Do you look at Calving Ease data when you choose that AI Bull? Ease data comes directly from the data you report to your DHIA Field Rep, or the data you record in Dairy Comp 305 or Scout software you use on your farm. From the Field Rep, Ease data flows to our Processing Center at Visalia California, then on to USDA's Animal Improvement Labs in Beltsville, Maryland. Calving Ease data reported through the DHIA System from around the country is summarized by Sire at USDA. It is then released to AI organizations and published for your information. The system is used to develop the Genetic Evaluation Program at USDA, with results in the USDA Sire Summaries that are run 4 times a year, and result in genetic data on cows, commonly called cow indexes. It all comes from DHIA, or rather from you through the DHIA System.
Barn Notes have a column in the "Freshenings" section for your use in reporting Calving Ease. Every time your Field Rep reports a freshening, they are prompted for Ease, and enter with one keystroke, the information you record on the Barn Notes.
Ease numbers and descriptions are listed on the bottom of the Barn Notes. Here's an alternate description:
If you like to look at Calving Ease data, please report it to your Field Rep!
The New Herd Summary contains a breakdown of the number of cows leaving your herd sorted by lactation and by reason. It also lists a cull rate by lactation and by reason. The reasons available for you to report to your Field Rep include Feet & Legs, Disposition, Mastitis, Reproductive Problems, Low Production, Sick, Dairy Purposes, and Died. Barn Notes have a space to list the reason next to the date. Dairy managers with Scout or Dairy Comp 305 software will be prompted with those choices when you sell a cow.
In the February 25, 2000 edition of Hoard's Dairyman, an article titled "Can we breed for better breeding?" mentions the importance of "accurately reporting all insemination dates and service sires to your DHIA supervisors."
SCOUT dairy herd management software is available through the Minnesota DHIA. This easy-to-use program provides fast and cost effective individual cow and herd information. Lab results can be easily downloaded from the MN DHIA system to your computer giving you fast access to test day data. SCOUT can help you reduce paperwork, keep more accurate records and increase your profitability.
For more details on the SCOUT program, call Gregg Adler at 1-800-827-3442.
Minnesota DHIA wrapped up a successful year with our Annual Meeting in St. Cloud on March 1. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting, which was attended by 31 delegates and 49 guests.