Body condition scoring in dairy cows is a practical tool for identifying and preventing welfare problems associated with undernutrition and metabolic disease.
Dairy cows that enter calving in poor body condition face a cascade of metabolic diseases including ketosis, displaced abomasum, and fatty liver disease that cause significant suffering and reduced longevity. The fresh cow period is the highest welfare risk period in the dairy production cycle, and cows entering this period under-nourished face disproportionate suffering. Regular monitoring and early intervention prevents the development of severe metabolic disease.