Body Condition Scoring System Benefits for Horses and Owners

Body condition score (BCS) is a numerical scoring system from 1 to 9, with 1 indicating extremely emaciated and 9 indicating extremely fat. It is based on the visual and palpable appraisal of the amount of fat covering on the body at certain locations, such as the ribs, tailhead, withers, neck, behind the shoulder, and along the back (Henneke et al.) (Figure 1). This evaluation tool can help horse owners, breeders, and managers maintain proper nutrition practices in order to most effectively keep horses at peak performance and optimum health.

Leadership Opportunities in the 4-H Livestock Program

It is important for today’s youth to gain experience in leadership, whether it is within 4-H, in school, or at work. Learning about yourself and how to work well with others are important ways to develop leadership skills. The livestock program area offers many ways for you to get leadership experience that will benefit you and the people around you both now and in the future. Download the PDF above.

Keeping Your Livestock Show Animals Healthy

Livestock show season can be a very exciting and busy time for exhibitors and their families. For many families, preparation and travel to shows and exhibitions require considerable time and commitment. Following good health management practices before, during, and after the exhibition will help protect these investments by keeping your livestock healthy and in good condition. Responsible exhibitors must have an understanding of common diseases of concern in exhibition animals, and know how to recognize signs of illness.

Basic Horse Safety

Approaching

Always speak to your horse before approaching or touching it. Some horses are likely to jump and may kick when startled.

Always approach your horse from the front. If the horse is turned away from you, call to it or entice it with a treat to get it to come to you. Never approach your horse directly from the rear. Even in a tie stall, it is possible to approach from an angle at the rear.

Pet a horse by first placing a hand on its shoulder or neck. The touch should be a rubbing action. Don’t “dab” at the end of a horse’s nose.

Beef Showmanship

A showman stands next to his calf that is set in profile with its rear feet staggered.

Showmanship is an area over which you have the most control when exhibiting your beef cattle. In showmanship, you are judged on your ability to control and present an animal to bring out its best characteristics. Advanced planning and hard work are important keys to becoming a good exhibitor.

Lamb Showmanship

A good showman is prepared for the proper presentation of an animal. Showmanship is the one area of livestock showing where the exhibitor has control. In showmanship, you are judged on your ability to control and present the lamb at its best.

Market Lamb Project Guide: Show Lamb Selection and Development

Market Lamb Selection

Market lambs provide an excellent project for 4-H youth to learn about being responsible for animals. Along the way, they learn more about the sheep industry and agriculture in general. The market lamb project teaches how to own and work with lambs; how to take responsibility for lambs’ health, care, and growth; and how to win or lose competitions gracefully. These are important life lessons that will serve a 4-H’er even as an adult.

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