Collecting data at birth
A complete guide to ensure you collect all the data you need during calving.
A DATA CHECKLIST
At time of birth, record:
- Calf tag
- Sire
- Dam
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Single or twin
- Embryo transfer (ET) calf (IVF or conventional)
- Recipient Cow - if an ET calf
- Birth weight
- Calving ease score
- Dam teat and udder score
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DATA COLLECTION BY TRAIT
When to measure:
Within 24 hours of birth.
How to measure:
Must be measured with a scale in pounds. Cannot be measured with a tape or estimated.
When to score:
At birth.
How to score:
Use the 1-5 scoring system:
- No Assistance
- Some Assistance
- Mechanical Assistance
- Cesarian Delivery
- Abnormal Delivery
Score all females:
Only scores on heifers are used in the genetic evaluation, but it is helpful to track the data on all calves born in the herd for management purposes.
When to score:
Twenty four hours before or after calf birth, which is when the udder would be fullest.
How to score:
Evaluate both the teat size and udder suspension on a scale of 1 to 9 on the combined worst quarter for both traits.
Females should be given a separate score for both traits.
Teat:
Consider both length and diameter.
Udder:
Evaluate on suspension – ranging from very pendulous to very tight.
How-To: Udder Scoring Cattle
REPORT FOSTERED CALVES
Report the foster dam tag on the birth record of the calf.
When calves are fostered after birth to a dam that did not give birth to them (e.g. birth dam dies, birth dam has little milk, calf was a twin, etc.), the foster event needs to be recorded.
Disposal codes count
Don’t forget to report disposal codes on calves that are born but do not survive or do not remain in the herd until weaning. Birth and parent data can still be submitted on the calf’s birth record.
Herd Management On The Go
Download the free Angus Mobile App to update your calving book and view your herd inventory from anywhere.
MAXIMIZE YOUR DATA
Inventory reporting
Whole herd reporting through AHIR’s Inventory Reporting program can help you leverage your data and ensure your herd is on track to meet your goals.
Enroll
EPDs explained
Collecting and submitting data on your herd improves the accuracy of your cattle’s EPDs. It is important to understand how the data is used in individual EPDs.
Learn more
Inventory reporting
Whole herd reporting through AHIR’s Inventory Reporting program can help you leverage your data and ensure your herd is on track to meet your goals.
Enroll
EPDs explained
Collecting and submitting data on your herd improves the accuracy of your cattle’s EPDs. It is important to understand how the data is used in individual EPDs.
Learn more