Description

Visual aspect of the goat: The backbone and ribs are not visible. The side of the animal is sleek in appearance.

It is impossible to grasp the spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae, which are wrapped in a thick layer of muscle and fat. The spinous processes form a continuous line. There is a rounded transition from spinous to transverse processes.

The outline of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae is no longer discernible. The transverse processes are a smooth, rounded edge, with no individual processes discernible.

Sternal fat is difficult to grasp because of its width and depth. It cannot be moved from side to side.

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.