When do I condition score?

Cows need scoring at 5 distinct stages of the production cycle:

• Late lactation (250 days in milk)
• Dry-off
• Calving
• Post-calving examination (21 days)
• Mid lactation 

Late lactation is the most crucial since condition at this time has a knock-on effect on the whole of the subsequent production period. A cow within the optimum condition score range in this period will be much more likely to:

• Have fewer calving problems
• Have a better appetite after calving
• Have a lower incidence of retained cleansings
• Demonstrate a more controlled and gradual use of body reserves in early lactation than fatter cows
• Attain her potential peak yield
• Produce high quality milk (butterfat and protein %)
• Milk to her full genetic potential over the whole lactation period
• Show a lower level of sub/clinical ketosis and fatty liver syndrome
• Get back in calf according to plan