Manure scoring helps maximize feed value by evaluating rumen function.
Evaluating productivity in cattle is measured in many ways such as body condition scores, weight and feed consumption. There is another tool you can use which is oftentimes overlooked because it comes out of the back end of your cattle. Analyzing your cattle’s manure may not sound like the most glamorous job, but your cattle’s manure can give you a better understanding on just how well the rumen is working.
Scoring manure on a scale of 1-5 can help optimize your nutrition program and help you get the most out of your feed resources. Manure scoring can be done anytime of the year, but a good time to utilize this tool is when you are body condition scoring your cattle. It is also a good idea to check manure scores when there is a diet change in forage or when there is a change in feed.
— Manure Score 1 —
The manure is more liquid than solid, with a cream soup consistency and possible gray color. The rumen isn’t functioning correctly, and what’s passing through is essentially water. This can also be an indication of acidosis and rumen upset.
Manure score 1 requires the most significant diet change and adding fiber in the form of hay can help adjust the rumen and improve the manure score. Be proactive and evaluate your cattle for sickness and be on the watch for dehydration in young animals with this score.
— Manure Score 2 —
Manure doesn’t stack up properly. The manure pat is usually less than 1 inch thick and relatively runny or nearly liquid-like. The color will generally be the normal manure brown or grass green, typically experienced when forages are lush in the spring.
Providing supplemental fiber, minerals and probiotics can help improve this score.
— Manure Score 3 —
The is the ideal manure score to aim for year-round in your cow herd. It has a normal manure pat form and will be relatively firm and retain its shape.
— Manure Score 4 —
The manure pat is thick and becomes more profound, yet it is not stacking. The rumen is not balanced for protein, carbohydrates and fiber degradability. It tends to happen when corn is added to the diet and you will see undigested corn particles.
— Manure Score 5 —
The manure pat is firm and stacks over 2 inches high. It can also look like horse manure because the undigested fiber passes through the rumen. You can break open the manure and see the fiber. This can also be a sign of dehydration.
To maintain an ideal score of 3, adjusting your supplements and mineral as forages change throughout the year helps keep the rumen in balance. Also feeding a cooked supplement tub or block helps regulate the manure score by providing the rumen with microbes and appropriate amounts of starch, protein, vitamins and minerals.
For photos of manure scoring see:
https://www.alltech.com/en-gb/blog/cattle-manure-simple-and-essential-rumen-health-indicator
