dairybase level 2 physical detail questionnaire training guide · physical detail questionnaire...

`

DairyBase Level 2

Physical Detail Questionnaire

Training Guide

April 2015

L2 Training Guide – April, 2015 2

Table of contents:

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 5

SECTION 9 – FARM DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................... 7

9.1 FARM DAIRY.............................................................................................................. 7

9.2 RAINFALL FOR SEASON ................................................................................................. 7

SECTION 10 – PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 8

10.1 DISTANCE FROM FARM DAIRY TO FURTHEST PADDOCK (KM) ................................................... 8

10.2 % OF FARM AT A DIFFERENT HEIGHT/ALTITUDE TO FARM DAIRY .............................................. 8

10.3 AVERAGE DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT BETWEEN FARM DAIRY AND HILL PADDOCKS (M) ....................... 9

SECTION 11 – STOCK DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 10

11.1 COW LIVEWEIGHT (KG) DEC 1 ...................................................................................... 10

11.2 HERD BW/RELIABILITY .............................................................................................. 11

11.3 HERD PW/RELIABILITY ............................................................................................... 11

11.4 NITROGEN APPLIED ................................................................................................... 12

SECTION 12 – MILK PRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 12

12.1 LITRES OF MILK FED TO CALVES ..................................................................................... 13

12.2 DISCARDED MILKSOLIDS (KG) ....................................................................................... 14

12.3 AVERAGE DAILY MILKSOLIDS PER COW FOR 10 DAYS AT PEAK (KG) ......................................... 14

12.4 LAST DAY OF 10 DAY PEAK ........................................................................................... 15

12.5 MILK SOLIDS TO 31 DEC SOLD TO FACTORY ...................................................................... 16

12.6 AVERAGE DAILY MILK SOLIDS PER COW FOR LAST 10 DAYS IN DECEMBER (KG) .......................... 16

SECTION 13 – DAYS IN MILK (DIM) ...................................................................................................... 17

13.1 NUMBER OF COWS CALVING ........................................................................................ 18

13.2 DATE WHEN 50% OF COWS CALVED ............................................................................... 18

13.3 DAYS IN MILK PER COW .............................................................................................. 19

13.4 DAYS IN MILK – SPRING/AUTUMN - COW DRYING OFF & WASTAGE CALENDAR ...................... 20

SECTION 14 – YOUNG STOCK GRAZED ON EFFECTIVE (MILKING) AREA ................................................ 22

14.1 RISING ONE-YEAR OLDS .............................................................................................. 22

14.2 RISING TWO-YEAR OLDS .............................................................................................. 23

SECTION 15 – GRAZING OFF DRY COWS ............................................................................................... 23

15.1 NUMBER OF COWS .................................................................................................... 24

15.2 TOTAL DAYS GRAZED AWAY FROM MILKING AREA .............................................................. 25


15.3 KGDM/COW/DAY OFFERED ......................................................................................... 25

15.4 AVERAGE MJME/KGDM ........................................................................................... 26

15.5 UTILISATION % ......................................................................................................... 26

SECTION 16 – CROPS GRAZED & FEED HARVESTED ON EFFECTIVE AREA .............................................. 27

16.1 AREA HARVESTED FOR HAY & SILAGE (HA) ............................................................................ 27

16.2 HARVEST CROP (HA) .................................................................................................. 28

16.3 FEED EXPORTED (TDM) ............................................................................................. 28

16.3 SUMMER CROP GRAZED BY DAIRY COWS (HA) .................................................................. 29

16.4 WINTER CROP GRAZED BY DAIRY COWS (HA) .................................................................... 30

SECTION 17 – IMPORTED SUPPLEMENTS FED OUT ON EFFECTIVE AREA DURING SEASON ................... 30

17.1 IMPORTED SUPPLEMENTS FED OUT ON EFFECTIVE AREA DURING SEASON ................................. 30

SECTION 18 – IRRIGATION ................................................................................................................... 33

18.1 AVERAGE IRRIGATION INTERVAL (DAYS) .......................................................................... 33

18.2 HECTARES IRRIGATED ................................................................................................. 33

18.3 DAYS OF THE SEASON IRRIGATED ................................................................................... 34

18.4 TOTAL METERED WATER (M3) – PREFERRED ..................................................................... 34

18.5 OR INSTANTANEOUS FLOW RATE (L/SEC/HA) ................................................................... 35

18.6 OR FLOW RATE (BORE/BORDERDYKE) (L/SEC) .................................................................. 35

SECTION 19 – GENERAL COMMENTS E.G. MAJOR FLOOD, DRIED OFF EARLY, FIRST YEAR CONVERSION

19.1 GENERAL COMMENTS ................................................................................................. 36

SECTION 20 – FERTILISERS AND SOILS .................................................................................................. 36

20.1 SOIL TEST INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 36

20.1.1 SOIL TEST PH ....................................................................................................... 36

20.1.2 OLSEN P (AVE) ..................................................................................................... 37

20.1.3 QUICK TEST MG – MAGNESIUM .............................................................................. 37

20.1.4 QUICK TEST K – POTASSIUM ................................................................................... 38

20.1.5 SOIL TEST SULPHATE S ........................................................................................... 39

20.2 FERTILISER APPLICATION RECORD .................................................................................. 39

20.2.1 NITROGEN (N) ..................................................................................................... 39

20.2.2 PHOSPHORUS (P) ................................................................................................. 40

20.2.3 POTASSIUM (K) (KG/HA) ....................................................................................... 40

20.2.4 SULPHUR (S) (KG/HA) .......................................................................................... 41

20.2.5 MAGNESIUM (MG) (KG/HA) .................................................................................. 41

20.2.5 LIME (KG/HA) ...................................................................................................... 42

SECTION 21 – CALVING AND MATING .................................................................................................. 43

21.1 PLANNED START OF CALVING ........................................................................................ 43


21.2 PLANNED START OF MATING (PSM) .............................................................................. 43

21.3 DATE AB FINISHED .................................................................................................... 43

21.4 DATE BULL WITHDRAWN FROM HERD ............................................................................. 44

21.5 NUMBER MA COWS CONFIRMED EMPTY ......................................................................... 44

21.6 NUMBER OF COWS CALVED AT 21 DAYS .......................................................................... 44



21.9 NUMBER OF COWS INDUCED ........................................................................................ 46

21.10 NUMBER OF COWS SUBMITTED IN 21 DAYS FROM PSM ................................................. 47

21.11 NUMBER OF COWS TREATED FROM ANOESTRUS ........................................................... 47

21.12 6-WEEK IN-CALF RATE (% OF HERD IN CALF AT 6 WEEKS) ................................................ 48

SECTION 22 – MASTITIS AND LAMENESS ............................................................................................. 48

22.1 AVERAGE BULK SOMATIC CELL COUNT (FOR SEASON) .......................................................... 48

22.2 COWS LAME ............................................................................................................ 49

22.3 COWS TREATED FOR MASTITIS IN FIRST 6 WEEKS FROM PSC ................................................. 49

SECTION 23 – WASTAGE AND REPLACEMENTS .................................................................................... 50

23.1 NUMBER OF COWS AND R2 HEIFERS AT THE START OF SEASON ............................................. 50

23.2 NUMBER OF R2 HEIFERS AT THE START OF SEASON ............................................................ 51

23.3 NUMBER OF R2 HEIFERS AT THE START OF SEASON AND STILL IN THE HERD AT THE END OF SEASON 51

23.4 NUMBER OF COWS AND R2 HEIFERS MILKING AT 1 DEC ...................................................... 52

23.5 NUMBER OF REPLACEMENT CALVES REARED ..................................................................... 53


Introduction

This guide has been prepared to aid the data collector in understanding

how the data should be collected, where the data can be collected from, the

importance of the data collected and how it is used.

The Level 2 questionnaire is the set of information that will allow a farmer

to analyse the physical aspects of the farm business in more detail and use the

relevant benchmarks that are established.

Objectives;

To efficiently collect essential farm information to enable the generation of

DairyBase Physical Detail Reports A & B.

To have the farmer engaged and self-managing with the desire to collect

and use the information on an ongoing basis.

Ensure farmer gains value from information through an on-farm analysis.

When time is limited, concentrate on the following ESSENTIAL areas in

this order as these have the biggest impact on the pasture eaten:

Cow LWT

Young stock grazed on effective area

Grazing off dry cows

Imported supplements fed out

Advise dairy farmers to have the information mentioned in the “Level 2

resource checklist” (Appendix 1) Appendix 1available before the interview.

This will save time when completing the L2 questionnaire.

It is important to take time to complete or review the level 1 questionnaire

prior to completing the level 2 Questionnaire.


The next IMPORTANT areas to focus on influence the pasture eaten

calculation but have less influence unless really extreme:

Physical Description

Litres of milk fed to calves

Discarded milksolids

Days in Milk

Finally the remaining areas should be collected. They are benchmarked or

compared against industry targets but do not influence the pasture eaten

calculations. The Irrigation section (average irrigation interval, hectares

Irrigated, days of season irrigated, volume of water applied) is compulsory for

Irrigated farms so must be collected. Sections 9 to 19 provide information

necessary to generate the “Physical detail report A”, where key performance

indicators (KPI’s) are benchmarked against other farms. Sections 20-23 provide

information necessary to generate the “Physical detail report B”, where KPI’s

are compared with industry targets.


Section 9 – Farm description

9.1 Farm dairy

Type of dairy shed used and number of cups.

Relevance:

This information adds context to the farm description.

The number of cups is used for the efficiency KPI of “Milking cups per

FTE”.

Recommendation:

If the analysis includes more than one shed record each shed details

separately.

If the shed type is not Rotary or Herringbone e.g. Robotic milker or walk

through, then use “Other” and make a not in the comments section as to

what the shed type is

9.2 Rainfall for season

This is the Rainfall recorded on the farm for the current season. This can

be entered for an individual farm where known, otherwise the current full

season’s total rainfall supplied by NIWA will be displayed.

Relevance:

It provides further information about the farm and the season.

It is particularly relevant if the recorded farm rainfall is significantly

different from the area average.

The reports provide a comparison with the NIWA 10 year average so the

seasonal rainfall compared with the 10 year average gives an indication

of whether the seasonal rainfall is higher or lower than average.


Recommendation:

Only enter data here if the client has recorded the actual rainfall for the

farm. If data provided is just a guess at the average seasonal rainfall do

not enter it as it will preclude the NIWA data being used.

Section 10 – Physical description

These values influence the maintenance requirements of the cow and

are used in the energy calculations.

10.1 Distance from farm dairy to furthest paddock (km)

This is the distance from the Farm Dairy to the furthest paddock. It is a

measure of the furthest distance milking cows walk on a regular basis.

Relevance:

Used (in conjunction with frequency of milking and farm altitude) to

estimate the energy a cow uses during the year for walking.

This is important information for calculating pasture eaten.

Recommendation:

This should be recorded in kilometres.

It can be taken from a farm map or may be measured using the

odometer on a farm bike or ute.

Consider the frequency with which cows walk to the the furthest paddock

as well as what that distance is, e.g. if the cows only graze the furthest

paddock 2 or 3 times during the milking season do not use this distance

as the furthest paddock as it is not a regular walk.

10.2 % of farm at a different height/altitude to farm dairy

This is the percentage of the farm that is at a different altitude to the farm

dairy.


Relevance:

This information adds context to the farm description as it gives an

indication of the contour of the farm.

It is used to estimate the amount of energy used by milking cows for

walking and the amount of pasture eaten by the herd.

Recommendation:

20 % or more of the farm at a different altitude is significant and will have

an impact on the energy required for walking and, therefore, on pasture

eaten.

This is not easy to measure so estimation is often required

10.3 Average difference in height between farm dairy and hill

paddocks (m)

This is the average difference in height between the farm dairy and highest

hill paddocks.

Relevance:

It is used to estimate the amount of energy used by milking cows for

walking and the amount of pasture eaten by the herd. Height travelled by

a cow has more impact than the distance on flat as it requires more

energy.

Recommendation:

An average difference in height of 20 metres is significant and will have

an impact on the energy required for walking and in the estimation of

pasture eaten.

This is not easy to measure so an approximate value is often required.

Where farms are terraced it may be necessary to calculate how often the

cows are climbing and adjust the average height to reflect this e.g. the

farm dairy and 20% of the farm is on river flats and 80% of the farm is on

terrace flats 60 metres above the dairy – in this case the average height

should be recorded as 60 metres.


Section 11 – Stock description

Values from this section appear in the report under ‘Physical description’ and

are used in energy calculations, as well as being a useful indicators in their own

right

11.1 Cow Liveweight (kg) Dec 1

This is the average cow liveweight (LWT) at the beginning of December. At

this time the impact of pregnancy, as well as the effects on body condition/

liveweight of calving and early lactation are at their lowest.

Relevance:


indication of the relative size of the cows farmed.

It contributes to the KPI’s ‘Liveweight/ha’ and ‘Milksolids as % of

liveweight’.

Essential for calculating pasture eaten.

If this is underestimated then the amount of feed required for the cows

will be understated.

Recommendation:

Refer to the table in the level 2 questionnaire for information to assist

with estimating cow liveweights.

Some Meat companies now supply live weights as well as carcase

weights so check kill sheets for any December/January culls to get an

indication of a herds average cow Liveweight.

A herds average cow liveweight can be estimated by using the herd LWT

BV in conjunction with the formula as stated on the Level 2

questionnaire. The herd LWT BV can be obtained from a ‘Traits

Evaluations’ report from MINDA (it needs to be requested in advance as

not a standard report generated from MINDA).


11.2 Herd BW/Reliability

The herd BW is the herds’ LIC Breeding Worth or CRV equivalent, as

shown on herd records at the start of season. The reliability is a measure

of the amount of information that has contributed to the calculation of the

BW.

It should include data for all rising 2 year olds and mixed age cows to calve

(or planned to be milked) at the start of the season.

Relevance:


indication of the genetic merit of the herd.

The BW for a herd gives an indication of the herd’s likely worth for

breeding. It is based on the recorded ancestry information and herd test

information for the herd.

The higher the reliability the more accurate the BW estimate.

Recommendation:

This information is on reports or documents printed at the start of the

season. It is updated regularly so requesting a report during the season

will not show the BW at the start of the season.

Check that the data source includes all rising 2 year olds. Early season

reports may not include the rising 2 year olds as some farms tag them as

they calve. If no better data is available record this but make a note in

the comments section.

An estimate can be made from a report later in the season – make a

note in the comments section if this is the case.

11.3 Herd PW/Reliability

The herd PW is the herds’ LIC Production Worth or CRV equivalent, as

shown on herd records at the start of season. The reliability is a measure

of the amount of information that has contributed to the calculation of the

PW. It should include data for all rising 2 year olds and mixed age cows to

calve (or planned to be milked) at the start of the season.


Relevance:


indication of the Production potential of the herd.

The PW for a herd is based initially on the recorded ancestry information

for the herd. The more herd test data the less influenceaAncestry

information has.

The higher the reliability the more accurate the PW estimate.

Recommendation:

This information is on reports or documents printed at the start of the

season. It is updated regularly so requesting a report during the season

will not show the PW at the start of the season.

Check that the data source includes all rising 2 year olds. Early season

reports may not include the rising 2 year olds as some farms tag them as

they calve. If no better data is available record this but make a note in

the comments section, or check an early season herd test report as this

should include most of the R2 heifers.

An estimate can be made from a report alter in the season – make a

note in the comments section if this is the case.

11.4 Nitrogen Applied

See Section 20 – Fertiliser and Soils page 26

Section 12 – Milk production

This section captures all milk output from the herd (except colostrum), whether

saleable or not. This gives greater accuracy when estimating the energy

requirements for a herd. Per cow daily production at peak and at end of

December are used to calculate monthly drop off from peak which can be an

indicator of feed quality and/or quantity over that period.


12.1 Litres of milk fed to calves

This is the quantity of milk produced by the herd that could have gone to

the factory or been sold elsewhere, but was fed to calves. Colostrum is

excluded from this estimate.

Relevance:

Used to identify all milk outputs from the farm.

Contributes to the calculation of pasture eaten.

Recommendation:

Includes sick cow milk and saleable milk taken from vat and fed to both

replacement & non-replacement calves.

Do not include colostrum milk as the energy required by a cow to

produce colostrum is already included in the pasture eaten calculation.

Ensure that sick cow milk recorded here as fed to calves is not recorded

against discarded milksolids as well.

For a 25% replacement rate, with calves fed for 8 weeks, approximately

25% of their feed will come from colostrum so adjust number of days fed

out of the vat. E.g. 8 weeks x 75% = 6 weeks from the vat (and or sick

cow milk).

As a guide use:

o 200 litres to raise a Friesian calf (excluding colostrum)

o 160 litres to raise a Jersey calf (excluding colostrum)

The information can be entered directly into Litres of milk fed to calves

OR the calculator can be used with number of calves reared (spring and

autumn), estimated litres of milk fed per day and number of days fed

milk

Do not spend too much time on this as milk fed to calves needs to be

very high before it impacts on the pasture eaten calculation. An estimate

is adequate for this if good data cannot be obtained quickly.

Some farmers sell milk to calf rearers and cheesemakers etc. If this milk

production is significant it should be added to the level 1 milk

production. If not significant (< 1%) then include them here as otherwise


amount of total milk production is understated. Make sure to record how

this is treated in the farm notes area on DairyBase.

12.2 Discarded milksolids (kg)

This is discarded milksolids that is disposed of and not fed to calves. It is

information that contributes to identifying all milk outputs from the farm.

Relevance:

Used to identify all milk outputs from the farm.

Contributes to the calculation of pasture eaten.

Recommendation:

If discarded milk is fed to calves only count treated cows from date

calves stopped being fed so you do not double count discarded milk that

was included in calf milk.

Refer to animal treatment records for number of cows treated and

withholding period.

Use average if different treatments have different withholding lengths

e.g. 150 cows X 6 days X 1.6 kgMS = 1440 kgMS.

Do not spend too much time on this as discarded milk needs to be very

high before it impacts on the pastureeaten calculation. An estimate is

adequate for this if good data cannot be obtained quickly.

12.3 Average daily milksolids per cow for 10 days at peak (kg)

This is the average daily per cow production over 10 days during the peak

period when the highest daily per cow production is achieved.

Relevance:

Used as the KPI ‘10 day peak per cow’ and for calculating ‘Monthly

production drop : Peak to 31 Dec’.

Shows the productivity of the herd during the peak which may give an

indication of feeding levels, herd condition score, calving pattern, herd

health and genetic merit.


Recommendation:

Take into consideration that the peak may occur before all cows have

calved and while milk may also be going to the calves (in this case also

include the kilograms of milksolids in milk fed to calves). For this reason

the daily milk statements should only be used as a starting point e.g.:

o Take the relevant 10 day milksolids from Dairy statements

o Add Milk fed to calves (from the vat/sick cow milk) and discarded

milk

o Divide by 10 to get dairy total milksolids at peak

o Divide by average number of cows contributing to the vat over the

10 day period

It is the average daily per cow production over the peak period

o eg if the peak of milksolids production is on 5 Oct then average

the milksolids production from 5 days before and 5 days after the

peak date should be used. Then divide it by the average number

of cows milked during this period.

Herd test information from this period may also be helpful starting point.

This is a useful KPI on its own but it is not used in the calculation of

pasture eaten so if good data is not available quickly, an estimate should

be made and a note made in the comments section.

12.4 Last day of 10 day peak

This is the last day of the 10 day period during which the peak occurred

Relevance:

• Used as the KPI ‘10 day peak per cow’ and for calculating ‘Monthly

production drop : Peak to 31 Dec’.

Recommendation:

• If peak was on 10 October then the last day of 10 day peak would be 15

October i.e. 5 days after peak.

• Farmers will generally know this information.


• Don’t rely solely on factory statements as the peak can occur before all

cows are calved and milk is still being used to feed calves.

• This contributes to a useful KPI but it is not used in the calculation of

Pasture Eaten so if good data is not available quickly, an estimate should

be made and a note made in the comments section.

12.5 Milk solids to 31 Dec sold to factory

This is the milk production for the seasonal year to 31 December (June 1

to December 31).

Relevance:

For spring calving herds the amount of milk produced before the end of

December reflects the impact of stocking rated, calving pattern, feeding

levels and herd condition. This can help identify opportunities or

strengths for a farm system

Recommendation:

Refer to December dairy company statement under season to date

production or dairy company website 1 June to 31 December production.

12.6 Average daily milk solids per cow for last 10 days in

December (kg)

This is the average daily milksolids per cow for the last 10 days of

December.

Relevance:

Used for calculating the KPI ‘Monthly production drop : Peak to 31 Dec’.

Recommendation:

Use the milk statement for December (or the daily milk dockets) to

identify the milk production for last 10 days in December. Divide this by

the average number of cows contributing to the vat for the same period.


This contributes to a useful KPI but it is not used in the calculation of

Pasture Eaten so if good data is not available quickly, an estimate

should be made and a note made in the comments section.

Section 13 – Days in milk (DIM)

Days in Milk is the average number of days for the season that each cow in

the herd is in milk. Number of cows to calve each season (spring/autumn),

midpoint of calving and the removal of cows from the milking herd are

important factors in determining average Days in Milk for a herd.

Midpoint of calving (i.e. the date 50% of herd is calved) plus 5 days is used

to derive an average mean calving date. A profile of cows leaving the

milking herd (dry, culls, deaths) is established. The difference between the

mean calving date and the date each cow finishes milking is used to

calculate total cow milking days. Total Cow milking days / number of cows

at planned start of calving (spring/autumn) gives days in milk per cow for

the herd.

Relevance:

Used as part of the calculation of energy used for walking in the pasture

eaten calculation.

The weighted average DIM for each calving period is used to calculate

DIM for the season.

This is a useful benchmarked KPI.

Recommendation:

Do not spend too much time on this as Days in milk needs change

considerably before it impacts on the pasture eaten calculation. An

estimate is adequate for this if good data cannot be obtained quickly.


13.1 Number of cows calving

This is the number of cows to calve (or intended to be milked) at planned

start of calving (PSC) for the production year (1 June to 31 May).

In the case of spring calving herds record the number of cows to calve

between 1 June to 31 December under Days in Milk - Spring.

For autumn calving herds, record under Days in milk – Autumn, the

number of cows to calve between 1 January and 31 May for the year

prior to the start of the production season. (if the production season is

2013-2014 use the autumn calving data from Autumn 2013) .

Relevance:

Used as a starting point to calculate Days in Milk per cow in conjunction

with cows removed from the milking herd (or in milk each

fortnight/month) and mean calving date (derived from mid-point).

Recommendation:

Information can be obtained from calving report.

Include any carry over cows that are intended to be milked for the

season.

Use peak when numbers increase a lot more from PSC – level 1.

13.2 Date when 50% of cows calved

This is the date when 50% of the herd has calved (also known as the mid-

point of calving).

Relevance:

This is used to estimate the herd mean calving date (by adding 5 days)

which is used in the calculation of days in milk.

Recommendation:

Information can be obtained from the MINDA or CRV Calving Rate

Reports (The planned start of calving date must be entered to get this

MINDA/CRV report.). The most accurate mid-point for the herd is


estimated from the mean calving date on the calving rate report. Take 5

days off the mean to get the mid calving date.

The herd fertility Focus report also has this information.

If there is not good data available estimate it (it is usually between 2 ½

and 3 ½ weeks from PSC). Make notes in the comments section of any

assumptions and ensure client understands the implications of any

assumptions.

If yellow notebook is being used, count cows until you reach 50% of

cows and use that calving date.

13.3 Days in milk per cow

Days in milk can be entered directly if the values given are reliable. It can

be estimated using the Days in milk calculator in DairyBase, or calculated

manually. Where there is no information at all, an approximation can be

made and steps taken to ensure the farmer understands the implications of

this approximation on the reports.

Relevance:

Used as part of the calculation of energy used for walking in the pasture

eaten calculation

The weighted average DIM for each calving period is used to calculate

DIM for the season

This is a useful benchmarked KPI

Recommendation:

Where there is no good data readily available an estimate can be made

for Days in milk (see manual calculation methods).

Farms with MINDA Pro or good electronic monitoring and up to date

records can often generate an accurate Days in milk directly from their

own reports.

Often what the farmer perceives as their days in milk is different from

the actual. It is not the difference in days between the planned start of

calving and the drying of date for the herd.


In simple cases the calculation table can be used to estimate days in

milk figures.

For Non-standard calving numbers/dates or if the autumn calving

numbers and dates are different the following autumn please contact

DairyBase.

13.4 Days in Milk – Spring/Autumn - Cow Drying Off & Wastage

Calendar

The Days in Milk calculation table allows calculation of DIM by using the

date and number of animals removed from the milking herd during the

season for each period (Spring and autumn)

Click “calc” to display

the Days in Milk

calculator


Relevance:

Allows for a profile of cows leaving the milking herd to be easily

established.

Used with the mid-point of calving and number of cows calving to

calculate the average days in milk for the herd.

Recommendation:

Cows culled and died information can be gained from the MINDA

Removed Animals Report. Sort by Removal Date.

The LIC DairyBase report can be used for this information.

Only enter removal event up to the last date animals are dried off

otherwise it is possible to double count the removal of cows (i.e. cows

that may have been dried off and then later culled/died).

13.5 Number of carryover cows at the start of the season (1st June)

This measure refers to the number of cows that calved in spring of the

previous season still in-milk at the beginning of the current season (1st

June). This measure enables DairyBase to assess the frequency of

farms with extended lactations.

Use “Add New” to add

lines for each animal

removal event

Enter the date of each

removal event and the

number of animals

removed from the milking

herd

Click “Calculate” once

all removal events up

to the final drying off

date have been

entered

Can just make cows to

calve the number at PSC

and not worry about the

losses before calving


13.6 Number of carryover cows at the end of the season (31st May)

This measure refers to the number of cows that calved in spring of the

current season still in-milk on 31st May. This measure enables DairyBase

to assess the frequency of farms with extended lactations.

Section 14 – Young stock grazed on effective (milking) area

This is the number of young stock that are grazed ON the effective milking

area.

Relevance:

This information is used to estimate the feed eaten by young stock

grazed on the milking area which is then added to the feed eaten by

milking cows so Total feed eaten on the milking area can be calculated.

An estimate is made of the hectares required to provide this feed.

Essential for calculating Effective young stock area.

Essential for calculating Pasture eaten.

Recommendation:

Always confirm that the information provided relates to the young stock

that are grazed ON the milking area.

14.1 Rising one-year olds

Rising one year olds are defined as animals from 3 months of age

(weaning) to 10 months of age. The number of animals and the number of

months on the effective milking area should be recorded.

Relevance:

Identifies the amount eaten by Rising one year olds on the effective

milking area.

Essential for calculating effective young stock area.


Recommendation:


Can only be on the effective area for 7 months maximum (3-10 months)

If older than 10 months then record the extra as rising two-year olds:

e.g. if animals 3 to 11 months of age are grazed on farm, the number of

animals is entered in “Rising one-year olds” for a period of 7 months,

and in “Rising two-year olds” for a period of 1 month.

14.2 Rising two-year olds

Rising two year olds are defined as animals from 11 months of age

(weaning) to 10 months of age. The number of animals and the number of

months on the effective milking area should be recorded.

Relevance:

Identifies the amount eaten by rising two year olds on the effective

milking area.

Essential for calculating effective young stock area.


Recommendation:

Remember to include carry over cows or other dry stock (bulls) that may

be on the effective milking area during the year.

Include Rising two year old heifers that come home early (prior to 22

months of age – after 22 months of age they are considered part of the

herd to calve).

e.g. if animals 20 months to 23 months of age are grazed on farm, the

number of animals is entered in “Rising two-year olds” for a period of 2

months, after 22 months they are considered part of the herd that is to

be milked.

Section 15 – Grazing off dry cows

This records the number of dry cows grazed away from the effective milking

area, the total number of days the cows were away for. The amount of feed

offered and the average MJME/Kg DM and utilisation are also recorded.


This information is used to identify the amount of feed eaten by dry cows

that is not grown on the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Essential for calculating pasture eaten

Used in the calculation of the KPI “Grazing off dry cows eaten” and

“Imported supplements & grazing eaten”

Recommendation:

Remember to include Rising two year old heifers after 22 months of age

if they are still away at grazing

Where different mobs of cows go away to grazing (or come home) at

different times record the groups separately using the Add New button

15.1 Number of cows

This is the number of dry cows grazed away from the milking area from 1

June to 31 May, including in-calf heifers over 22 months of age.

Relevance:

Essential for calculating Pasture eaten



Recommendation:

Remember to include in-calf heifers over the age of 22 months

Where different mobs of cows go away to grazing (or come home) at

different times record the groups separately using the Add New button

Carry over cows that are away at grazing all year should not be included

as cows grazed off – they are considered to be young (dry) stock grazed

off and so are not required for any pasture eaten (on the milking area)

calculations


15.2 Total days grazed away from milking area

This is the number of days the dry cows are away from the milking area

from June 1 to 31 May, includes in-calf heifers over 22 months of age.

Relevance:


Used as part of the calculation to identify the amount of feed eaten by

dry cows that was not grown on the effective area.


“Imported supplements & grazing eaten”.

Recommendation:

If cows are gradually sent or brought back between grazing and milking

platform use average length of time for herd or record the different mobs

separately.

Important to consider cows grazed off at the beginning of year from 1

June to calving and cows grazed off following drying off prior to 31 May.

Check when R2 heifers come back home.

15.3 kgDM/cow/day offered

This is the kgDM of feed offered while cows are grazed off, including grass and

supplement.

Relevance:





Recommendation:

Refer to table in questionnaire. Did cows hold condition or gain weight?

To estimate the amount of feed offered refer to table in questionnaire


E.g. To verify the amount of feed offered ask the question “did the

cows hold condition or gained weight?” Use the table as a guide

to then estimated feed offered.

Consider the Kg DM per cow per day offered in conjunction with the

utilisation to ensure the correct intake per cow is estimated

15.4 Average MJME/kgDM

This should reflect the average MJME (Mega Joules of Metabolisable Energy)

per Kg DM of all feeds eaten at grazing including supplement.

Relevance:


dry cows that was not grown on the effective area



Has a significant influence on the Pasture eaten calculation

Recommendation:

Use 11ME for pasture.

Use a weighted average of the feeds offered, e.g. fFeed offered is 3 kg

DM silage and 7 kg DM pasture the average ME of the feed would be ((3

*10.5)+(7*11)) ÷ 10 kg DM = 10.85 MJME.

15.5 Utilisation %

This should reflect the Percentage of feed offered that is actually eaten.

Relevance:

Used in conjunction with Kg DM offered per cow per day to calculate

actual feed eaten per cow per day.






Can have a significant influence on Pasture eaten calculation.

Recommendation:

Use 85% for pasture unless very wet.

Use the guidelines in DairyNZ Facts and Figures for NZ Dairy farmers

page 22-23.

Section 16 – Crops grazed & feed harvested on effective

area

16.1 Area harvested for hay & silage (ha)

This is the area of the milking area that was harvested for pasture or lucerne

Hay & Silage.

Relevance:

Used to calculate Percent of farm harvested for hay & silage.

Recommendation:

If more than one cut is taken from same area count each cut separately

e.g. 10ha X 3 cuts = 30ha.

Can estimate area harvested if the tonnes of silage or number of bales of

hay harvested is known e.g.:

100 15 bale equivalents of baleage were known

100 bales x 15 bale eq * 15 kg DM per bale eq = 22500 kg DM

harvested (or 22.5 tonnes)

The average silage crop at harvesting is between 2-3 Tonnes of

DM per ha, so 22.5 T DM ÷ 2.5 T DM per ha = 9 ha

Page 26 DairyNZ Facts and Figures for New Zealand Dairy Farmers has

some useful data for calculating the quantity of feed in a stack or in bales

Ask if the harvested pasture was a heavy crop (3 T DM per ha) or light

crop (less than 2 T DM per ha)


16.2 Harvest crop (ha)

Harvest crop (ha) reports the crops grown on the effective milking area that

are harvested by machines, such as maize or cereal crops. Harvested crops

are not grazed directly by animals.

Relevance:

Used to calculate Percent of Farm area used to grow harvested crops.

Recommendation:

Only include harvested crops that are grown on the defined Milking area.

Crops grown on support land or areas that are not grazed by in milk

cows during the year should be omitted.

16.3 Feed Exported (TDM)

This is feed that was grown and harvested on the milking platform that was

not fed out in the year it is grown. Feed can be exported to another year or

another place.

Relevance:

Used to calculate the KPI “Feed exported”.

Contributes to the calculation for the KPI Pasture eaten.

Recommendation:

Feed harvested off the milking area that is put in to storage is deemed to

be “Feed exported” ie it is exported to another season.

Feed taken from the milking area and sold or fed out elsewhere, (eg

support block), is deemed to be Feed exported ie it is exported to

another place.

If all feed harvested from the milking area in a year is fed out again on

the milking area in that same season then no feed home grown feed is

exported.

Where a particular feed type is on hand at start, some is grown on the


milking area, some is also imported/purchased from elsewhere, and

some is still on hand at the end, assume the following:

Feed on hand at start is eaten first

Then feed grown on the milking area

Then feed imported/purchase from elsewhere

This means that the feed on hand at the end will be coming from the

purchased feed first and exported feed last

o Eg Farmer has 130 T DM silage on hand at the start, grows 150 T

DM on the milking area during the season, purchased 20 T DM

and has 150 T DM on hand at the end of the year. Record this as

follows

130 T DM on hand is imported feed fed

130 T DM feed exported

150 T DM feed on hand at end ( made up of 130 T DM

exported feed and 20 T DM of the purchased feed not fed)

If the farmer is able to provide for each feed type exact data about the

source and destination for each lot of feed then record the data as

provided

16.3 Summer crop grazed by dairy cows (ha)

This is the hectares of the effective milking area that was used to grow

summer crops that were grazed by the stock (herd and young stock) during

the season. Eg Turnips, chicory.

Relevance:

Used to calculate Percent of Farm area used to grow grazed summer

crops.

Recommendation:

Only include crops grown on the effective milking area that are grazed by

cows or young stock on the milking area.


16.4 Winter crop grazed by dairy cows (ha)

This is Hectares of effective milking area that are used to grow winter crops.

Relevance:

Used to calculate Percent of Farm area used to grow winter crop.

Recommendation:

Only include winter crop area which is grazed in the season you are

collecting information for.

Paddocks which may be out for planting for the following season should

be excluded.

Areas in winter crop that are out of the milking rotation for the whole year

should not be included. Ie are not grazed by in milk cows at all during the

year. These areas should be deducted from the effective milking area

and added to the Support Block area.

Section 17 – Imported supplements fed out on effective

area during season

17.1 Imported supplements fed out on effective area during season

This identifies the amount of feed (in tonnes of dry matter), that is eaten by

stock, (the herd and any young stock), while they are on the effective area,

that was not grown on the effective area in the season being analysed. This

includes:

Feed fed out on the milking area that has come from another location.

Feed fed out on the milking area that comes from another season (ie

supplements on hand at the start of the season that are fed out during

the year).

Relevance:

Essential for calculating Pasture Eaten.

Used in the calculation of the following KPI’s under Feed Eaten on the


Physical detail report:

- Pasture & Crop eaten MJME/ha.

- Pasture & Crop eaten t DM/ha.

- Imported supplements eaten t DM/ha.

- Imported supplements eaten kg DM/cow.

- Imported supplements & grazing eaten kg DM/cow.

- Average utilisation imported supplement.

- Average ME imported supplements MJ/kgDM.

Recommendation:

Feed made on the milking area, that is not fed out in the season it is

made, needs to be entered under feed exported.

Feed made on the milking area and fed elsewhere (ie on a support

block) needs to be entered under feed exported.

Feed made on the milking area and sold needs to be entered under

feed exported.

Where there is feed on hand at the start of the season, assume this is

fed out first as imported feed.

If possible, where there is purchased/imported feed and home grown

feed of the same type, assume home grown supplements are all fed out

first in the season that they are grown, (to minimise Feed exported)

Where feed is imported and not all fed out in the same season only enter

the amount fed.

Where there are feeds imported that are not on the list, enter them under

Other or select a similar type feed and amend the MJME and the

utilisation eg cotton seed meal can be entered under soybean meal.

Where feeds are entered under a different heading eg cotton seed meal

instead of soybean meal, make a note in the comments section and in

farm notes.

Refer to imported supplements table for DM%, MJME and utilisation of

feeds.

Refer to DairyNZ Facts and Figures for New Zealand Dairy Farmers

Page 19-23 for further information regarding feed values and wastage.


Many farmers will have this information in a Dairy diary. Alternately their

cash book may provide information of feed purchased and contractors

used to make feed.

Always check the utilization and MJME of each feed as a small variation

can have a significant impact on Pasture eaten, particularly if the amount

of imported feed is relatively large.

Always check that the feed information is for tonnes of dry matter and

not wet matter. Feeds such as PKE, Grain, Concentrates, molasses,

Proliq, and by-products (Broll or Brewers Grain) are often sold as wet

tonnes.

A template for a table to assist with identifying where feed has come

from, where it has gone and what imported feed was actually eaten

during the year has been developed for Dairybase contractors. The

completed example below demonstrates how to use the table. Deal with

each feed one at a time:

John has 100 t DM maize silage at the start of the season. He feeds 30 t DM in

the spring and then the rest in Feb/March. He grows 5ha of maize silage on the

farm (22tDM/ha) and buys in another 120 t DM from a local contractor. At the

end of the year he has 80 t DM maize silage left in the stack for next spring.

No grass silage was made on farm this year to replace the 27 t DM (150

bales/12Beq) they had at the start of the year to feed over winter so they

bought another 30 t DM from BOP for next winter.

220 t PKE was bought and fed with the maize throughout the year.

When the R2 heifers came home early from their grazing (1st April) John bought

20 t PKE/blend product to help put on weight.


Section 18 – Irrigation

18.1 Average irrigation interval (days)

This is the time taken for irrigator to return to its starting point or days taken

to irrigate farm.

Relevance:

This is used to calculate the KPI “Total water applied annually” and

“pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm (irrgn+rain Sept–Apr)” where total metered water (m3)

applied is not supplied.

Recommendation:

Use the average interval each paddock is irrigated.

18.2 Hectares irrigated

This is the hectares of milking area that is irrigated with water.

Relevance:



pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm"(irrgn+rain Sept–Apr) and “Percent of effective area

irrigated %”.

Recommendation:

This must be equal to or less than effective milking area.

Effluent sprayed area is not considered to be irrigated. Only include

effluent sprayed areas if they are also irrigated with water.

18.3 Days of the season irrigated

This is the number of days that irrigation occurs on the effective milking area.

Relevance:


“pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm (irrgn+rain Sept–Apr).”

Recommendation:

Refer to water meter records

If water pumped from a well refer to electricity records which may

indicate days pump in use

Some Regional Councils require detailed irrigation records. This

information is ideal for answering this question

18.4 Total metered water (m3) – preferred

This is the total metered water (m3) applied to the milking area during the

season.

Relevance:


“pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm (irrgn+rain Sept–Apr)”.

Recommendation:

This is taken from the water meter.

This is the preferred measurement to use.


Only irrigation applied to milking area is of interest and reported so if

total metered water includes irrigation for other areas this needs to be

considered and deducted.

Some Regional Councils require detailed irrigation records. If available,

use this information to answer this question.

18.5 OR Instantaneous flow rate (l/sec/ha)

This is the Instantaneous flow rate (l/sec/ha) for irrigation applied to the

milking area during the season.

Relevance:


“pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm (irrgn+rain Sept–Apr)” in conjunction with

days of season irrigated, hectares irrigated and average irrigation

interval where total metered water is not able to be supplied directly

Recommendation:

Only use this metric if total metered water (m3) is not available

18.6 OR Flow rate (bore/borderdyke) (l/sec)

This is the flow rate (l/sec) for bore or Borderdyke irrigation applied to the

milking area during the season.

Relevance:


“pasture eaten kgDM/ha/mm (irrgn+rain Sept–Apr)” in conjunction with

days of season irrigated, hectares irrigated and average irrigation

interval where total metered water is not able to be supplied directly

Recommendation:

Only use this metric if total metered water (m3) is not available

Section 19 – General comments e.g. major flood, dried off


early, first year conversion – Optional

19.1 General comments

This area is used to record major events/decisions that influenced the year’s

production and results.

Relevance:

Adds context to the information contained in the DairyBase report.

Recommendation:

Include information relating to any feed made or imported that is carried

over to add clarity the imported feeds fed out KPI.

Record any major events like floods or drought.

Information such as “First year of conversion” can be useful.

Section 20 – Fertilisers and soils

20.1 Soil Test Information

Relevance:

Provides information about the soil fertility of the effective milking area

Recommendation:

If there are soil test results for more than one area of the farm use a

weighted average, e.g. for a 100 ha farm with four different samples for

Sulphate-S

20 ha = 5

30 ha = 7

10 ha = 3

40 ha = 4

The average Sulphate-S = ((20x5) + (30x7) + (10x3) + (40*4)) ÷

(20+30+10+40) = 5

20.1.1 Soil test pH


This is the average soil PH for the milking area. This is a measure of soil

acidity and is from soil test data measured at 75mm.

Relevance:

This is used for the KPI “Soil pH”.

This KPI is for the farmer’s information only. It does not contribute to

benchmarks.

Recommendation:


weighted average.

Use soil test results.

20.1.2 Olsen P (ave)

This is the average soil Olsen P for the milking area. This is a measure of

Phosphorus (P) available for the plant and is from soil test data measured at

75mm deep.

Relevance:

This is used for the KPI “Olsen P”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


weighted average.

Use soil test results.

20.1.3 Quick Test Mg – Magnesium


This is the average soil Magnesium for the milking area. This is a measure of

Magnesium (Mg) available for the plant and is from soil test data measured

at 75mm.

Relevance:

This is used for the KPI “Quick test Mg - Magnesium (average)”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


weighted average .

Use soil test results for Quick Test Mg – Magnesium (MAF values).

If the MAF value is not available conversions are available via the

fertiliser company.

20.1.4 Quick Test K – Potassium

This is the average soil potassium for the milking area. This is a measure of

This is a measure of Potassium (K) available for the plant and is from soil

test data measured at 75mm.

Relevance:

This is used for the KPI “Quick test K - Potassium (average)”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


weighted average .

Use soil test results for Quick Test K – Potassium (MAF values).


fertiliser company.


20.1.5 Soil test Sulphate S

The Soil test Sulphate S is a measure of Sulphate (S) available immediately for

the plant and is from soil test data measured at 75mm. This is recorded for the

effective milking area.

Relevance:

This is used for the KPI “Sulphate-S (average)”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


weighted average.

Use soil test results for Sulphate-S (MAF values).


fertiliser company.

20.2 Fertiliser application record

This is all fertiliser applied to the effective milking area, including fertiliser

applied to crop areas.

20.2.1 Nitrogen (N)

This is the Kilograms of Nitrogen (N) applied to the milking area for the

season. It excludes natural application through cow urea or effluent

application.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Nitrogen applied for year”

Contributes to benchmarks

Recommendation:

Use fertiliser statements/spreading statements from the fertiliser

company.


Ensure that the amounts applied are for the Effective milking area only

(exclude applications to support blocks and non-dairy areas) .

Ensure that it is the nitrogen component that is recorded and not the

amount of product (eg 1 Tonne of Urea is only 0.46 Tonne of N).

The information can be entered as total Kg N applied using the fertiliser

calculator or as N per ha (from Fertiliser company data).

20.2.2 Phosphorus (P)

This is the amount of Phosphorus (P) applied to the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Phosphorus applied for year”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


company


(exclude applications to support blocks and non-dairy areas)

The information can be entered as total Kg P applied using the fertiliser

calculator or as P per ha (from Fertiliser company data)

20.2.3 Potassium (K) (Kg/Ha)

This is the amount of Potassium (K) applied to the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Potassium applied for year”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:



company.


(exclude applications to support blocks and non-dairy areas).

The information can be entered as total Kg K applied using the fertiliser

calculator or as K per ha (from Fertiliser company data).

20.2.4 Sulphur (S) (Kg/Ha)

This is the amount of Sulphur (S) applied to the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Sulphur applied for year”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


company.



The information can be entered as total Kg S applied using the fertiliser

calculator or as S per ha (from Fertiliser company data).

20.2.5 Magnesium (Mg) (Kg/ha)

This is the amount of Magnesium (Mg) applied to the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Magnesium applied for year”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:



company.



The information can be entered as total Kg Mg applied using the fertiliser

calculator or as Mg per ha (from Fertiliser company data).

20.2.5 Lime (kg/ha)

This is the amount of lime applied to the effective milking area.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Lime applied for year” .


benchmarks.

Recommendation:

Lime is likely to be applied in tonnes/ha. Check the correct units have

been entered.


company.



20.2.6 Fertiliser calculator

If a specific product is not listed in the DairyBase fertiliser calculators,

record the manufacturer, name of the product and composition (if

available) and send this information to the DairyBase support centre so

the product is added to the list of fertilisers in DairyBase.


Section 21 – Calving and Mating

Most of this information can be found in the InCalf Fertility Focus report.

21.1 Planned start of calving

This is the Planned Start of Calving (PSC) for mixed age cows.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Planned Start of Calving (PSC)”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:

Use the planned start of calving date for the mixed age cows (and not

the R2 heifers).

Available from an InCalf Fertility Focus report.

21.2 Planned start of mating (PSM)

This is the Planned Start of Mating (PSM) for mixed age cows.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Planned Start of Mating (PSM)”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:

Use the date for mixed age cows only, (not yearling mating’s).

Available from the mating report or InCalf Fertility Focus report.

21.3 Date AB finished

This is the date that AB finished for the season.

Relevance:


Used for the KPI “Length of AB”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:

If no AB used, enter date bull withdrawn

Available from mating report or from InCalf Fertility Focus Report page 2

21.4 Date bull withdrawn from herd

This is the date the bull/bulls are withdrawn from the herd.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Length of total mating”.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:

If the bull is left with herd for the remainder of season enter the date

which matches culling criteria for calving date.

21.5 Number MA cows confirmed empty

This is the number of cows confirmed empty before next calving.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “Empty rate”.


benchmarks.

This KPI is compared with industry Targets.

Recommendation:

Note this is the number of cows confirmed empty (not necessarily culled

empty)

21.6 Number of cows calved at 21 days after PSC of the herd


(spring calving cows)

This is the number of cows and R 2 heifers calved 21 days (3 weeks) from

PSC.

Relevance:

This is compared with the total cows and R 2 Heifers to calve to give the

KPI “% Calved by week 3”.


benchmarks.

This KPI is compared with industry Targets and can be used to identify

calving and mating issues on farm.

Recommendation:

This information is available from a calving report or as a % from the

InCalf Fertility Focus Report

It can be recorded as the number of cows calved or as a %. It is not

necessary to record both




PSC.

Relevance:




benchmarks.



Recommendation:



InCalf Fertility Focus Report.


necessary to record both.




PSC.

Relevance:




benchmarks.



Recommendation:





21.9 Number of cows induced

This is the Number of cows induced (or % from Incalf Fertility Focus Report).

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “% Cows induced to calve”.


benchmarks.


Recommendation:

Can be found on the InCalf Fertility Focus report, if it has been recorded.

It can be recorded as the number of cows induced or as a %. It is not


21.10 Number of cows mated at least once in 21 days from PSM

This is the number of cows mated once, within 21 days from Planned Start of

Mating (PSM).

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “3-week submission rate” which can assist in identifying

herd reproductive issues for a farm.


benchmarks.


Recommendation:

This is the number of cows, not number of matings.

This information is available from a Submission Rate Report or the InCalf

Fertility Focus Report.

It can be recorded as the number of cows mated or as a %. It is not


21.11 Number of cows treated from anoestrus

This is the number of cows treated once or more for anoestrus (or % from

the InCalf Fertility Focus Report).

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “% Cows treated for non-cycling” which can assist in

identifying herd reproductive issues for a farm.


benchmarks.

Recommendation:


This is the number of cows treated once or more (and not the number of

treatments).

This can be found on the InCalf Fertility Focus report, if it has been

recorded.

This data is not always recorded for herd records so it may be necessary

to look at vet invoices for the appropriate months.

It can be recorded as the number of cows treated for anoestrus or as a

%. It is not necessary to record both.

21.12 6-week in-calf rate (% of herd in calf at 6 weeks)

This is the % of the herd vetted as in calf from the first 6 weeks of mating.

Relevance:

Used for the KPI “6-week in-calf rate, Actual (A) or Estimated (E)”.


benchmarks.



Recommendation:

Obtain either from dated pregnancy diagnosis data, or as % from the


If the data is not based on pregnancy test results the InCalf report will

state this so record the data as estimated (E) not Actual (A).

It is not the 6 week calving rate.

Section 22 – Mastitis and Lameness

22.1 Average bulk milk somatic cell count (for season)


This is the Average Daily Bulk Milk Somatic Cell Count for the season as

recorded by the Dairy Company.

Relevance:

This information is used in the KPI “Average bulk milk SCC” and can be

used to assist in identifying issues with Somatic Cell Count on the farm.


benchmarks.


Recommendation:

This information can be obtained from final dairy company statement of

the year or from the dairy company website.

It is the daily average bulk somatic cell count for the year (not the

Monthly average or 10 day average).

Herd test Somatic cell count data is not indicative of the herd bulk

Somatic cell count and should not be used.

22.2 Cows lame

This is the number of cows treated one or more times for lameness during

the season. This KPI is for the farmer’s information only and it is not

benchmark but compared against industry targets.

Relevance:

This information is used in the KPI “Cows treated for lameness” and can

be used to assist in identifying issues with lameness on the farm..

Recommendation:

Refer to animal treatment records or Health Detail Form.

Record only the number of cows treated one or more times eg one cow

treated 3 times counts as one cow.

Treatment includes one or more of the following: removal from the herd,

treatment with antibiotics, trimming/ individual care of hooves.

22.3 Total number of cases of clinical mastitis during the season


This is the total number of clinical cases of mastitis in the season. A “case”

is defined as the initiation of a course of treatment (note farmers usually

record at a cow and quarter basis).

Relevance:

This information is used in the KPI “Total cases of clinical mastitis during

the season” and can be used to assist in identifying issues with mastitis

on the farm.


benchmarks.

This KPI is compared with industry targets.

Recommendation:

Refer to animal treatment records, health detail form, Fonterra Dairy

Diary or equivalent.

Section 23 – Wastage and replacements

23.1 Number of cows and R2 heifers at the start of season

This is the number of in-calf cows and rising 2 year old heifers on hand at the

start of calving that are intended to be milked.

Relevance:

This information contributes to the KPI “Cows milked 1 Dec as % of

opening cows”.


benchmarks.


This information measures the wastage of the whole herd (Cows and R 2

heifers to calve) from calving through to the beginning of December,

(the peak lactation period for seasonal farms).

Recommendation:


The closing Livestock on Hand in financial statements for the year prior

to the one being analysed, (if balance date is 31 May), can provide this

information.

Information can be obtained from herd summary report.

This number should be the same as or more than Peak cows milked,

(unless more cows were purchased after the start of calving).

Check against Cows removed from herd data to verif.y

23.2 Number of R2 heifers at the start of season

This is the number of in-calf R 2 heifers on hand at the start of calving that

are intended to be milked.

Relevance:

This information is compared with “Number of R2 heifers at the start of

season and still in the herd at the end of season” to measure wastage of

animals in that age group.

Contributes to the KPI “1st calvers on farm end of season %”.

Contributes to the KPI “Percent herd entering as heifers”.

These KPI’s are for the farmer’s information only. They do not contribute

to benchmarks.


Recommendation:

Information can be obtained from herd summary report.

The closing Livestock on Hand in financial statements for the year prior

to the one being analysed, (if balance date is 31 May), can provide this

information.

Exclude R 2 heifers on hand at the start of the season that are intended

for sale (i.e. not intended to be part of the milking herd).

23.3 Number of R2 heifers at the start of season and still in the

herd at the end of season


This is the number of R 2 heifers that entered the herd at the start of the

season that are still in the herd at the end of the season and intended to be

milked as 3 year olds.

Relevance:

This information is compared with “Number of R2 heifers at the start of

season” to measure wastage of animals in that age group.

Contributes to the KPI “1st calvers on farm end of season %”.


benchmarks.


Recommendation:

This information can be obtained from Herd Summary Report (this is

dependent on the information in MINDA being up to date).

A search of MINDA for animals on hand by birth year can provide this

information.

23.4 Number of cows and R2 heifers milking at 1 Dec

This is the number of Cows/2 year old heifers in milk at December 1.

Relevance:

This information contributes to the KPI “Cows milked 1 Dec as % of

opening cows”.

This information is for the farmer’s information only. It does not

contribute to benchmarks.


This information measures the wastage of the whole herd (Cows and R 2

heifers to calve) from calving through to the beginning of December,

(the peak lactation period for seasonal farms).

Recommendation:

Information can be obtained from Herd test data on or near the 1st

December.


This number should usually be the same as or less than Peak cows

milked. If it is higher, review the Peak cows milked or see below.

If it is higher due to the addition to the herd of in milk cows after the start

of calving, then make a note in the comments section.

Check against Cows removed from herd data to verify.

23.5 Number of replacement calves reared

This is the number of replacement calves reared, to enter the herd in 2 years’

time. It is the number of Rising 1 year olds on hand at the end of the season.

Relevance:

Can be used to calculate replacement rate.

This information is for the farmer’s information only. It does not

contribute to benchmarks.

Recommendation:

This information can be obtained from Herd Summary Report (this is

dependent on the information in MINDA being up to date).

The closing Livestock on Hand stock in financial statements for the year

being analysed (if balance date is 31 May) can also provide this

information (this is a useful source if the data is being collected several

months after the season end).

Exclude heifer calves reared and sold before the end of the season as

either weaners or rising one year olds.


APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Level 2 resource checklist

General

Farm map

Supplementary feed records or invoices of feed purchased

Animal removal report

Herd summary report or stock reconciliation

Group profile report

Financial statements

Final herd test summary

MINDA DairyBase report: Farmers need to ring MINDA (LIC) and ask for

a DairyBase level 2 report for the season data is being collected for. The

farmer’s participant code and pin are needed to get this report.

DairyBase report from MINDA will be available in their LIC online

account. Farmers can download and print this report before the interview

with a DairyBase data collector.

Milk production

Annual dairy company final production statement (or access to dairy

company website)

Milk kept out of the vat (including discarded milk, either for calf rearing or

sold)

December dairy company production statement (or access to dairy

company website)

Dairy company production statement for month peak production/cow

achieved(or access to dairy company website)

Dairy company SCC report (or access to dairy company website)

Feed

Grazing records (to calculate the number of young stock grazed on the

milking area) and cows wintered off.

Supplements purchased and fed out on the effective dairy area

Supplements made on the effective area and where it has gone

Cash manager or equivalent for feed purchased and quantities

Fonterra Dairy Diary (Fonterra Dairy Co)


Fertiliser

Soil test reports

Fertiliser statement/application record

Calving and mating – Request LIC ‘DBQ’ report for a summary of LIC

information held

Yellow notebook or Calving report

InCalf Fertility Focus report

Mating report

Submission Rate report

Pregnancy test results

Animal Health

Health detail report or health treatment records

Irrigation

Flow rate/volume used

Irrigation days and interval


Sou

rces

of

feed

Des

tin

atio

n o

f fe

ed

Fee

d T

ype

(C

he

ck t

hat

all f

ee

d d

eta

ils a

re in

ton

ne

s o

f D

M)

On

han

d o

n

1 J

un

e

Imp

ort

ed

(Pu

rch

ase

d

ext

ern

ally

)

mad

e o

n

Sup

po

rt

blo

ck

mad

e o

n

milk

ing

are

a

*

Fed

on

milk

ing

are

a

Fed

on

Sup

po

rt

blo

ck

Sold

Mad

e o

n m

ilkin

g

are

a d

uri

ng

the

curr

en

t se

aso

n

and

sti

ll o

n h

and

On

han

d o

n

31

May

Imp

ort

ed

Fee

d e

ate

n

Exp

ort

ed

fe

ed

(Ho

me

gro

wn

fe

ed

that

is n

ot

use

d o

n

the

milk

ing

are

a in

this

se

aso

n)*

*

Mai

ze

Bal

eage

PK

E

PK

E/B

len

d

Tota

l

* It

is im

po

rtan

t to

re

cord

ho

w f

ee

d m

ade

on

th

e m

ilkin

g ar

ea

is u

sed

- e

g fe

d o

n m

ilkin

g ar

ea,

or

fed

on

su

pp

ort

blo

ck, s

old

, ke

pt

on

han

d f

or

ne

xt s

eas

on

* *

Wh

ere

exa

ct d

eta

il is

no

t p

rovi

de

d, p

resu

me

all

fee

d o

n h

and

is f

ed

fir

st, t

he

n h

om

e g

row

n s

up

ple

me

nts

mad

e d

uri

ng

the

se

aso

n a

nd

th

en

pu

rch

ase

d/i

mp

ort

ed

fe

ed

To e

nte

r in

to L

eve

l 2 f

ee

d e

ate

n

on

dai

ryb

ase

Appendix 2: Feed Table Template


Appendix 3: Obtaining information from MINDA

MINDA software: The below table categorises the DairyBase information available from MINDA based

on the MINDA reports they are obtained from. Basic instructions on how to run a report

and examples of each report have been obtained from the MINDA08 user manual.

Report group Report name Information available

Event Reports

Health detail - Number of sick cows

- Number of treated lame cows

- Number of cows treated mastitis first 6 weeks

Herd summary report - Age profile of herd

Herd Reports Removed Animals - Deaths & culls

Calving Reports

Calving rate - Number cows calving in spring

- Date when 50% cows calved

- Cows calved at 21, 42, 63 days

Reproductive Analyses

Submission rate report - Cows submitted in 21 days from PSM

- Cows submitted to end AB

Fertility Focus Report - Cows calved at 21, 42, 63 days

- Cows submitted in 21 days from PSM

- MT rate

Obtaining information from existing sources


Appendix 4: DairyBase report from MINDA

DairyBase report from MINDA:

The DairyBase report from MINDA can help to complete some of the questions

of the DairyBase level 2 questionnaire. However, this is not a standard report

from MINDA. To obtain a DairyBase report from MINDA farmers should:

1. Ring MINDA (LIC) and ask for a DairyBase level 2 report for the season

data is being collected for. The farmer’s participant code and pin are

needed to get this report.

2. The DairyBase report from MINDA will be available in their LIC online

account (farmers can download and print this report before the visit to

collect DairyBase data).

Some of the considerations that should be taken into account when using the

DairyBase report from MINDA to complete DairyBase level 2 questionnaire are:

It corresponds to the season data is being collected for.

If the herd was dry-off within 14 days of the last herd test.

If the values reported for breeding worth and production worth include

R2 heifers calving in that season.

When using the DairyBase report from MINDA confirm with the farmer the

values in it before copying them into the level 2 questionnaire.


Check that the data source includes all rising 2 year olds calving in

that season. Early season reports may not include the rising 2 year

olds as some farms tag them as they calve. If no better data is

available record this but make a note in the comments section.

Make sure it corresponds to the season data is being collected for

This value can be used to estimate average cow livewegth using

the formula indicated in the DairyBase level 2 questionnaire

If the mean calving date is reported subtract 5 days from the mean

calving date and use that result instead of this value

If the last herd test date was less than 14 days from the herd

dry-off date then use the “days in milk” value and ignore the

information in the “days in milk table” of this report. If the last herd

test date was more than 14 days from the herd dry-off date then

ignore the “days in milk” value and uset the information in the

“days in milk table” of this report (DIM are estimated using the

DairyBase DIM calculator).

Check that there is no double counting of cows culled or dead that

have already been recorded as dried off and that the total number

of cows matches the number of cows at the start of the season


DairyBase

Private Bag 3221

Hamilton 3240

Tel: 07 858 3890

Fax: 07 858 3765

Email: [email protected]

http://www.dairynz.co.nz/farm/dairybase/

dairybase level 2 physical detail questionnaire training guide · physical detail questionnaire...

Documents