title: Body condition score and its correlation with ultrasonographic back fat thickness in transition crossbred cows.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to study the effect of the transition to body condition score (BCS) and ultrasonographic back fat thickness (USG BFT) in crossbred cows.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 101 multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from organized dairy farm were taken up for study. The cows were grouped according to transition stage, i.e. far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh (F). BCS was estimated by using the five point visual BCS technique with 0.5 increments. The USG BFT was measured by real-time ultrasound using a portable Sonosite instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In cows with BCS 2-2.5, the BFT of F period was significantly lower than FOD period. In cows with BCS 3-3.5, the mean BFT at F period was significantly reduced as compared to FOD and CUD period. The overall correlation coefficient between BCS and BFT for different transition stages was 84%, 79% and 75% for FOD, CUD and F period, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The USG BFT gives an accurate measure of fat reserves in cows. The cows with BCS of ≥3.5 entering the transition period are more prone to lose body condition and hence require better and robust management during the transition period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Randhir
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: S N S
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Randhawa
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana Punjab, India.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Randhawa
keywords: back fat thickness; body condition score; cow; transition period