Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics

References

• Abdel-Mageed I 2009. Body condition scoring of local Ossimi ewes at mating and its impact on fertility and prolificacy. Egyptian Journal of Sheep and Goat Sciences 4: 37–44.
   Google Scholar
• Adalsteinsson S 1979. The independent effects of live weight and body condition on fecundity and productivity of Icelandic ewes. Animal Production 28: 13–23. 10.1017/S0003356100023011
   Google Scholar
• Aliyari D, Moeini MM, Shahir MH, Sirijani MA 2012. Effect of body condition score, live weight and age on reproductive performance of Afshari ewes. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 7: 904–909. 10.3923/ajava.2012.904.909
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Al-Sabbagh TA, Swanson LV, Thompson JM 1995. The effect of body condition at lambing on colostral immunoglobulin G concentration and lamb performance. Journal of Animal Science 73: 2860–2864.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Al-Sabbagh T 2009. Colotral immunoglobulin as affected by nutritional status in Border Leicester Merino ewes Deliver at Kuwait. Global Veterinaria 3: 281–285.
   Google Scholar
• Alvarez JM, Garcia Vinent JC, Minon DP, Giorgetti HD, Rodriguez G, Baselga Izquierdo M 2007. Factors that affect lamb growth. 1. Influence of ewe body condition. Revista Argentina de Produccion Animal 27: 317–318.
   Google Scholar
• Annett RM, Carson AF, Dawson LER, Irvin D, Gordon AW, Kilpatrick DJ 2011. Comparison of the longevity and lifetime performance of Scottish blackface ewes and their crosses within hill sheep flocks. Animal 5: 347–355.
   Google Scholar
• Anon. 2010. Sheep and beef cattle, code of welfare 2010. National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Wellington, New Zealand, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. Pp. 12–13.
   Google Scholar
• Anon. 2013. Ewe body condition scoring (BCS) handbook. 2013. Wellington, Beef + Lamb NZ. Pp. 1–25. http://www.beeflambnz.com/Documents/Farm/Ewe%20body%20condition%20scoring%20handbook.pdf (accessed 23 January 2014).
   Google Scholar
• Atti N, Nefzaoui A, Bocquier F 1995. Effect of body condition at lambing on performance, energy balance and concentrations of plasma metabolites in Barbary ewes. Options Mediterraneennes. Serie A, Seminairies Mediterraneens 27: 25–33.
   Google Scholar
• Atti N, Theriez M, Abdennebi L 2001. Relationship between ewe body condition at mating and reproductive performance in the fat-tailed Barbarine breed. Animal Research 50: 135–144. 10.1051/animres:2001121
   Google Scholar
• Banchero G, Quintans G 2007. Lamb vigour of Merino ewes in high and low body condition with or without a lupin supplements during the last two weeks of pregnancy. In: Jeungel JL, Murray JF, Smith MF eds. Reproduction in domestic ruminants VI: Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestics Ruminants, Wellington, New Zealand, August 2006. Nottingham, Nottingham University Press. 495 p.
   Google Scholar
• Bastiman B 1972. The effect of ewe condition at tupping on lambing performance. Experimental Husbandry 22: 22–24.
   Google Scholar
• Blache D, Zhang S, Martin GB 2003. Fertility in males: modulators of the acute effects of nutrition on the reproductive axis of male sheep. In: Campbell BK, Webb R, Dobson H, Doberska C eds. Reproduction in domestic ruminants V. Cambridge, Society for Reproduction and Fertility. pp. 387–402.
   Google Scholar
• Calavas D, Sulpice P, Lepetitcolin E, Bugnard F 1998. Assessing the accuracy of body condition scoring in ewes under filed conditions. Veterinary Research 29: 129–138.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Caldeira RM, Belo AT, Santos CC, Vazques MI, Portugal AV 2007. The effect of long-term feed restriction and over-nutrition on body condition score, blood metabolites and hormonal profiles in ewes. Small Ruminant Research 68: 242–255. 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.08.026
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cannas A 2002. Feeding of lactating ewes. In: Pulina G ed. Dairy sheep feeding and nutrition. Bologna, Avenue Media. Pp 123–166.
   Google Scholar
• Corner-Thomas RA, Kenyon PR, Morris ST, Greer AW, Logan CM, Ridler AL et al. 2013. A study examining the New Zealand breed composition, management tool use and research needs of commercial sheep farmers and ram breeders. In: Proceedings of the 20th Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics [AAABG], Napier, New Zealand, 20–23 October 2013. Pp. 18–21.
   Google Scholar
• Cumming IA, Blockey MA, Winfield CG, Parr RA, Williams AH 1975. A study of relationships of breed, time of mating, level of nutrition, live weight, body condition, and face cover to embryo survival in ewes. Journal of Agricultural Science (Cambridge) 84: 559–565. 10.1017/S0021859600052783
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Curnow M, Oldham CM, Behrendt R, Gordon DJ, Hyder MW, Rose IJ, et al. 2011. Successful adoption of new guidelines for the nutritional management of ewes is dependent on the development of appropriate tools and information. Animal Production Science 51: 851–856. 10.1071/EA08305
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Delfa R, Teixeira A, Colomer-Rocher F 1989. A note on the use of a lumbar joint as a predictor of body depots in Aragonesa ewes with different body condition scores. Animal Production 49: 327–329. 10.1017/S0003356100032487
   Google Scholar
• Ducker MJ, Boyd JS 1977. The effect of body size and body condition on the ovulation rate of ewes. Animal Production 24: 377–385. 10.1017/S0003356100011880
   Google Scholar
• Evans DG 1978. The interpretation and analysis of subjective body condition scores. Animal Production 26: 119–125. 10.1017/S0003356100039520
   Google Scholar
• Everett-Hincks JM, Blair HT, Stafford KJ, Lopez-Villalobos N 2004. The effect of ewe nutrition on maternal behaviour score and litter survival. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 64: 188–191.
   Google Scholar
• Everett-Hincks JM, Cullen NG 2009. Genetic parameters for ewe rearing performance. Journal of Animal Science 87: 2753–2758. 10.2527/jas.2008-0858
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Everett-Hincks JM, Dodds KG 2007. Management of maternal-offspring behaviour to improve lamb survival in easy care sheep systems. Journal of Animal Science 86: 259–270. 10.2527/jas.2007-0503
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Everett-Hincks JM, Stevens D, Rendel JM, Smith T 2013. The effect of ewe prelamb condition score on triplet performance in a commercial flock. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 73: 126–130.
   Google Scholar
• Everitt GC 1962. On the assessment of body composition in live sheep and cattle. Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production 4: 79–89.
   Google Scholar
• Esmailizadeh AK, Dayani O, Mokhtari MS 2009. Lambing season and fertility of fat-tailed ewes under an extensive production system are associated with liveweight and body condition around mating. Animal Production Science 49: 1086–1092. 10.1071/AN09064
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Farm Animal Welfare Council 1992. The five freedoms. Farm animal welfare council. London, press release.
   Google Scholar
• Forcada F, Abecia JA, Sierra I 1992. Seasonal changes in oestrous activity and ovulation rate in Rasa Aragonesa ewes maintained at two different body condition levels. Small Ruminant Research 8: 313–324. 10.1016/0921-4488(92)90212-M
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Freer M, Dive H, Nolan JV 2007. Nutrient requirements of domesticated ruminants. Collingwood, CSIRO Publishing. Pp. 50–61.
   Google Scholar
• Frutos P, Mantecon AR, Giraldez FJ 1997. Relationship of body condition score and live weight with body composition in mature Churra ewes. Animal Science 64: 447–452. 10.1017/S1357729800016052
   Google Scholar
• Geisler PA, Fenlon JS 1979. The effect of body weight and its components on lambing performance in some commercial flocks in Britain. Animal Production 28: 245–255. 10.1017/S0003356100042550
   Google Scholar
• Gibb MJ, Treacher TT 1980. The effect of ewe body condition at lambing on the performance of ewes and their lambs at pasture. Journal of Agricultural Science 95: 631–640. 10.1017/S0021859600088031
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gibb MJ, Treacher TT 1982. The effect of body condition and nutrition during late pregnancy on the performance of grazing ewes during lactation. Animal Production 34: 123–129. 10.1017/S0003356100000593
   Google Scholar
• Glimp HA, Ringkob TP, Bruce LB, Lawler WC, Butler RF 1998. Influence of cull ewe body condition on carcass composition. Sheep and Goat Research Journal 14: 180–184.
   Google Scholar
• Gonzalez RE, Labuonora D, Russel AJF 1997. The effects of ewe live weight and body condition score around mating on production from four sheep breeds in extensive grazing systems in Uruguay. Animal Science 64: 139–145. 10.1017/S1357729800015642
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Doney JM 1975. The interaction of nutrition and body condition at mating on ovulation rates and early embryo mortality in Scottish Blackface ewes. Journal of Agricultural Science 85: 465–470. 10.1017/S0021859600062341
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Doney JM 1979. Fertility in Cheviot ewes. 1. The effect of body condition at mating on ovulation rate and early embryo mortality in North and South country Cheviot ewes. Animal Production 29: 11–16. 10.1017/S0003356100012101
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Doney JM, Russel AJF 1969. Fertility in Scottish Blackface ewes as influenced by nutrition and body condition at mating. Animal Science 73: 289–294.
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Doney JM, Russel AJF 1972. Embryo mortality in Scottish Blackface ewes as influenced by body condition at mating and by post mating nutrition. Animal Science 79: 19–25.
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Maxwell TJ, Sim DA, Jones JR, James ME 1991a. The effect of level of nutrition prior to mating on the reproductive performance of ewes of two Welsh breeds in different levels of body condition. Animal Production 52: 157–163. 10.1017/S0003356100005791
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Rhind SM, Maxwell TJ, Sim DA, Jones JR, James ME 1988. The effect of sward height and active immunization against androstenedione on reproductive performance of ewes of two Welsh breeds in different body conditions. Animal Production 46: 417–426. 10.1017/S0003356100019024
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Smith WF, Senior AJ, Barthram E, Sim DA 1983. Pre-mating pasture intake and reproductive responses in north country Cheviot ewes in different body conditions. Animal Production 36: 509.
   Google Scholar
• Gunn RG, Smith WF, Senior AJ, Barthram E, Sim DA, Hunter EA 1991b. Pre-mating herbage intake and the reproductive performance of north country Cheviot ewes in different levels of body condition. Animal Production 52: 149–156. 10.1017/S000335610000578X
   Google Scholar
• Hocking-Edwards JE, Copping KJ, Thompson AN 2011. Managing the nutrition of twin-bearing ewes during pregnancy using Lifetimewool recommendations increases production in twin lambs. Animal Production Science 51: 813–820. 10.1071/AN09158
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hossamo HE, Owen JB, Farid MFA 1986. Body condition score and production in fat-tailed Awassi sheep under range conditions. Research and Development in Agriculture 3: 99–104.
   Google Scholar
• Jefferies BC 1961Body condition scoring and its use in management. Tasmanian Journal of Agriculture 32: 19–21.
   Google Scholar
• Jones A, van Burgel AJ, Behrendt R, Curnow M, Gordon DJ, Oldham CM, et al. 2011. Evaluation of the impact of Lifetimewool on sheep producers. Animal Production Science 51: 857–865. 10.1071/EA08303
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Keeling LJ, Rushen J, Duncan IJH 2011. Understanding animal welfare. In: Appleby MC, Mench JA, Olsson IAS and Hughes BO eds. Animal welfare. Wallingford, CAB International. Pp. 13–26.
   Google Scholar
• Kelly RW 1982. Reproductive performance of commercial sheep flocks in South Island districts. 1 Flock performance and sources of wastage between joining and tailing. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 25: 175–183. 10.1080/00288233.1982.10420909
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kenyon PR, Hickson RE, Hutton PG, Morris ST, Stafford KJ, West DM 2012a. Effect of twin-bearing ewe body condition score and late pregnancy nutrition on lamb performance. Animal Production Science 52: 483–490. 10.1071/AN12085
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kenyon PR, Morel PCH, Morris ST 2004a. Effect of ewe liveweight and condition score at mating, and mid-pregnancy shearing, on birthweights and growth rates of twin lambs to weaning. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 52: 145–149. 10.1080/00480169.2004.36419
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kenyon PR, Morel PCH, Morris ST 2004b. The effect of individual liveweight and condition scores of ewes at mating on reproductive and scanning performance. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 52: 230–235. 10.1080/00480169.2004.36433
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kenyon PR, Morris ST, Hickson RE, Stafford KJ, West DM 2012b. Nutritional restriction of triplet-bearing ewes and body condition score has minimal impacts. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 55: 359–370. 10.1080/00288233.2012.720264
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kenyon PR, Morris ST, Stafford KJ, West DM 2011. The effect of ewe body condition and nutrition in late pregnancy on the performance of triplet-bearing ewes and their progeny. Animal Production Science 51: 557–564. 10.1071/AN10192
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kirton AH, Johnson DL 1977. Interrelationships between GR and other lamb carcass fatness measurements. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 37: 194–201.
   Google Scholar
• Kirton AH, Sinclair DP, Dobbie JL 1978. Overfat lambs: significance, GR measurement and management strategies. In: ‘Proceedings of the Ruakura Farmers’ Conference 1978’. Farm Production and Practice 126. Wellington, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. P. 126.
   Google Scholar
• Kleemann DO, Grosser TI, Walker SK 2006. Fertility in South Australian commercial Merino flocks: aspects of management. Theriogenology 65: 1649–1665. 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.08.026
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kleemann DO, Walker SK 2005. Fertility in South Australian commercial Merino flocks: relationships between reproductive traits and environmental cues. Theriogenology 63: 2416–2433. 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.09.052
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Knight TW 1990. Reproductive wastage, a guide for fundamental research: a New Zealand perspective. In: Oldham CM, Martin GB, Purvis IW eds. Reproductive physiology of Merino sheep: concepts and consequences. Perth, University of Western Australia. Pp. 11–22.
   Google Scholar
• Knight TW, Hockey H-UP 1982. Ovulation rates in Marshall Romney and Romney ewes: effects of body size and condition score. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 42: 25–27.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Knight TW, Oldham CM, Smith JF, Lindsay DR 1975. Studies in ovine infertility in agricultural regions in Western Australia: analysis of reproductive wastage. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 15: 183–188. 10.1071/EA9750183
   Google Scholar
• Lindsay DR, Knight TW, Smith JF, Oldham CM 1975. Studies in ovine fertility in agricultural regions of Western Australia: ovulation rate, fertility and lambing performance. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 26: 189–198. 10.1071/AR9750189
   Google Scholar
• Litherland AJ, Lambert MG, McLaren PN 1999. Effects of herbage mass and ewe condition score at lambing on lamb survival and liveweight gain. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 59: 104–107.
   Google Scholar
• McInnes P, Smith MD 1966. The effect of nutrition before mating on the reproductive performance of Merino ewes. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 6: 455–459. 10.1071/EA9660455
   Google Scholar
• McKenzie FF, Phillips RW 1934. Measuring fertility in the ram. A preliminary report. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 84: 189.
   Google Scholar
• McNeill DM, Kelly RW, Williams IH 1997a. The partition of nutrients in ewes maintained in a moderate compared with a lean body condition in late pregnancy. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 48: 743–752. 10.1071/A95155
   Google Scholar
• McNeill DM, Kelly RW, Williams IH 1997b. Insulin sensitivity and fetal growth in ewes maintained in a moderate body condition compared with a lean body condition in late pregnancy. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 48: 753–758. 10.1071/A96133
   Google Scholar
• McNeilly AS, Janassen JA, Rhind SM 1987. Reduced ovarian follicular development as a consequence of low body condition in ewes. Acta Endocrinologcia 115: 75–83.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mathias-Davis HC, Shackell GH, Greer GJ, Bryant AI.Everett-Hincks JM 2013. Ewe body condition score and the effect on lamb growth rate. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 73: 131–135.
   Google Scholar
• Mathias-Davis HC, Shackell GH, Greer GJ, Everett-Hincks JM 2011. The association of ewe body condition with weight of lamb weaned. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 71: 62–65.
   Google Scholar
• Martin GB, Blache D, Miller DW, Vercoe PE 2010. Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant. Animal 4: 1214–1226. 10.1017/S1751731109991674
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Maurya VP, Kumar S, Kumar D, Gulyani R, Joshi A, Naqvi SM, et al. 2009. Effect of body condition score on reproductive performance of Chokla ewes. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 79: 1136–1138.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Maurya VP, Sejian V, Kumar D, Naqvi SMK 2010. Effect of induced body condition score differences on sexual behavior, scrotal measurements, semen attributes and endocrine responses in Malpura rams under hot semi-arid environment. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 94: e308–e317. 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01012.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Milligan KE, Broadbent JS 1974. Condition scoring of sheep. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 34: 114.
   Google Scholar
• Molina A, Gallego L, Perez JI, Bernabeu R 1991. Growth of Manchega lambs in relation to body condition of dam, season of birth, type of birth and sex. Avances en Alimentacion y Mejora Animal 31: 198–205.
   Google Scholar
• Molina A, Gallego L, Torres A, Vergara H 1994. Effect of mating season and level of body reserves on fertility and prolificacy of Manchega ewes. Small Ruminant Research 14: 209–217. 10.1016/0921-4488(94)90043-4
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Morel PCH, Kenyon PR 2006. Sensitivity analysis of weaner lamb production in New Zealand. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 66: 377–381.
   Google Scholar
• Morgan-Davies C, Waterhouse A, Pollock ML, Milner JM 2008. Body condition score as an indicator of ewe survival under extensive conditions. Animal Welfare 17: 71–77.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mori A 1959. Studies on the reproductive failure of ram caused by underfeeding. 1. On the effect of underfeeding upon the mating potency of ram, and the effects of normal feeding upon its recovery from impotence. Tohoku Journal of Agricultural Research 10: 263–281.
   Google Scholar
• Moxham RW, Brownlie LE 1976. Sheep carcase grading and classification in Australia. Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding 23: 17–25.
   Google Scholar
• Murray JA 1919. Meat production. Journal of Agricultural Science (Cambridge) 9: 174–181. 10.1017/S0021859600004767
   Google Scholar
• Newton JE, Betts JE, Wilde R 1980. The effect of body condition and time of mating on the reproductive performance of Masham ewes. Animal Production 30: 253–260. 10.1017/S000335610002403X
   Google Scholar
• Nicol AM, Brookes IM 2007. The metabolisable energy requirments of grazing livestock. In: Rattray PV, Brookes IM, Nicol AMeds. Pasture and supplements for grazing animals. Occasional Publication No. 14. Hamilton, New Zealand Society of Animal Production. Pp. 151–172.
   Google Scholar
• Oldham CM, Thompson AN, Ferguson MB, Gordon DJ, Kearney GA, Paganoni BL 2011. The birthweight and survival of Merino lambs can be predicted from the profile of live weight change of their mothers during pregnancy. Animal Production Science 51: 776–783. 10.1071/AN10155
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Oregui LM, Bravo MV, Gabina D 2004. Relationship between body condition score and reproductive or productive parameters in Latxa ewes. Archivos de Zootecnia 53: 47–58.
   Google Scholar
• Orr MB, Chalmers M 1988. A field study of the association between periodontal disease and body condition in sheep. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 36: 171–172. 10.1080/00480169.1988.35524
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Osgerby JC, Gadd TS, Wathes DC 2003. The effects of maternal nutrition and body condition on placental and foetal growth in the ewe. Placenta 24: 236–247. 10.1053/plac.2002.0902
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Parr RA 1992. Nutrition-Progesterone interactions during early pregnancy in sheep. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 4: 297–300. 10.1071/RD9920297
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Phythian CJ, Hughes D, Michalopoulou E, Cripps PJ, Duncan JS 2012. Reliability of body condition scoring of sheep for cross-farm assessments. Small Ruminant Research 104: 156–162. 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.10.001
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Phythian CJ, Michalopoulou E, Jones PH, Winter AC, Clarkson MJ, Stubbings LA, et al. 2011. Validating indicators of sheep welfare through a consensus of expert opinion. Animal 5: 943–952. 10.1017/S1751731110002594
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pollott GE, Kilkenny JB 1976. A note on the use of condition scoring in commercial sheep flocks. Animal Production 23: 261–264. 10.1017/S0003356100031366
   Google Scholar
• Pulina G, Nudda A, Battacone G, Dimauro C, Mazzette A, Bomboi G, et al. 2012. Effects of short term feed restriction on milk yield and composition, and hormone and metabolite profiles in mid-lactation Sarda dairy sheep with different body condition score. Italian Journal of Animal Science 11e28: 150–158.
   Google Scholar
• Rauw W 2008. Allocation of resources to reproduction. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
   Google Scholar
• Rhind SM, Doney JM, Gunn RG, Leslie ID 1984a. Effects of body condition and environmental stress on ovulation rate, embryo survival, and associated plasma follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone profiles in Scottish Blackface ewes. Animal Production 38: 201–209. 10.1017/S0003356100002191
   Google Scholar
• Rhind SM, Gunn RG, Doney JM, Leslie ID 1984b. A note on the reproductive performance of greyface ewes in moderately fat and very fat condition at mating. Animal Production 38: 305–307. 10.1017/S0003356100002324
   Google Scholar
• Rhind SM, McNeilly AS 1986. Follicle populations, ovulation rates and plasma profiles of LH, FSH, and prolactin in Scottish Blackface ewes in high and low levels of body condition. Animal Reproduction Science 10: 105–115. 10.1016/0378-4320(86)90022-9
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rondon Z, Forcada F, Zarazaga L, Abecia JA, Lozano JM 1996. Oestrous activity, ovulation rates and plasma melatonin concentrations in Rasa Aragonesa ewes maintained at two different and constant body condition scores levels and implanted or reimplanted with melatonin. Animal Reproduction Science 41: 225–236. 10.1016/0378-4320(95)01451-9
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rozeboom KJ, Neale BD, Darroch CS 2007. Relationships among ewe body condition scores, lamb vigour, colostral quality, milk composition and reproductive performance. Journal of Animal Science 85: Supplement 2, 138.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Russel AJF 1984a. Means of assessing the adequacy of nutrition of pregnant ewes. Livestock Production Science 11: 429–436. 10.1016/0301-6226(84)90054-X
   Google Scholar
• Russel A 1984b. Body condition scoring of Sheep. In Practice 5: 91–93. 10.1136/inpract.6.3.91
   Google Scholar
• Russel A 1985. Nutrition of the pregnant ewe. In Practice 1: 23–28. 10.1136/inpract.7.1.23
   Google Scholar
• Russel AJF, Doney JM, Gunn RG 1969. Subjective assessment of body fat in live sheep. Journal of Agricultural Science (Cambridge) 72: 451–454. 10.1017/S0021859600024874
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Russel AJF, Doney JM, Gunn RG 1971. The distribution of chemical fat in the bodies of Scottish Blackface ewes. Animal Production 13: 503–509. 10.1017/S0003356100010692
   Google Scholar
• Sanson DW, West TR, Tatman WR, Riley ML, Judkins MB, Moss GE 1993. Relationship of body composition of mature ewes with condition score and body weight. Journal of Animal Science 71: 1112–1116.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Saul G, Kearney G, Borg D 2011. Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria 2. Animal production from ewes and lambs. Animal Production Science 51: 982–989. 10.1071/AN11010
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Scaramuzzi R, Campbell B, Downing J, Kendall N, Khalid M, Munoz-Gutierrez M, et al. 2006. A review of the effects of supplementary nutrition in the ewe on the concentrations of reproductive and metabolic hormones and the mechanisms that regulate folliculogenesis and ovulation rate. Reproduction Nutrition and Development 46: 339–354. 10.1051/rnd:2006016
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Sejian V, Maurya VP, Naqvi SMK, Kumar D, Joshi A 2009. Effect of induced body condition score differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes kept in a hot, semi-arid environment. Journal of Animal Physiological and Animal Nutrition 94: 154–161. 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2008.00896.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Shackell GH, Cullen NG, Greer GJ 2011. Genetic parameters associated with adult ewe liveweight and body condition. Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics 19: 103–106.
   Google Scholar
• Shands CG, McLeod B, Lollback ML, Duddy G, Hatcher S, O'Halloran WJO 2009. Comparison of manual assessments of ewe fat reserves for on-farm use. Animal Production Sceince 49: 630–636. 10.1071/AN09031
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sibbald AM, Rhind SM 1997. The effect of previous body condition on appetite and associated insulin profiles in sheep. Animal Science 64: 247–252. 10.1017/S1357729800015800
   Google Scholar
• Smith JF 1991. A Review of recent developments on the effect of nutrition on ovulation rate (the flushing) effect with particular reference to research at Ruakura. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal production 51: 15–23.
   Google Scholar
• Teixeira A, Delfa R, Colomer-Rocher F 1989. Relationships between fat deports and body condition score or tail fatness in the Rasa Aragonesa breed. Animal Production 49: 275–280. 10.1017/S0003356100032402
   Google Scholar
• Thompson AN, Ferguson MB, Campbell AJD, Gordon DJ, Kearney GA, Oldham CM, et al. 2011. Improving the nutrition of Merino ewes during pregnancy and lactation increases weaning weight and survival of progeny but does not affect their mature size. Animal Production Science 51: 784–793. 10.1071/AN09139
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Trompf JP, Gordon DJ, Behrendt R, Curnow M, Kildey LC, Thompson AN 2011. Participation in Lifetime Ewe Management results in changes in stocking rate, ewe management and reproductive performance of commercial farms. Animal Production Science 51: 866–872. 10.1071/AN10164
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• van Burgel A, Curnow M, Gordon D, Oldham C, Speijers J 2004. Lifetimewool 13 calibration of condition scoring between operators. Animal Production in Australia 25: 338.
   Google Scholar
• van Burgel AJ, Oldham CM, Behrendt R, Curnow M, Gordon DJ, Thompson AN 2011. The merit of condition score and fat scores as alternatives to live weight for managing the nutrition of ewes. Animal Production Science 51: 834–841. 10.1071/AN09146
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vatankhah M, Talebi MA, Zamani F 2012. Relationship between ewe body condition score (BCS) at mating and reproductive and productive traits in Lori-Bakhtiari Sheep. Small Ruminant Research 106: 105–109. 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2012.02.004
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verbeek E, Waas JR, Oliver MH, McLeay LM, Ferguson DM, Matthews LR 2012. Motivation to obtain a food reward of pregnant ewes in negative energy balance: behavioural, metabolic and endocrine considerations. Hormones and Behaviour 62: 162–172. 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.06.006
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vinoles C, Forsberg M, Banchero G, Rubianes E 2002. Ovarian follicular dynamics and endrocrine profiles in Polwarth ewes with high and low body condition. Animal Science 74: 539–545.
   Google Scholar
• Wilson JW, English PR, Macdonald DC, Bampton PR, Warren M, Birnie M, et al. 1985. Factors influencing lamb growth rate in an upland flock of Blackface ewes producing Greyface lambs. Animal Production 40: 519–573. 10.1017/S000335610004023X
   Google Scholar
• Yates WJ, Gleeson AR 1975. Relationships between condition score and carcase composition of pregnant Merino sheep. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 15: 467–470. 10.1071/EA9750467
   Google Scholar
• Yilmaz M, Altin T, Karaca O, Cemal I, Bardakcioglu HE, Yilmaz O, et al. 2011. Effect of body condition scote at mating on the reproductive performance of Kivircik sheep under an extensive production system. Tropical Animal Health Production 43: 1555–1560. 10.1007/s11250-011-9841-1
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Young JM, Thompson AN, Kennedy AJ 2010. Bioeconomic modelling to identify the relative importance of a range of critical control points for prime lamb production systems in south-west Victoria. Animal Production Science 50: 748–756. 10.1071/AN09103
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zygoyiannis D, Stamataris C, Friggens NC, Doney JM, Emman GC 1997. Estimation of the mature weight of three breeds of Greek sheep using condition scoring corrected for the effect of age. Animal Science 64: 147–153. 10.1017/S1357729800015654
   Google Scholar