I Have All the Data – But What Should I Do with It?
Do you have a herd management system but are not sure how to fully utilize it? Or maybe you are still searching for the option that best fits your farms’ needs? Are you struggling with managing your herd data or do you have some questions on the most efficient way to improve this sector of your operation? Do you repeatedly miss the optimum insemination window by having inaccurate records of peak heat time? Do you have a problem with fresh cows having milk fever? If you struggle with any of these questions or want to further research how to utilize herd data, we plan to provide helpful insight right here!
The Breakdown
Herd management systems measure activity and manage data on individual cows and as a whole herd. Tracking individual animal performance, as well as herd performance summaries can help gauge trends, assess alternative approaches, proactively execute beneficial decisions and evaluate the effects of these decisions.
Monitoring details such as heat status, activity levels, rumination and temperature can allow you better control of your herd and increase your profitability and productivity. However, this amount of information can be overwhelming. That is why we recommend an easy-to-read system that still supplies data, graphs, details and reports.
Herd management system interfaces have the ability to create graphics from the information provided. Data analysis graphs are provided and can be filtered, printed and easy-to-read. Herd management systems track data 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing you with constant and accurate data.
If you had the opportunity to improve production and reduce costs, resulting in increased profitability, just by having a well-managed herd, would you take that opportunity? I would, and you can keep reading to see how it works.
Breeding
What we believe to be one of the many benefits of a herd data system is the power of detecting an animal in heat. By tracking their activity, the system can detect heat with 95% accuracy right down to the hour. By accurately recording heats, you are able to know the optimum breeding window for on-time insemination. The system is even able to detect weak and silent heats with 95% accuracy. With accurate heat detection you are able to improve conception rates, which in return improves milk production and profitability. By precisely measuring heat time frames and peaks, you are able to reduce the number of services per conception, resulting in reduced reproduction costs and reduced days open. By shortening the breeding cycle, you can shorten the calving interval, meaning cows return to peak milk faster. The activity data syncs with a breeding calendar to better track the animal’s cycle.
Health
Herd data systems are able to track energy 24/7, seeing both peaks in high activity (heat) and drops in low activity for potential health problems. The system also tracks rumination and can use low feed consumption as a possible health indicator. It can also compare individual animal temperature to overall herd temperature to indicate infections or other issues. Being able to identify potential health problems quicker can improve the efficiency of treatment to the animal. This reduces the amount of medication and down-time to get the animal back to production.
Other Specs
Herd management systems are entirely electronic. The individual cow’s tracker device is often neck mounted by collar for comfort and cleanliness. The batteries in the device last approximately 10+ years. These collars and devices can be re-used and shared between animals. This feature reduces the level of investment.
Improving your cow’s health and comfort will result in increased productivity and profitability. Investing in a herd management system will make it remarkably simple to determine the best solution for your operation.