Breeding. This stage in the production
cycle is an important time to have lactating
animals at an optimum body condition score
(5 for beef and horses; 3 for dairy, sheep, and
swine). It is important that cows have
enough energy reserves to produce adequate
milk, resume estrus, and conceive in a timely
period. In other species, body condition at
breeding may not be as critical, but it is best
to have the herd at moderate body condition
so that they will be able to maintain optimum
reproductive efficiency.