Live weight should not solely be used as an indicator of nutritional status of beef cows in a herd. Research indicates that body condition is a more reliable indicator of nutritional status than liveweight. Most herds have cows that range in age, frame size, and muscling all of which impact the weight of the animals. Therefore, only using liveweight may over- or under-estimate the amount of body fat. Liveweight is also affected greatly by gut fill and pregnancy. Weight and body condition will vary depending on the physiological state of the cow, forage quality and availability, and the body condition of the cow.