Dairy Records Management Systems (DMRS) is making strides in the Dairy Industry to improve efficiency by offering three innovative new products. These new tools are the Milking Speed Evaluation, the Fresh Cow Index, and updated gestation length calculations in their herd management software.
The director of DRMS, Asha Miles, was the lead researcher in the pioneering of the Milking Speed Evaluation. It is a new genetic evaluation trait that measures Milking Speed (MSPD) and is the first to utilize sensor-based data. This is used to increase the efficiency of parlors. DRMS provided 100% of the data from dairy producers that was used to create the new trait. This research is critical for continued genetic progress in the industry. The standardization and quality control of the genetic evaluation makes the tool accessible for a variety of producers. The genetic evaluation can be accessed through the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) with HerdHQ.
The Fresh Cow Index (FCI) is a metric tool that enables producers to pursue opportunities in their herd. It uses key performance indicators of dairy cattle performance, specifically in early lactation, and genetic evaluation to determine profitability. Producers can use this tool to close the gap between predicted and actual performance, removing that “gut feeling” decision-making. FCI was created by DRMS with the help of the University of Florida. The metric compiles 25 individual components of performance into one figure. This allows dairy farmers to work quickly and ensure they are keeping the right cows in the herd. FCI can be found in FreshFocus transition cow reports within DairyDepot in HerdHQ. This tool is only available through DRMS.
Herd management software is extremely important to producers and accurate prediction data is vital to ensure successful management. The current gestation lengths in dairy breeds were set almost 30 years ago and genetics and management have changed over time. In order to update gestation length calculations to better fit the changes made in the dairy industry, DRMS accumulated data from more than 2.3 million calvings. These new gestation lengths also consider the cow’s breed and the service sire’s breed, making it much more accurate. DRMS specifically updated predicted due dates and dry dates in the Dart 8.7 software and DHIA processing. Adjusted Gestation Lengths can be used by producers to make justified management decisions. These Gestation Lengths are only available through DRMS.
These three new products being offered through the DRMS are a testament to innovation and enable producers to continually improve their operations. “All of these are ground-breaking tools based on data collected by us from across the nation,” Said Valerie King, DRMS Communication Specialist II.
DRMS is undertaking essential initiatives aimed at transforming and elevating the dairy industry, fostering inventive developments at every step. Click here to learn more about DRMS and these new tools.