Body condition scoring (BCS) is a vital welfare monitoring tool for sheep that helps farmers identify nutritional problems before they cause serious health impacts.
Sheep body condition directly reflects energy balance and welfare status. Undernourished sheep suffer from cold stress, impaired immunity, and reduced ability to recover from parasitism and other health challenges. Ewes with poor body condition at lambing experience more difficult births, produce less milk, and have higher risk of twin lamb disease. Importantly, sheep's thick fleeces can mask dramatic weight loss — visual inspection alone is unreliable. Regular hands-on BCS assessment is a fundamental welfare practice that protects flock health.