Traditionally, methods for monitoring and scoring sow body condition were highly subjective. Most farms relied on the visual assessments of farm staff, typically using a 1-5 scale, to estimate overall herd condition. Although some farms used ultrasound technology to assess body condition, it proved impractical for large-scale sow operations. These approaches left many farms without a standardized definition of an 'ideal' body condition or a structured plan for improvement.

Since most sow diets are designed for an 'average' or 'ideal' sow, ensuring sows maintain optimal body condition is crucial for efficient production. Without a standardized body condition scoring system, sows that fall outside the ideal range risk being over- or under-fed, which can limit their production potential.

In 2015, Mark Knauer from North Carolina State University introduced a caliper designed to measure body condition at the last rib, providing a standardized tool for scoring that could be implemented consistently across farms. Recognizing the need for a more objective, scalable approach, AMVC adopted Knauer’s caliper in 2017 as part of a new protocol for assessing body condition in sows and gilts.

This tool allowed AMVC to gather reliable data at specific points throughout gestation, ensuring that feeding adjustments could be data-driven and aligned with the herd's nutritional needs. The improved process gave AMVC a foundation for justifying dietary modifications and optimizing feed allocation to maintain ideal body condition across the herd.

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