Dairy Farming: Importance of Farm Records in Milk Production

Record keeping is very important in any business or work. It is also important in the dairy industry (Dairy farming, Dairy industry, Milk Production). If the data is saved in written form or on the computer, it helps in planning in the future. Data means giving identification numbers to the animals present in the dairy, keeping records of their breed, breeding date, productivity etc.

Record keeping of dairy farm is important

Farmers are being encouraged to record data so that they can keep proper records of their animals. Recording of data has been made mandatory for farmers to take advantage of insurance of animals in the government body, subsidy on purchase of animals and other government schemes. This work is a bit challenging and can be done manually or on the computer.

Farmers can use whatever method suits them for record keeping. However, the use of computers is beneficial as it helps in preparing reports and graphs, analysis, cost-benefit analysis, preparation of balanced animal feed.

Records required for a successful dairy farm

Identification number (date of birth/purchase), sire (bull) number (dame) cow (number) calf and its sex (date of calving), milk production record, date of sale/auction/death.

Record of calf (calf number), date of birth, sex of calf (sire number), dam number, weight at birth, weighing at regular intervals etc.

To Record of daily milk production of each animal.

Record of the quantity of feed given to the animal daily (dry fodder), green fodder etc.

To Record of health of sick animals, symptoms of disease, diagnosis, treatment and name of the treating veterinarian.

Breeding related dates like animal number (calving date), date of coming in heat

Record of dairy equipment.

Record of employees and vehicles etc.

Benefits of keeping dairy farm records

Many decisions have to be taken to improve the efficiency and productivity of the dairy farm, based on these records farmers are able to make the right decision.

With the help of records, you can know about the cows that perform well.

Preparing a better breeding plan to prevent inbreeding.

Continuous testing of bulls.

Cost and profit analysis based on feed cost investment etc.

Monitoring the nutritional requirement of each animal.

To Monitoring the health and disease control of each animal.

Monitoring the vaccination of calves.

Cloud computing technology is beneficial for small farmers

In this technology, the server on the cloud can be easily accessed through smart phone/mobile. This technology is now available even in remote areas of the country. Companies have also developed many cloud computing based software for animal management, most of which are fee-based; there are also free software, but they have limited features.

Private companies also provide commercially available cloud computing based software for farmers for animal data recording, tracking and analysis. Farmers can use such software for most aspects of animal management. Small farmers can record, analyze and get advice based on the number of animals by just taking a subscription of such software without much cost.

Experts say that every dairy farmer should keep reliable records of his animals using any suitable method. This helps in improving dairy farming.