Description

Visual aspect of the goat: The backbone is not prominent. Ribs are barely discernible; an even layer of fat covers them. Intercostal spaces can be felt by using pressure.

The spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae cannot be easily grasped because the tissue layer covering the vertebrae is thick. A slight hollow can be felt when a finger is run over the spinous processes. There is a smooth slope in the transition from spinous to transverse processes.

The outline of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae is slightly discernible. Less than one-quarter of the length of the transverse processes is discernible.

Sternal fat is wide and thick. It can still be grasped but has very little movement. Joints joining cartilage and ribs are barely noticeable.

To compare these BCS side-by-side, go to http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/research/bcs.html

Reference: Detweiler, G., T. Gipson, R. C. Merkel, A. Goetsch, and T. Sahlu. 2008. Body Condition Scores in Goats. Pages 127-133 in Proc. 23rd Ann. Goat Field Day, Langston University, Langston, OK.