The Genetics of Body Condition Score

De-emphasizing angularity will Improve reproductive performance

For years we have bred our cows to be lean, mean dairy machines. The greater the evidence of angularity, the more likely high production yields would also be delivered. It’s always been known that this approach to selection would have a negative impact on reproductive performance, but it was perceived a minor trade-off for the gains being made. Now-a-days most dairy producers would be less inclined to agree. Anything to improve reproductive performance is the mantra today by herd managers who have seen this aspect become the most limiting to a cow’s career. Making nutrition and Body Condition Scores a priority is a logical place to start, but let’s not forget that too much angularity can also be addressed genetically.

Ever notice that some bloodlines deliver extreme production on cows that don’t appear to be working that hard? Two bloodlines in particular come to mind: Duster and Manfred. It’s not coincidental these sires also promote improved reproductive performance. If we accept that a direct link exists between body condition score and reproductive performance, it makes logical sense too that de-emphasizing angularity in our breeding programs will lead to better body condition scores at the time when cows need to be bred. Predictably, days open will drop and pregnancy rates will increase.

A lot has been written about managing transition cows and enacting nutrition regimes to improve Body Condition Scores at breeding time. These can be very effective, but don’t forget that the most cost effective strategy is to breed for a cow that is less extreme in her angularity in the first place.

Article by Paul Meyer,
North American Marketing Manager

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Posted Jun 19th

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