An assessment apparatus for determining the body condition of an animal, the assessment apparatus comprising a surface, a plurality of protrusions typically in the form or ridges configured on said surface to provide a tactile representation of the ribs of the animal whereby each of the plurality of ridges on said surface is adapted to represent a different possible body condition of the animal. The assessment apparatus is for use when palpating the ribs of an animal to determine the body condition of that animal.
