Novel geometrical model for assessing body condition in dairy cattle

In this study, the Alpha (α) body condition scoring system was proposed as an alternative to the subjective condition scoring and its applicability was tested in Brown Swiss dairy cattle. This system was based on measuring the angles formed by depressed hip occurred in the thurl area, and provides information about cattle body condition. Measurements were done by depth gauge. Fifty Brown Swiss milk cows’ values of Alpha angles, which corresponded to the subjective 5 scoring system, were determined for each score that matches its feature. Furthermore, in order to test its reliability and applicability, 5 farmers, with no prior experience in scoring were asked to determine the condition scores of 50 Brown Swiss milk cows both objectively and subjectively and results were compared. The correlation coefficients between the values determined by assessors were examined and it was understood that the Alpha (α) condition score method was more reliable but required more care, time and labor.