Conditions of Farm Animals

the indicators of an animal’s physical condition, depending on its economic use; the chief criterion is the amount of fat on the animal. Animals in breeding condition are not excessively fat, are generally vigorous, and have a strong sexual instinct, qualities achieved by sufficient but not excessive feeding and by good care and proper handling. Feeding condition, showing the degree to which the animal has been fattened, is characterized by high adiposity; in fattening for meat purposes the fat is evenly distributed between the layers of meat. Animals in show condition are fatter than average and have rounded shapes resulting from increased feeding and excellent care. Draft animals (horses, mules, oxen) are said to be in working condition, and horses may also be in training condition. Animals in these conditions are moderately fat with well-developed muscles, resulting from good feeding and proper handling and training.

Conditions of farm animals are defined by state standards and are taken into account when judging animals by their build.