An assessment apparatus 1 for determining the body condition of an animal comprises a plurality of protrusions typically in the form or ridges 3 and grooves 4 configured on a planar surface 2 to provide a tactile representation for comparison with the feel of the ribs of the animal when palpating the rib cage. Each of the ridges 3 protrudes to a different extent to represent a different possible body condition of the animal and to help determine whether it is of optimum condition, underweight or overweight and carrying excess body fat. A scale 5 with indication 6 may be provided. Different measuring gauge templates may be provided for different species or breeds of animals.
