Weather and Housing Effects
Weather and the type of housing used
influence the target condition scores desired,
especially when animals are outside or
maintained in cold housing. Slightly higher
condition scores relative to general ranges
given for specific production stages are often
desirable when prolonged periods of wet and/
or cold weather is expected. This is dependent
upon whether windbreaks are available,
amount of mud, rain, or snow, hair/wool, and
the diet available for the animals. Increased
body condition score gives the animal increased
insulation and energy reserves during
periods of inclement weather. Further, body
condition may be expected to fall if feed
intake declines during periods of high heat
and humidity.