Field assessment of a BCS measuring device at timed AI in crossbread dairy cows of Amazonian smallholders

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a body condition score (BCS) assessment device (BCAD) to identify cows with an adequate BCS and, presumably, a higher fertility when subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI). We evaluated cows at smallholder dairy farms in the state of Rondonia, Brazil. Crossbred dairy cows (n = 141) were subjected to a TAI protocol and classified according to the BCAD scale as low BCS (red; n = 55) or adequate BCS (green; n = 86). The outcome pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) was analyzed by logistic regression. Cows classified as green by the BCAD had a significantly greater P/AI (41 of 86; 47.7%) than cows classified as red (15 of 55; 27.3%; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the BCS assessment device was an effective tool to detect cows more likely to become pregnant due to their adequate BCS and, consequently, better fertility in TAI.