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The primary focus of livestock management is, of course, to maintain the well-being and productivity of farm animals.
To that end, the modern farmer now has to fill out considerable paperwork to help keep themselves – and various authorities – informed on the welfare, value and movements of their animals.
However, time spent compiling lists, filing veterinary records and detailing transactions leaves little time for physically looking after livestock – making the paperwork seem counter-productive in the eyes of many.
Computer-based livestock management software is one way of cutting down the amount of time spent on paperwork.
Traditionally, farmers have had to keep notes about their livestock using pen and paper – reminders as to an animal’s age, breeding or medical history for example. These notes can all be made more quickly, and filed more effectively, with livestock management computer software.
And while some farmers may be reluctant to turn to such modern methods, it can free up more time to focus on more traditional farming.
While the features of livestock management software vary naturally from program to program, most will centre on the following basic functionality:
Simple data entry will let you keep track of all livestock purchases and sales, ensuring you’re fully aware of herd numbers at all times. Some software will also help you keep an eye on animals moved to ‘agistment’, grazing on another farmer’s holding for the winter.
By associating ID tags to individual animals (and in some cases uploading an image of the animal to your database) you’ll find it easier to track and identify them within large herds.
Input breeding data such as scan dates and service dates and most livestock management software will be able to calculate due dates and other key event times.
More importantly, programs will then proceed to send you reminders as key dates draw near.
Most software will also help you keep track of veterinary and medicinal treatments – what was administered and when – along with details of withdrawal periods. Good software will be able to tell you when the withdrawal period is over for individual animals, based on pre-loaded information relating to veterinary drugs.
The vast majority of livestock management software is designed with ease-of-use at the very top of the agenda, but if you’re not comfortable with installing and using software, there are online alternatives.
These alternatives allow you to log in and record your farm data in a secure area. Most of these services do at least ensure your data is backed up – if you’re using CD-based livestock management software remember to back up your data on a regular basis, just in case things go wrong.
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