Abstract

This study compared the accuracy of farmers and technicians at identifying ewes of inadequate body condition score (BCS; <3) using a visual method as ewes moved down a drafting race compared to physical palpation of the lumbar spine. At each of 0, 3- and 6-months wool growth, eight participants assessed a mob of 100 ewes of known BCS to identify those of inadequate BCS. At 0-months wool growth participants were highly accurate with both methods at determining that ewes who were BCS ≤2.0. At 3- and 6-months wool growth they were less accurate using either method, there were no differences between the two methods.

Ridler, A.L., Kenyon P.R., and Corner-Thomas R.A.

Hamilton, Volume 85, Hamilton, 32-34, 2025