Every herd owner has a role to play in contributing vital information to the national cattle breeding database. Recording data may seem like extra hassle but it will undoubtedly prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long term.
Comprehensive levels of accurately recorded data being fed into the ICBF database will result in more reliable EBI’s and Cow’s Own Worth rankings.
In particular through recording health and temperament information, the reliability of the health and management sub-indexes of the national herd will improve, placing the Irish dairy sector in a better position for selecting the next generation of high health, easy management AI sires. Ultimately resulting in more profit for Irish dairy farmers.
Going forward, this data will prove essential with the introduction of tighter restrictions around Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
There is lots of valuable health data locked away in farmer notebooks and unless it’s recorded in the ICBF database, it cannot be factored into future evaluations.
How to record health and temperament data on ICBF:
ICBF HerdPlus App: Download here:
- Easy to record a variety of health events on animals in your herd.
- Ability to filter your herd by various criteria to plan ahead for drying off.
- Easy to identify cows with SCC issues to allow for appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- All data is automatically uploaded to the ICBF database.
- The app can be used on multiple devices
ICBF Desktop Version:
- Log-in to your HerdPlus account to record essential data.
- Go to ‘Record Events’ -> ‘Health & Disease’ or ‘Health & Temperament.
- Select the cows who have poor temperament and/or any cases of mastitis or lameness in the current period.
- Health data can also be uploaded from farm software providers.
Health & Temperament Survey Recording Sheet
If mobile or online is not a feasible option, you can always complete and return the Health and Temperament Recording Sheet and a member of the HerdPlus team will key in the information for you. Contact the HerdPlus team today to receive Heath and Temperament Recording sheets in the post.
