Long hair can often make it difficult to correctly evaluate the body condition score of a beef cow or heifer. When the hair on the cow is long, palpating the specific areas of fat deposition is particularly important, as shown in Figure 2. Cows should be palpated over the back, ribs, and over the horizontal processes of the backbone (edge of loin). 'Thin' cows will have a sharper feel in these areas than cows with moderate or fat body conditions.