Course Description

What is body condition scoring?

Importance of Body Condition Scoring in Animal Health

  1. Nutritional Assessment:
    • Ensures animals receive appropriate diets based on their current condition.
    • Helps in formulating feeding programs to achieve optimal health.
  2. Health Monitoring:
    • Early detection of health issues such as obesity or malnutrition.
    • Tracking changes in body condition can indicate underlying health problems.
  3. Breeding Management:
    • Ensures breeding animals are in ideal condition to maximize reproductive success.
    • Prevents issues related to over or underweight breeding stock.
  4. Animal Welfare:
    • Promotes the overall well-being and longevity of animals.
    • Ensures animals in shelters and under care are in good health.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the principles and importance of body condition scoring.
  • Learn to accurately assess the body condition of various species.
  • Develop skills to apply BCS in practical settings for health monitoring and management.
  • Promote animal welfare through proper nutritional and health assessments.


Body condition scoring is a vital tool in the assessment and management of animal health. This course equips animal control officers, shelter staff, and other animal services personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use BCS in their daily work, ensuring the well-being of the animals under their care.

 

Continuing Education Credit

Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for continuing education credits from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals may apply to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This class is approved for Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection Agents for CE credit.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Body Condition Scoring for Common Animal Species

    • Video Presentation (2:02:46)

    • Key Points

    • PowerPoint Presentation

    • Equine Body Condition Scoring Sheet

  • 2

    Next Steps

    • Completion