Choosing Correct Goat Based on Body Condition Score (BCS)

Body Condition Score (BCS):

Body condition score or BCS refers to the amount of fat covering the body. External fat can be measured by palpating the spine, ribs and hip bone area. The goats are then assigned a numeric value between 1 (thin) and 9 (obese) to determine fat density. BCS are a good indicator of the nutritional status and health of the animal.

System for Assessing Body Condition Scores in Meat Goats

Thin (1-3)


1 Emaciated- Goat extremely thin; no fat covering the spine and hip bone areas. The tail bone and hip bone areas are quite pronounced and the individual ribs can be seen without palpation.

2 Poor- Goat is still fairly thin. There is little fat covering the spine and hip bone regions. The hips, ribs and tail bone are less prominent.

3 Thin-Ribs are still individually identifiable. There is little fat covering the tail head and spine areas.

Borderline To Moderate Condition( 4-5)

4 Borderline- The spine and the ribs can be individually identified by palpation, but feel rounded rather than sharp. Some fat is over the ribs.

5 Moderate- The goat has a good overall appearance. Fat is over the ribs, hips, and tail bone areas and feels spongy to the touch.

Moderate To Fat (6-7)

6 High Moderate- Firm pressure now needs to be applied to feel the spinous processes. Fat is observable and palpable over the ribs and tail head area.

7 Good- Animal appears fleshy and obviously carriers a considerable amount of fat. Very spongy fat covers ribs and tail head areas.

8 Fat- The goat is very fleshy and overcondition. Spinous and transverse processes are almost impossible to palpate.

9 Extremely Fat (obese)- The goat appears blocky, tail head and hips are buried in fatty tissue. Bone structure is barely viable and is not palpable. Animal may have difficulty in mobility and kidding. Does in this condition may also have an increased chance of having pregnancy toxemia.

Semoga dapat membantu anda dalm membuat pilihan kambing yang ingin dibeli. Pilihlah yang sesuai jangan terlalu obes dan kurus kering (^^)