Table 1 Description of assessment criteria for individual components of the BCS in Mediterranean buffaloes (ribs, spine, hips, and tail) according to Ezenwa et al. [36] modified

5

(Obese)

Not visible; fatty layer on and between ribs

Spine bones not visible. Spine sits in slight depression between fatty bulges left and right of spine

Convex, smooth rear, hip bones not visually apparent

Tail base sits in depression surrounded by soft fatty tissue

4

Few ribs visible towards abdomen; ribs can be felt

Spine bones not visible. Spine feels flat; bone and surrounding tissue are on level

Hip bones can be seen, round smooth appearance and feel

Tail base on level with surrounding fatty tissue

3

(Ideal)

Some ribs visible in center of ribcage; abdominal ribs feel ridged

Spine palpable as a slightly elevated bone center-line

Points of hips distinctly visible; bone easy to feel but not protruding

Tail base protrudes slightly; obvious by touch, but not by sight

2

Ribs visible throughout; all have ridged feel

Individual spinal vertebrae clearly palpable

Points of hips protrude; flanks are concave

Tail base visibly sticks up from surrounding tissue

1

(Emaciated)

Ribs clearly visible with deep depressions between them; very ridged feel

Vertebrae distinguishable by sight and touch

Hip bones protrude beyond the hip point; emaciated rear

Tissue surrounding tail base forms round hollow defined by pelvis