HerdData makes it easy to enter herd records from anywhere; you don’t have to be near a computer. Farmers can access key animal level information quickly and easily, improving on their decision-making capabilities, as well as making data entry easier and more convenient for farmers. The App enables information that was previously difficult to capture to reach DataGene’s genetic evaluation data base. That means more accurate breeding values and opportunities for new breeding values, such as for health traits.

While many dairy farmers have computerised herd records, an ongoing challenge has been to get information observed in the field (and often hand written in a note book) into the herd’s computerised record system. Examples of information records that may not be captured include calving information observed in a paddock, pregnancy test results called out by the vet, or health events and treatments which may occur in the paddock or dairy.

Both individual dairy farmers and the herd improvement industry stand to benefit from capturing these records. For farmers, more complete records would allow for better management decisions based on the various reports available. For industry, more complete herd records reaching the genetic evaluation system allow for more accurate Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) and opportunities to develop new ABVs including additional health traits.

HerdData can be used to enter information about calvings, dry-offs, pregnancy test results, sales, culls, matings, health events, treatments and more.

• • Available for Android and Apple phones and tablets.
  • Synchronises with herd management software.
  • Annual subscription of $99, includes data synchronisation and regular App refinements and improvements. (industry funded the development of the App, the annual subscription fee covers maintenance and refinements)

DataGene HerdData was developed by DataGene, an initiative of Dairy Australia and industry. Initially developed by Hico, further refinements were funded by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

Thanks also to participating herd test centres for assistance in delivering DataGene HerdData to dairy farmers.