Body Condition Scoring of Mice

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Body Condition Scoring of Mice

IACUC Standard Procedure
Effective Date: February 2022

Description of procedure:

Scoring the body condition of rodents is a non-invasive method for assessing health/well-being and establishing endpoints for adults where body weight is not a viable monitoring tool, such as with tumor models, ascites production and pregnancy, or young growing animals. Body condition scores (BCS) range from 1 (emaciation) to 5 (obesity). An anticipated BCS of 2 (under conditioned) or lower requires justification in the protocol. Scores are determined by frequent visual and hands-on examination of each animal. The hands-on evaluation is done by gently holding the mouse by the base of the tail and passing a finger over the sacroiliac bones. Match the findings to the descriptions and diagrams provided to determine a score.

Body Condition Score Chart

Body Condition Score Chart for mice with photo examples
DiagramPhoto examplesBCSDescription

 

Body Condition Score 1 Diagram

 

Body Condition Score 1 Photo Example
BC 1

Mouse is emaciated

  • Skeletal structure extremely prominent; little or no flesh cover
  • Vertebrae distinctly segmented

 

BC Score 2 Diagram

 

BC Score 2 Photo Example
BC 2

Mouse is under conditioned

  • Segmentation of vertebral column evident
  • Dorsal pelvic bones are readily palpable

 

BC Score 3 Diagram

 

BC Score 3 Photo Example
BC 3

Mouse is well-conditioned

  • Vertebrae and dorsal pelvis not prominent; palpable with slight pressure

 

BC Score 4 Diagram

 

BC Score 4 Photo Example
BC 4

Mouse is over conditioned

  • Spine is a continuous column
  • Vertebrae palpable only with firm pressure

 

BC Score 5 Diagram

 

BC Score 5 Photo Example
BC 5

Mouse is obese

  • Mouse is smooth and bulky
  • Bone structure disappears under flesh and subcutaneous fat

 

BC Scores 3, 4, and 5 Diagram

 

Photo Example of BC Scores 3, 4, and 5
BC 3,4,5 

Note: A “+” or a “- ” can be added to the body condition score if additional increments are necessary (i.e. …2+, 2, 2-…)

Reference Used:

  • Ullman-Culleré MH and Folz JH, (1999)Body Condition Scoring: A Rapid and Accurate Method for Assessing Health Status in Mice Lab. Animal Science.Vol 49 (3) 319-323.