Relationship between the body condition and the main judgement characteristics of Holstein-Friesian cows

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate correlation between body condition score (BCS) and 5 main
conformation parameters in Holstein cattle. The dataset consisted of 861 first-, 964 second-, and 634 third
lactation cows. During the analysis of final class the details of the cows were grouped according to the BCS
at classification (2-3 point, 4 point, 5 point, 6-8 point). The results of these groups were compared to the
results within the number of lactations. The correlation examinations were also analysed within the lactation
groups. The data were analyzed by the method of variance. The relationship between variables was examined
with correlation analysis tests (Pearson's correlation coefficient).
The values of the body score changed between 77.58 and 84.23., correlation ranged from 0.06 (third
lactation) to 0.20 (first lactation). The correlation analysis confirmed a positive, medium tightness in the
relationship between the body condition and the legs, (between r=0.19 and r=0.31) within the lactation
groups. When investigating the relationship between the body condition and the dairy strength. We found a
negative correlation between these two characteristics. The correlation analysis confirmed only a loose
correlation (r=0.03 and r=0.13 between the udder score and the body condition. When examining the final
class it was again the scores of the cows with the weakest condition that were the lowest.
These results show that classification should be made later, probably in the 5th or 6th month of the lactation.