A novel scoring system for monitoring the relationship between nutritional efficiency and fertility in dairy cows

A decline in body condition score (BCS) of more than 0.5 points is known to have negative effects on fertility. Therefore, it is used as a tool for decision-making in feeding management. However, changes in BCS take weeks or months, which is too tong for accurate and timely adjustments in feeding management. A scoring system which yields information about nutritional efficiency faster and which facilitates adjustment was presented. Criteria for monitoring rumen fill, faecal consistency, undigested faecal particles and examinations of the genital tract were given. The data were further processed into odds ratios in order to provide the farmer with a risk indication about his actual feeding management. This scoring system should attract the farmer's attention to feeding inadequacies at an early stage so that, after discussion between farmer, veterinarian and nutritionist, the ration can be adjusted to improve fertility.