What is the ideal body condition score of dairy cows? How to adjust feed according to physical condition score?

Cows should have suitable physical conditions at all stages of lactation, so as to maximize their milk production potential and ensure the normal reproduction, digestive function and health of cows are not affected. Generally speaking, the ideal cattle physical condition score should be between 2.5 and 4 points. Due to individual differences, the allowable lactation peak can be slightly lower than 2 points in the short term and slightly higher than 4.5 points before delivery. In production, we should carefully observe the cows in the same lactation stage to see if their average physical condition meets the standard. The following table shows the recommended body fat fraction for each lactation stage:

Ideal cow body condition score (5 points)

Under normal circumstances, the decline of physical condition score of dairy cows after calving should not exceed 1.5 points. Therefore, dairy cows should maximize their feed intake in the early lactation period. In the middle lactation period, cows should be provided with extra feed to gradually regain their weight. A key period to adjust the physical condition of dairy cows is the 25th to 50th day after delivery. The method is to supplement the lean cattle with high-quality roughage and increase the concentrate appropriately, because the metabolism at this stage can transform adult fat efficiently. During the dry milk period, the body condition score of dairy cows should be consistent with that before calving, so the feed intake should be properly controlled.