Factors Affecting Condition Scoring of Multiparous Holstein- Friesian Cows During Dry Period

Abstract

Body condition Score (BCS) is a crucial indicator of dairy cattle's energy balance, reflecting their nutritional. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on BCS during the dry period in Holstein-Friesian cows. Data from 842 lactation records of 315 Holstein Friesian cows were collected from Delta Masr Group Farm, Egypt. The study assessed key environmental factors, including age at calving, parity order, days in milk, level of milk yield, dry period length, season, and year of calving. Results revealed that age at calving, parity order, days in milk, and dry period significantly influenced BCS. Cows aged less than 30 months had the highest BCS (3.38 ± 0.06), while those over 43 months had the lowest. Cows in fifth or higher parity order had the highest BCS, while second-parity cows had the lowest (3.19 ± 0.05). Longer lactation periods resulted in higher BCS (3.44 ± 0.04) compared to shorter lactation periods. Dry periods exceeding 64 days led to higher BCS (3.39 ± 0.03) than shorter dry periods. Seasonal variations were observed, with spring calving associated with the highest BCS (3.39 ± 0.04), while summer calving had the lowest. Annual fluctuations were also noted, which might be explained by variations in these years' conditions, feed availability, or managerial practices. Milk production level did not significantly (P³0.01) affect BCS. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining an optimal BCS during the dry period to ensure better transition into lactation to improve the productivity and welfare of the dairy herds.