The Condition Score
Only animals with a condition score greater than 3 should be
considered fit for human consumption.
Shape
and covering determine condition scores
Score Number |
Condition |
Description |
Shape of body |
5 |
Overfat |
Hips and backbone
heavily covered |
Bulbous |
4 |
Fat |
Hips and backbone
cannot be felt |
Tending to bulge |
3.5 |
Good condition |
Hips and backbone
only felt with difficulty |
Tube shape |
3 |
Normal |
Hips and backbone only
felt with firm palm pressure |
Tube shaped |
2.5 |
Somewhat thin |
Hips and backbone
felt without palm pressure |
Tube shaped but flat
(slab) sides |
2 |
Thin |
Hips and backbone
noticeable and easily felt |
Ribs and spine can be
felt |
1 |
Emaciated |
Hips and backbone
visible |
Bone structure
apparent (ribs and backbone) |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Back fat meter may be more useful.
However, note condition score and back fat correlation differs
between different breeds
Body score calculator spreadsheet