Bos Taurus cattle originated in Europe and are more commonly found in northern climates than Bos Indicus cattle, which originated in warmer climates. The two types of cattle need to be evaluated differently.
Bos Taurus beef cattle breeds include
British Breeds
1. Angus (Black and Red)
2. Hereford (Horned and Polled)
3. Shorthorn
Continental (European) Breeds
1. Charolais
2. Simmental
3. Limousin
4. Gelbvieh
5. Maine-Anjou
6. Chianina
7. Braunvieh
Use these examples to help determine body condition scores for these beef breeds of cattle.
 |  | Body Condition Score 3 Very little fat cover over the loin, back and foreribs. The backbone is still highly visible. Processes of the spine can be identified individually by touch and may still be visible. Spaces between the processes are less pronounced. |
 |  | Body Condition Score 4 Foreribs are not noticeable but the 12th and 13th ribs are still noticeable to the eye. The transverse spinous processes can be identified only by palpation (with slight pressure) and feel rounded rather than sharp. |
 |  | Body Condition Score 5 The 12th and 13th ribs are not visible to the eye unless the animal has been shrunk. The transverse spinous processes can only be felt with firm pressure and feel rounded but are not noticeable to the eye. Spaces between the processes are not visible and are only distinguishable with firm pressure. Areas on each side of the tailhead are starting to fill. |
 |  | Body Condition Score 6 Ribs are fully covered and are not noticeable to the eye. Hindquarters are plump and full. Noticeable springiness over the foreribs and on each side of the tailhead. Firm pressure is now required to feel the transverse processes. Brisket has some fat. |
 |  | Body Condition Score 7 Ends of the spinous processes can only be felt with very firm pressure. Spaces between processes can barely be distinguished. Abundant fat cover on either side of the tailhead with evident patchiness. Fat in the brisket. |
