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1. |
Emaciated |
Cow is extremely emaciated
with no palpable fat
detectable over spinous
processes (backbone),
transverse processes (edge
of loin), edge of hipbones
or ribs. Tailhead and ribs
project quite prominently.
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2. |
Poor |
Cow still appears somewhat
emaciated but tailhead and
ribs are less prominent.
Individual spinous processes
are still rather sharp to
the touch but some tissue
cover exists along the
spine. |
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3. |
Thin |
Ribs are still individually
identifiable but not quite
as sharp to the touch. There
is obvious palpable fat
along spine and over
tailhead with some tissue
cover over dorsal portion of
ribs. |
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4. |
Borderline |
Individual ribs are no
longer visually obvious. The
spinous processes can be
identified individually on
palpation but feel rounded
rather than sharp. Some fat
covers ribs, transverse
processes and hip bones.
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5. |
Moderate |
Cow has good overall
appearance. Upon palpation,
fat cover over ribs feels
spongy and areas on either
side of tailhead now have
palpable fat cover.
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6. |
High Moderate |
Firm pressure now needs to
be applied to feel spinous
processes. A high degree of
fat is palpable over ribs
and around tailhead.
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7. |
Good |
Cow appears fleshy and
obviously carries
considerable fat. Very
spongy fat cover over ribs
and around tailhead.
"Rounds" or "pones" becoming
obvious. Some fat around
vulva and in pelvis.
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8. |
Fat |
Cow very fleshy and
over-conditioned. Spinous
processes almost impossible
to palpate. Cow has large
fat deposits over ribs,
around tailhead and below
vulva. "Rounds" or "pones"
are obvious. |
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9. |
Extremely Fat |
Cow has lost definition.
Contours disappear across
back and sides as cow takes
on a smooth, block-like
appearance. Tailhead and
hips buried in fatty tissue
and look blocky; "rounds" or
"pones" of fat are
protruding. Bone structure
no longer visible and barely
palpable. Large fatty
deposits may even impair
animal's mobility.
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