Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
Aishwarya Dash, M Kousalya Devi, Biswa Ranjan Jena, Nidhi Sukhija, Kanaka KK, Pravin Purohit, Kiveyi G Chishi and Sarath Kumar T

Abstract:
Cattle is a major livestock species in India contributing about 48% of total milk production. Energy reserves are important for dairy animals as they have tendency to nurture neonates from their tissue reserves. During peripartum period due to less dietary intake, negative energy balance (NEB) occurs in dairy cows resulting in increased lipolysis. Mobilization of tissue reserves helps to meet energy demand following parturition and initiation of lactation. Adipose tissue also helps in fertilization by secreting leptin for postpartum recovery. Therefore, it is important to measure energy reserves. Among several methods, body condition score (BCS) is the most practical, quick and inexpensive method to measure energy reserves. BCS gives an immediate appraisal of the body state of animal or health status of herd and also helps in making decision of optimal management practices. It can be evaluated by body fat reserves and recorded in various scales observing certain skeletal check points at dorsal and caudal regions. Heritability of BCS is moderate and there is negative correlation with milk yield, but positive correlation with milk quality. BCS is strongly correlated with health and fertility traits and can be used as indicator for these traits. That is why it is considered as an optimum intermediate trait fulfilling satisfactory yield but reducing reproductive and metabolic disorder.