EN
The aim of the research was to determine the influence of Limousine cow body condition scores (BCS) before calving on the course of calving. 371 purebred Limousin cows in Poland were the material of the investigations. The body condition score was estimated using a 9 point scale according to Richards (24) directly before the planned calving day. The following levels were used: 1 - bad (notes of 1, 2, 3); 2 - suitable (notes of 4, 5, 6, 7); 3 - more than adequate (notes of 8, 9). All the animals were weighted. The calving course was qualified to one of the following categories: N - easy, without any assistance; T difficult, with farmer’s help or mechanical means used. The ratio of different calving courses of Limousin cows depending on their body weight and condition (BCS) just prior to calving was analysed. The correlation coefficient between calving course and Limousin cows BCS was low (r = -0.17), but statistically significant. The highest ratio of difficult calvings was noticed for cows for which the body weight did not exceed 500 kg (36.1%) as well as for the heaviest ones - exceeding 800 kg (25%). BCS notes 5, 6, 7 proved to be optimal (the majority of calvings were examined as easy). All of calvings from cows with notes of 1, 2, 3 had to be assisted.