Breeding bucks and does should be maintained in good condition year-round. Rubbing hands over the spine, ribs and flank can quickly assess the body condition or amount of flesh that an animal carries. If these bones feel prominent and sharp, then the body condition score is low. If the bones feel smooth or are undetected, then the body condition is good.

A scale of 1 to 9 may be used to assign a condition score. A score of 1 is thin and emaciated, and a score of 9 is fat all over. Scores of 1-3 indicate thin and undernourished, scores of 4-6 are moderate and 7-9 is fat. For breeding purposes and maximum kidding rates, try to keep the buck or doe in a condition score of 5 to 6, with smooth layers of muscles and fat covering the bones. Too much fat can lead to metabolic disorders and breeding problems.

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