Effect of body condition score on ewe productivity

Body condition score (BCS) significantly impacts ewe productivity, with each one-unit increase in BCS linked to 0.13 more lambs born and 0.1 more lambs reared per ewe. BCS assessments at weaning and before mating are essential, as a one-unit BCS change correlates with a 12 kg live weight gain on good-quality grass. Visual indicators include the prominence of spinous and transverse processes, fat cover, and muscle condition, ranging from BCS 1 (sharp, no fat) to BCS 5 (completely obscured, very full muscle). The study was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement No 727895.