Lactation

�� BCS < 2.75BCS < 2.75

�� Too little energy Too little energy provided in rationprovided in ration

Problem probably began Problem probably began

�� BCS > 3.25BCS > 3.25

�� Reduce energy intake to Reduce energy intake to avoid over conditioningavoid over conditioning

�� Problem probably began Problem probably began in early lactationin early lactation

BCS in Late BCS in Late LactationLactation


�� Nutritional Objectives:Nutritional Objectives:

�� Replenish body Replenish body reserves to prepare for reserves to prepare for next lactationnext lactation

�� Avoid over Avoid over conditioningconditioning

Red Flags Red Flags –– Late LactationLate Lactation

�� BCS < 3.0 BCS < 3.0


Problems likely began Problems likely began

�� BCS > 3.75 BCS > 3.75

�� Too much energy Too much energy provided in rationprovided in ration

Also may result from Also may result from �� Problems likely began Problems likely began earlier in the lactationearlier in the lactation

�� Also may result from Also may result from extended calving intervalsextended calving intervals

BCS at Dry OffBCS at Dry Off


�� Nutritional Objectives: Nutritional Objectives: �� Nutritional Objectives: Nutritional Objectives: �� Prepare for next lactationPrepare for next lactation�� Maintain condition through Maintain condition through dry period dry period –– do not lose, do not lose, especially if cows enter dry especially if cows enter dry period fat period fat

�� Avoid over conditioning by Avoid over conditioning by feeding lowfeeding low--energy ration energy ration with adequate protein, with adequate protein, minerals, and vitaminsminerals, and vitamins

Red Flags Red Flags –– Dry CowsDry Cows

�� BCS < 3.25BCS < 3.25


Problems likely began Problems likely began

�� BCS > 3.75BCS > 3.75

�� Too much energy Too much energy provided in rationprovided in ration

Also may result from Also may result from �� Problems likely began Problems likely began earlier in the lactationearlier in the lactation

�� Also may result from Also may result from extended calving intervalsextended calving intervals

�� Avoid BCS loss in dry Avoid BCS loss in dry periodperiod

Summary of Body Condition Summary of Body Condition Score Changes over a LactationScore Changes over a Lactation

�� BCS at calving affects lactation performanceBCS at calving affects lactation performance

�� If too thin, peak milk yields will be low and If too thin, peak milk yields will be low and reproduction will be delayedreproduction will be delayedreproduction will be delayedreproduction will be delayed

�� If too fat, metabolic diseases are very likelyIf too fat, metabolic diseases are very likely

�� Early lactation Early lactation –– BCS lostBCS lost

�� Used to support milk productionUsed to support milk production

�� Extreme loss hurts reproductive activityExtreme loss hurts reproductive activity

�� By 80 to 120 days into the lactationBy 80 to 120 days into the lactation

�� Weight loss should be minimalWeight loss should be minimal

�� Cows should begin to regain conditionCows should begin to regain condition

�� Essential for strong exhibition of estrus (heat) and Essential for strong exhibition of estrus (heat) and �� Essential for strong exhibition of estrus (heat) and Essential for strong exhibition of estrus (heat) and conceptionconception

�� After 120 days, all cows should be gaining After 120 days, all cows should be gaining about 0.75 to 1.0 pounds per dayabout 0.75 to 1.0 pounds per day

�� If a cow enters the dry period fatIf a cow enters the dry period fat

�� Maintain body condition Maintain body condition –– DO NOT LOSEDO NOT LOSE

�� If a cow enters the dry period thinIf a cow enters the dry period thin

�� May add a little condition early (first 3 weeks)May add a little condition early (first 3 weeks)

�� Section 3 will look at ways to identify and Section 3 will look at ways to identify and address body condition problemsaddress body condition problems

Charting body condition Charting body condition during a lactation can help during a lactation can help

troubleshoot herd problemstroubleshoot herd problemstroubleshoot herd problemstroubleshoot herd problems

See the dairy nutrition website to See the dairy nutrition website to download a download a spreadsheet that plots BCSspreadsheet that plots BCS

and compares your animals to and compares your animals to recommendationsrecommendations

Troubleshooting TipsTroubleshooting Tips

�� Indicators of body condition problemsIndicators of body condition problems�� Increase of 5 to 10% in rate of metabolic Increase of 5 to 10% in rate of metabolic disease disease

Cows not able to maintain persistency or peak Cows not able to maintain persistency or peak �� Cows not able to maintain persistency or peak Cows not able to maintain persistency or peak at expected levels of milk productionat expected levels of milk production

�� Wouldn’t you rather find these problems Wouldn’t you rather find these problems before cows get sick and milk drops???before cows get sick and milk drops???�� Score cows regularly to predict Score cows regularly to predict –– and address and address –– potential problems before they happenpotential problems before they happen

Suggested BCS ScheduleSuggested BCS Schedule

�� CalvingCalving

�� 30 days after calving30 days after calving

�� First breedingFirst breeding�� First breedingFirst breeding

�� Pregnancy checkPregnancy check

�� 60 days before dry60 days before dry--offoff

�� DryDry--offoff

�� Possibly mid dry period if cows are having Possibly mid dry period if cows are having problems at calving or during early lactationproblems at calving or during early lactation

Compared to Recommended Body Condition Score

3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Bo

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on

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Sco

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1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360

Stage of Lactation - Days in Milk

Bo

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Your Cow Goal

Min Max

Normal ChangeLactation 4118 lb Peak Milk, at 42 DIM305-d milk 27,510 lb


3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Bo

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on

dit

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Sco

rePSU 263

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360


Bo

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Your Cow Goal

Min Max

Small Heifer with High ProductionFirst Lactation, calved at 23 months104 lb Peak Milk, at 140 DIM305-d milk 24,730 lb


3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Bo

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on

dit

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Sco

rePSU 836

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360


Bo

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Your Cow Goal

Min Max

High ProductionLactation 4178 lb Peak Milk, at 35 DIM305-d milk 36,590 lb


3.00

3.50

4.00

4.50

Bo

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on

dit

ion

Sco

rePSU 975

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

-60 -30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360


Bo

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Your Cow Goal

Min Max

Low ProductionLactation 497 lb Peak Milk, at 28 DIM243-d Lactation 16,530 lb milk

Plan to Address BCS ProblemsPlan to Address BCS Problems

�� Nutrition ChecklistNutrition Checklist�� Dry Matter Intake Dry Matter Intake –– especially of foragesespecially of forages�� Feeding sequenceFeeding sequence�� Fiber level of rationsFiber level of rations�� Fiber level of rationsFiber level of rations�� Feeding frequencyFeeding frequency�� Ration palatabilityRation palatability

�� Bottom lineBottom line�� Make sure cows are eating enoughMake sure cows are eating enough�� Provide at least 45% of DMI from forage sourcesProvide at least 45% of DMI from forage sources

If those are adequate…If those are adequate…

�� Check ration to be sure it is properly balanced forCheck ration to be sure it is properly balanced for

�� Protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins Protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins

�� Test the forages and balance rations for each Test the forages and balance rations for each group of cowsgroup of cows

When feeding hay crop silages, be sure to analyze for When feeding hay crop silages, be sure to analyze for �� When feeding hay crop silages, be sure to analyze for When feeding hay crop silages, be sure to analyze for bound protein and adjust the ration accordingly bound protein and adjust the ration accordingly

�� Examine grain and forage quality Examine grain and forage quality –– focus onfocus on�� Fineness of chop or grind of the ingredientsFineness of chop or grind of the ingredients

�� Smell, acceptability, and pHSmell, acceptability, and pH

�� Look at the amounts of bypass protein, soluble Look at the amounts of bypass protein, soluble protein, starch ingredients, fats, and oils in the protein, starch ingredients, fats, and oils in the rationration

How to Achieve High Milk YieldsHow to Achieve High Milk Yields

�� Feed goodFeed good--toto--excellent quality forages excellent quality forages that stimulate eating and enable cows to that stimulate eating and enable cows to produce up to their maximum genetic produce up to their maximum genetic produce up to their maximum genetic produce up to their maximum genetic potentialpotential

Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:Early LactationEarly Lactation

�� Feed extra energy in early lactation to offset Feed extra energy in early lactation to offset negative energy balancenegative energy balance�� Added fat from oil seeds Added fat from oil seeds –– no more than 5% of total no more than 5% of total ration dry matterration dry matter

Higher levels upset rumen fermentation and decrease forage Higher levels upset rumen fermentation and decrease forage �� Higher levels upset rumen fermentation and decrease forage Higher levels upset rumen fermentation and decrease forage digestibilitydigestibility

�� Additional fat from bypass or protected fats (rumen inert) Additional fat from bypass or protected fats (rumen inert) –– an additional 2% of ration dry matteran additional 2% of ration dry matter

�� Total fat in ration should not exceed 7%Total fat in ration should not exceed 7%

�� When oils and fats are added to the rationWhen oils and fats are added to the ration�� Increase calcium, magnesium, phosphorus 10% on a dry Increase calcium, magnesium, phosphorus 10% on a dry matter basismatter basis

Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:After Peak MilkAfter Peak Milk

�� Cows should be gaining 0.75 to 1 lb per dayCows should be gaining 0.75 to 1 lb per day

�� Balance ration to avoid over conditioningBalance ration to avoid over conditioning

�� If cows are getting too heavyIf cows are getting too heavy�� If cows are getting too heavyIf cows are getting too heavy

�� Protein may be limited, energy may be excessiveProtein may be limited, energy may be excessive

Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:Nutritional Strategies to Manage BCS:Dry CowsDry Cows

�� If cows fat at dryIf cows fat at dry--offoff�� Maintain condition to avoid weight lossMaintain condition to avoid weight loss

�� Feed average quality grass foragesFeed average quality grass forages

�� Supplement 3 to 4 pounds of grainSupplement 3 to 4 pounds of grain

�� Or, minimal amounts of corn silage and a grass Or, minimal amounts of corn silage and a grass hay mixturehay mixture

�� If cows are thin at dryIf cows are thin at dry--offoff�� Feed good quality grass foragesFeed good quality grass forages

�� Supplement 3 to 4 pounds of grainSupplement 3 to 4 pounds of grain

effects of body condition on performance - dairy … · body condition loss ... if cows are fat at...

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