Animal Management Overview Milfos has an extensive range of options available for effective animal management. Both iDATAFLOW2 and iDENTITY give you powerful management tools. You can write new reports or customise existing information to suit your cow, herd or management practices. Options for advanced analysis of cow health, reproduction, nutrition and milk composition, ensure that you have the best information available to manage your operation effectively and profitably.
Animal Management: • iDATAFLOW2 Software • Cow Management • Reproduction • Health • Cow Condition • Nutrition • Rumination Monitoring • Report Editor • Herd Improvement • Milking Management • iDENTITY • iNTELSENSE • iNTELYIELD • iNTELLAB
4.3
GEA Farm Technologies
HERD MANAGEMENT
2 Herd Overview Software iDATAFLOW2 Operating System
Dashboard at a Glance
iDATAFLOW2 software has been designed so that it is simple to use whilst giving you the right information at the right time.
◼◼ Provides a classification of cows in the herd, those that are heifers, dry or are in lactation
The Herd Overview screen is designed as a Dashboard for your herd management and daily operations. iDATAFLOW2 collects hundreds of pieces of information from each cow on a daily basis but only reports on exceptional cows that you need to know about. This ensures that you are not overwhelmed with information.
◼◼ Summarises the daily and weekly production
From the Dashboard you can quickly open and view reports of exceptional cows that need your attention. You can take a closer look at the cow history by opening the Cow Card and you can action an alert at milking time for your staff or sort the cow for inspection at the end of milking.
◼◼ Lists exceptional cows that require attention ◼◼ Allows you to access reports and graphs iDATAFLOW2 Supports Multiple Languages ◼◼ Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Turkish
The reports that are shown on` the Dashboard can be customised to suit your management focus.
iDATAFLOW2 Navigation COW CARD
PARLOUR DISPLAY
REPORTS BROWSER
PORTAL VIEW
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION
4. 4
Cow Management Cow Card With iDATAFLOW2 your animal records are at your finger tips. Each cow has its own Cow Card with her vital lifetime information including identification details, treatment, diagnosis, general comments and observations made. Production information is available for all previous lactations and individual milking data for the last several months. Her event details are available from one convenient screen where you can filter the view to see exactly the information you require. You can view information graphically using the Cow Card graphs.
EVENTS
Key Features ◼◼ Life time record of each cow ◼◼ Easy to use ◼◼ View and edit cow details quickly and efficiently ◼◼ Powerful analytical tool with reports and graphs
DAILY PRODUCTION
ACTIVITY GRAPH COW CARD
MILK YIELD
4.5
GEA Farm Technologies
HERD MANAGEMENT Reproductive Status
HEIFER
The Cow Status is recorded in the system. The flow chart opposite explains the transitions that occur during the seasonal events and lifetime activities of the cow within the system. Some of the transitions are changed by the Herd Manager, for example the transition from Pregnant to Dry. Other events are automated by system parameters that are set during commissioning. These parameters are set in consultation with the Herd Manager and reflect the management practices and policies that are operated on farm.
Ref
Description
1
Auto Event - # of days for READY HEIFER
2
Heat (oestrus) Event
3
Insemination
Ref
Description
7
Auto Event # of days for Colostrum
8
Auto Event # of days for cow ready for insemination Auto Event # of days for No Heat Status
4
Positive Pregnancy Test
9
5
Negative Pregnancy Test
10
Dry-off
6
Calving
11
Culling
HEIFER
READY HEIFER
INSEMINATED HEIFER
OPEN HEIFER
COW
PREGNANT HEIFER
COLOSTRUM
BEFORE DRY
NO HEAT PREGNANT
READY
OPEN
NO HEAT & OPEN INSEMINATED
CULLED
Production Production from your cows can be monitored in detail with iDATAFLOW2. You can track daily production of the herd or perhaps a specific group of cows within the herd. You can inspect yields from each cow every milking. You can report cows with unexpected yield deviations or excessive milking times and you can make decisions on cow health or drying off. With iDATAFLOW2 you can build your own custom reports so that you can control the level of reporting detail that you require.
Drying Off Decisions around drying off are made easy. You can set a dry off date for seasonally calved herds or set a number of days before the next calving as the alert. Maybe you want to dry cows off on milk volume or days in milk or perhaps other parameters such as weight, body condition score or available feed. You have the flexibility you require with iDATAFLOW2. Specific reports and graphs are generated automatically within the system.
Culling The decision to cull cows is simplified with iDATAFLOW2 because you have all the facts at your finger tips to make the right decision. All your culling parameters like production, age, genetics and health history can be considered to produce a list of candidates. Powerful reporting tools drive your decision making so that you can make the most profitable selections at the right time.
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION
4. 6
Reproduction Heat Detection Detection of cows on-heat is a key performance factor in your reproduction program. Not only does accurate detection improve conception rate, reduce insemination related costs and minimise days open leading to increased production, it also identifies non cycling cows for treatment. Healthy cows being treated for fertility related issues are as much of a problem as those with actual issues. The Activity collar is the most advanced detection system available today. Activity of the cow is recorded using 4.25 ). intelligent motion sensor technology (see
iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include:
It is not a pedometer and it is not worn around the leg.
◼◼ Erratic and abnormal activity
The collar stores the activity measurement of the cow in 2-hour time slots which provides excellent resolution of when the heat period started, how long it lasted, when the cow is standing and which is the best time for insemination. This unique technique of measurement and data storage means the system can eliminate the exceptional activity periods that happen during the day like walking to a paddock for example.
◼◼ Automatically links to Sorting Manager
The activity-rumination collar utilises all of the features above with the addition of rumination monitoring. This extra feature further enhances the analysis of the cows behaviour enabling a health assessment to be made 4.26 ). alongside the activity monitoring (see
Ways to look at the data
◼◼ Cows on-heat with high activity ◼◼ Sick cows with low activity
Six Steps to Reproductive Success With iDATAFLOW2 You Can: Ref
Description
1
ASSESS your current reproductive performance
2
IMPLEMENT your mating program and set goals
3
MONITOR heats and inseminate at the right time
4
ALERT and identify problem cows
5
PIN POINT cow health and fertility issues to treat
6
FORECAST future calving, production and mating performance
1 2 6 54 3 Assess
Forecast
Implement
Pin Point
Monitor
Alert
Did You Know?
Did you know that cows on-heat typically ruminate 25% less than normal and often withhold their milk. Our rumination and milk yield technology provides further evidence of cycling cows. With iDATAFLOW2, you get the information required to make better 4.7 ). decisions (see
4.7
GEA Farm Technologies
HERD MANAGEMENT Ancestry
Lactation Summary
Mating and calving information is collected for each cow so that ancestry of each animal can be tracked. This allows the Herd Manager to improve the genetic worth of their cows by carefully selecting the best traits from within the herd and bulls to breed higher producing healthy cows for improved profits.
The lactation status overview is a powerful tool in your mating program. Each cow in the report is represented as a dot. The colour of the dot denotes the reproductive status of the cow. Cows without a heat (red) can be clearly tracked and given special attention.
iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include: ◼◼ Heifer summary with sire and dam information ◼◼ Reared newborn sire summary ◼◼ Bulls used during mating
SIRE MATE
DAM COW HEIFER
TRAITS
- PRODUCTION - HEALTH - FERTILITY - PROFITABLITY
Calving iDATAFLOW2 has excellent calving tools for the smallest to largest of herds. Calving history is recorded against each cow including newborn details, calving type and any complications. iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include: ◼◼ Expected calving per day, week and year in lists and graphs ◼◼ Expected calving vs. actual ◼◼ Calving type by age group
Mating Mating information is recorded against each cow in the Cow Card. Inseminations can be entered easily from preloaded semen or bull records. Inseminator name and code is also recorded so that reports can be generated on the performance of your breeding program. iDATAFLOW2 is capable of managing both ‘all year round’ and ‘seasonal’ mating programs where large numbers of cows must be mated quickly in a synchronised pattern to take advantage of seasonal feed demands. iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include: ◼◼ Seasonal Mating report ◼◼ Mating overview ◼◼ Cows with difficulty conceiving ◼◼ Cows due to cycle ◼◼ Fertility risk due to disease ◼◼ Non-return rates for cows by age and breeder
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION
4. 8
Health Diagnosis
Disease
A comprehensive diagnostic library of known diseases and treatments are provided with iDATAFLOW2. Diagnosis information is recorded by the Herd Manager or veterinarian against each cow in the Cow Card. The diagnosis form has fields for recording the person’s name, diagnosis type, date and time the diagnosis took place. The diagnosis can be permanent or set to expire automatically.
iDATAFLOW2 has powerful data mining capabilities. Couple this with sophisticated sensors located at the milking point and on the cow, iDATAFLOW2 can produce reports of cows that are potentially at risk of disease. For example, cows that fail to reach the expected milk production level after calving and have lower than expected rumination may be suspected for ketosis and need inspection. A decrease in yield and rumination with an increase in conductivity points to mastitis.
iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include: ◼◼ Diagnosis data for entire herd
iDATAFLOW2 Reports Include:
◼◼ Mastitis incidence report
◼◼ Fresh Cow Monitoring ◼◼ Suspected for Mastitis ◼◼ Health Report
Treatments The iDATAFLOW2 treatments database contains hundreds of registered animal health drugs that are commonly given to your livestock. This saves a lot of time when entering treatments whether it is on a per cow basis or by group. The drug that is used is recorded on the Cow Card and stays with the cow for life so that you can check treatment history.
4.9
GEA Farm Technologies
HERD MANAGEMENT
Cow Condition Cow condition is an important factor in maintaining health, production and fertility. Understanding your cows condition and how it relates to her stage of lactation is important to get the balance right. A change in environment, feed quantity and quality affect this balance. iDATAFLOW2 provides feedback on cow condition trends using weight and the ability to report Body Condition Score (BCS) of your cows.
Photocell control Connection to Dataflow
Exit race
Weigh pad control
Weight and BCS are also utilised in the feed ration calculation to ‘lift’ cows that need a little extra at the 4.14 ). right time (see
◼◼ BCS is most important at calving time and the mating period ◼◼ Additional feed can be given to those cows with low BCS prior to calving to ensure they are in prime condition at calving time ◼◼ We have little control over BCS in early lactation (first 6 weeks) ◼◼ The optimal BCS at calving is 5.0 for mature cows and 5.5 for heifers and second calvers ◼◼ Thinner cows produce less milk. However cows calving at a higher BCS of say 6 only produce slightly more milk but are at higher risk to metabolic disease
◼◼ Empty rates are generally greater in cows that are thin in early lactation (2% for each BCS unit)
4.32
Weight The weight information from each cow is collected daily from the walk over weigher that is generally located in the exit race. A robust platform with integral load bars calculates the weight of the cow. The data is transferred to the iDATAFLOW2 software for analysis and reporting.
Condition Score Assessment of BCS gives a visual estimate of the cows body fat reserves. This provides a valuable reference to production potential in the current lactation, feed requirements and previous level of feeding. The relationship between BCS at drying off and calving is important for your entire next lactation. Cows that are thin are generally less fertile and less productive. Alternatively, fat cows are typically at more risk of metabolic disease like milk fever or ketosis post calving. Entering BSC for each cow at critical times of the year allows you to monitor those cows that need extra attention.
◼◼ It will take 8 days longer for a cow at a BCS of 4 to cycle compared to a cow at a BCS of 5
NZ Holstein-Friesian
BCS
◼◼ Pregnancy rate at first insemination for cows with a BCS of 5 will be 1-2% higher than those at a BCS of 4
iNTELWEIGH see
US Holstein-Friesian
6.0
6.0
5.5
5.5
5.0
5.0
BCS
Key Facts About Body Condition Score (BCS)
iNTELWEIGH pad
4.5
4.5
4.0
4.0
3.5
3.5
3.0
3.0 0
100
200
300
0
100
200
DIM
DIM
— Pasture only — Pasture + 3kg DM concentrates / day — Pasture + 6kg DM concentrates / day
— Pasture only — Pasture + 3kg DM concentrates / day — Pasture + 6kg DM concentrates / day
300
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION 4. 10
Nutrition Feed Management Dairy cows require feed nutrients for maintenance, growth, milk production and fertility. The demands of maintenance have a higher priority for absorbed nutrients than milk production and reproductive functions. For this reason, feed programs must be in tune with the seasonal requirements of the animal, especially as production volumes increase.
Daily Rumination
iDATAFLOW2 has new tools that allow you to manage and monitor your feeding program. The HR collar 4.36 ) for monitoring rumination adds a new (see dimension to get the right balance in your feeding program.
Monitor
Manage
Cow calendar
Feed to stage of lactation
Record milk yields
Feed to milk yield
Weigh cows daily
Feed to weight
Body condition score inputs
Feed to body condition score
Operate in parlour feeders
Feed multiple feed types including liquid supplements
Rumination monitors
Balance daily feed intake
Rotary Feeding Solutions iDATAFLOW2 is capable of feeding up to four different feed types, mineral or liquid supplements. Each cow or group can be assigned a special feeding plan to meet their needs, stage of lactation, weight, BCS and milk production. Other feeding hardware such as feed bin dividers and large plastic feed bins 1.11 ). are also available (see
Herringbone Feeding Solutions iDATAFLOW2 is capable of feeding cows in a Doubled Up or Swing Over herringbone parlour. In the Doubled Up herringbone the feed module dispenses the correct amount of feed once the cow is identified at the milking point. In the Swing Over parlour, a special switch located on the swing arm controls if the feed is being dispensed to the cow on the right or left hand side of the parlour.
4.11 GEA Farm Technologies
Cow, Herd Rumination, Yield Cow
HERD MANAGEMENT
Rumination Monitoring Cows are well known for ‘chewing their cud’. This action is not just a sign of a happy cow but a critical function in maintaining a healthy rumination. The rumen is effectively a large fermentation pot with an immense population of bacteria. It requires a stable pH level to ensure optimum intake of feed to meet the requirements for energy and protein while reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. Key to maintaining this balance is the function of rumination, a process where the cow regurgitates its feed to mechanically break it down for fermentation. This chewing produces large amounts of saliva, 100 to 200 litres per day, which is rich in bicarbonate that buffers the rumen to keep it healthy. In order for cows to achieve their genetic potential for milk production this pH balance must be maintained. The activity-rumination (HR tag) monitors the rumination time of the cow in 2-hour time slots and downloads the data to the PC 4.36 ). Rumination data is used in four at milking time (see different ways; events, nutritional balance, production efficiency and roughage levels.
Nutritional Balance
PB
PMR TMR Whether your farming system is purely Pasture Based (PB), Partial Mixed Ration (PMR) or Total Mixed Ration (TMR), rumination time is a key component in each system. Stable rumination levels in your animals suggest a balanced diet, with effective fibre levels leading to healthy rumen function. With the HR tag you can monitor the effect of changes in your cows diet whether this is intentional or accidental. Within each farming system special challenges exist.
PB Managing Pasture Based systems is difficult due to the seasonal changes in feed quality. However, you can monitor your pasture management techniques, stage of growth and grass types and how they effect your rumination function.
PMR With Partial Mixed Ration systems you can supplement the diet to compensate for the quantity and quality of pasture and nutrient composition. With rumination monitoring you can validate that the supplements being fed are having the desired outcome and when next to alter the feed mix to further compensate the diet.
1 3 2 4
Production Efficiency
Events
Rumination Monitoring
Nutritional Balance
Roughage Levels
Events Rumination information provides a new dimension when monitoring cow events. Rumination time can be used to diagnose a cow for mastitis. It is also used to ensure that the treatment is effective. Once the antibiotic is administered, the rumination starts to return to normal. Failure to do so could mean that the antibiotic is not effective. Furthermore, rumination is affected during many other events like heat and calving for example.
Production Efficiency The production response of your cows to a changing diet is an important one. Rumination monitoring offers more possibilities to explore why some cows are better converters of feed to milk, have less milk deviations, better health and are more profitable.
Effects of Nutritional Imbalance and Deficiency ◼◼ Rapid nutrient degradation in the rumen ◼◼ Quick nutrient passage and ‘loose’ manure
TMR
◼◼ Reduction in milk yield
Total Mixed Ration systems are more controlled than other farming systems and therefore the rumen environment is generally more stable. However, economics often decide the types of rations that are fed or are available throughout the year. Nutritional balance is often a complex picture with TMR systems. The HR collar allows you to monitor the response to feed composition and how it is mixed and delivered.
◼◼ Large variation in yields from day to day ◼◼ Suppressed milk fat percentage ◼◼ Low body condition score ◼◼ Increased risk of metabolic disease such as acidosis, ketosis etc ◼◼ Plus many more...
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION 4. 12
Report Editor
Front End Report
The Report Editor is a powerful tool supplied with iDATAFLOW2. Not only does iDATAFLOW2 come with a wide selection of standard reports, you have the option to write your own or edit existing reports to manipulate your data the way you want to see it. You can report on events that are happening now, those that happened in the past and what is expected to happen in the future. You can also cross reference sensory data to analyse problems and find solutions. For example, you can compare yield and conductivity data with activity rumination for detection of mastitis. With iDATAFLOW2 you can report from hundreds of database fields. You have unrestricted access to all levels of report editing so you can create the most comprehensive and powerful reports you like.
Back End Report
Report Viewer Exporting - Data can be exported to an excel spreadsheet Sorting - Click on the column header to sort the information ascending or descending Filter - You can filter the column by specific parameters
Creating Custom Reports Filter - You can adjust the filter parameters to see only animals required for your analysis Summary fields - You can choose which columns to summarise. This could be a total, average etc. Alert fields - Highlight specific cows or data that is outside the normal range
Report types in iDATAFLOW2
List Reports
Graphs
◼◼ List reports ◼◼ Summary reports ◼◼ Graphs ◼◼ Combination graphs ◼◼ Multiple sensory graphs
Summary Reports
Multiple Sensory Graphs
4.13 GEA Farm Technologies
HERD MANAGEMENT
Herd Improvement National Livestock Database iDATAFLOW2 has the option to connect directly to some approved National Livestock Database administrators. Data can be uploaded and downloaded to save double entries and keep livestock records current.
Herd Testing The results from your herd test can be imported into the system for analysis. Yield, fat, protein, somatic cell count and lactose are recorded in the cow card and can be reported using the report editor. The fat and protein records from the herd test can be used to calculate a Fat and Protein Corrected Milk (FPCM) value of the cow. Depending on how you are paid for your milk, this corrected value can be used when evaluating the production value of the cow in the herd.
Importing / Exporting Utility iDATAFLOW2 has the ability to import and export data to speed up manual processes. Some of the utility options are: ◼◼ Milk test data ◼◼ Collar ID numbers ◼◼ RFID tag numbers ◼◼ Basic information on new animals
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION 4. 14
Milking Management Performance Analysis
Standard Reports Include
Assessing milking performance issues can often be a complex task. With iDATAFLOW2, this task is made easier with detailed reports on the milking performance of the installation. You can report at the start or end of the milking and events that occurred during the milking process.
◼◼ Milking points with abnormal termination to pick up incorrect use of equipment
◼◼ Graph of milking points to identify those that are slower milking than others
◼◼ Summary of each milking point, number of cows milked at the point and total yield
◼◼ Slow milking cows
Equipment Analysis
Parlour Display
With iDATAFLOW2 hundreds of pieces of information are collected during milking time. This identifies potential problems that may exist within the system.
During milking the Parlour Display software operates on the PC. This gives you a full overview of what is happening in the system in real time. The layout graphically represents the installation showing either a rotary or herringbone. You can click on the milking point icons and look at the cow that is present at that point, the status of the milking point, the milk yield and any possible alerts. Double clicking opens the Cow Card.
Peak ◼◼ The peak line represents the highest average milking time for the milking point
Average ◼◼ The average line represents the average milking time for all milking points. In this case cows are milked out in a little over 5 minutes
Milking Points ◼◼ Each bar represents the average milking time for all cows milked at the milking point
Abnormal Milking Times Milking points 24 & 43 show they are more than 2 minutes slower milking than the average. Possible faults include: ◼◼ Faulty pulsation ◼◼ Split or twisted liners ◼◼ Cracked pulsation tubes ◼◼ Cracked claw bowl causing excess air admission ◼◼ Blocked air admission holes
4.15 GEA Farm Technologies
◼◼ Cows that were not milked correctly due to less than expected yield and milking time
◼◼ Abnormal cluster on time ◼◼ Manual milking cows with milking times
HERD MANAGEMENT
Herd Management Software The iDENTITY herd management software has been designed as a key management tool for your rotary milking parlour. Your animal records including lifetime history are stored within the database. The operators have access to this information at milking time through the clusters on and clusters off consoles. Cows are electronically identified on the platform and this allows a range of automation options such as audible and visual alerts, auto feeding, auto sorting, weighing and collection of valuable milk production data. iDENTITY records yield, fat, protein and lactose along with several mastitis and somatic cell counting recording options. iDENTITY offers an easy to use and cost effective automation solution for your dairy operation.
Key Features Auto Sorting
Powerful Herd Management Reports & Alerts
Cups On Cups Off Display
Auto Feeding
iDENTITY HERD MANAGEMENT
RF Cow ID using Button Ear Tags
Feed Management iDENTITY allows you to make better informed feeding decisions. You can build customised groups based on production criteria, age or stage of lactation. Another key aspect of the iDENTITY software is the ability to make a customised mix using up to 6 feed augers to ensure the perfect blend for individual animals. The Feeding module allows you to create a tailored feeding strategy with flexible parameters.
Composite Mastitis Detection Option using Conductivity
SCC Detection using iNTELSENSE
Yield, Fat, Protein, Lactose sensing using iNTELLAB
Milking Statistics The operator can view key statistics of the milking including; cows milked, milking speed and efficiency, and sensor data from each individual cow.
Cluster On / Cluster Off - Operator Screens The operators located at the cluster on and cluster off positions have the ability to customise screen displays. Screens include cow / bail assignment along with alerts which can be set up both visually and audibly.
HERD MANAGEMENT - SECTION 4. 16
Alert System You can set up custom alerts for your milking parlour. You choose how you want visual alerts to be displayed and the message to be communicated to the operator. iDENTITY uses colour coding for quick visual reference for action to be taken with each animal. You also have control over the spoken message at the cluster on and cluster off locations. Alerts can be set up based on the status of the animal e.g. second rotation, colostrum, on heat and cows to dry.
Treatments
Cow Card
iDENTITY takes care of recording all treatments required within your herd. Simply record the drug treatment required against the animal concerned and iDENTITY will take care of alerting you to treatment times and withholding periods.
With iDENTITY your animal records are kept simple. Each animal has a detailed cow card showing all events and treatments that have occurred throughout its lifetime. The cow card manages and documents the animal’s reproductive and production status, and maintains this information for life.
iNTELSENSE The iDENTITY software has the ability to link with the iNTELSENSE product 4.19 ) to track SCC levels and then compare to production levels. (see iNTELSENSE gives you simple to follow results not requiring any interpretation. By integrating this product with iDENTITY you are able to set up alerts for cows with a high SCC test.
iNTELLAB
Composite Conductivity
iNTELLAB measures yield, fat, protein and lactose and has the ability to track milk production and compare individual animal performance to the overall herd 4.21 ). averages (see
4.21 ) The iNTELLAB sensor (see provides a low cost mastitis detection option. During milking a conductivity profile of each cow is collected. Changes to this profile are flagged to the operator as potential mastitis cows.
Sorting
Additional Features
You have the option of manual or automated sorting. Animals can be sorted automatically based on the groups they fall into or set criteria. This improves productivity at milking time 4.27 ). (see
1. Import your Herd Test results from MINDA.
4.17 GEA Farm Technologies
2. Access all cow information remotely off site. 3. iDENTITY allows you to link to other additional sensors if required. 4. Compatible with HEATIMEÂŽHR for activity and 4.35 ). rumination monitoring (see