Applications

Featured Software

 

 

Cow/Calf Operations

 

Electronic Identifcation

Early adopters of electronic identification are finding more than just added value at the livestock markets.  Traditional pen and paper methods for collecting animal information is now being replaced by powerful hand held software programs that allow the user to collect and manage animal information in a fraction of the time.  With livestock managers  becoming more involved and providing input into these programs the systems are now reliable and effective.

Branding/Vaccinating/Weaning and EID

The most practical time for applying EID tags is at birth, branding/vaccinating or at weaning for which the animal can be restrained.  This provides the user with the means to apply the tag and initiate records on each animal throughout their life cycle at the birth location.  These records are turning dollars for individuals who take on the extra time needed to collect and manage this information.  The end of the year turns out to be both stressful and rewarding as cattle are sorted for shipping, weaning and/or preconditioning.  Trying to remember which calves belong to which cows, which cows calved late, which cow brought in the money makers and figure out if you have all the calves that you turned out plus those that were born on pasture is an arduous task.  By simply applying an electronic identification ear tag to calves at birth or branding/vaccinating this task can be a whole lot easier.

Breeding Herd Manangement

Intensive management records on breeding livestock is proven to yeild greater profits.  The key to improving management records resides within each animal of the breeding herd and the ability of the producer to accurately identify and properly manage each animal.  Electronic data management gives the producer an edge when processing animals because the unique identification number or EID can be linked to multiple data fields in the system.  Most often we make decisions on animals from memory but were not exactly sure if the cow in the chute is the "old girl" that bummed her calf this summer or the one that looks just like her but brought in a 700 lb calf.  Using an electronic identification ear tag and management program you'll know instantly which cow is in the chute and the fate of her based on her performance records. 

Effective Electronic Management in the Field

With a portable electronic management system, you can now take the power of electronic management in the field to effectively manage and document events.  Monitor breeding groups in large pastures from horseback, ATV or pickup with the same system you Age & Source your calves with, record preg test information and vaccination records and monitor saddle horse body temperature and identification.  Managing breeding groups is generally not always as easy as just closing the gates; not sure if the bull 101 should be in with your first calf heifers, quickly reference his visual ID from your bull database and know instantly if he has jumped the fence or the kids left the gate open.  Record performance information on animals while out in the field and you'll know exactly which bulls need to be culled in the fall when they come through the chute.  Document which bulls do more fighting than breeding and soon you’ll have a battery that can get the job done in the 80 day rebreed period and you’ll know who to buy bulls from in years to come.

Is it worth the cost?

Consider that it costs on average about $3.00/head to get an animal in an Age and Source Verification program.  The potential return on investment (ROI) is averaging between $5.00 to $25.00 /cwt.  However, DO NOT expect that by applying a EID tag that you can run your cattle through the local market and see the $$$ go up.  You will need to acquire marketing services that recruit buyers that are looking for qualified cattle (Superior, DV Auctions, Western Video Market, etc.).  It has also been demonstrated that there is generally some type of Vaccination Program required to get the premiums that are out there.

Which electronic system is right for my cow/calf operation?

If you choose only to use electronic identification for PVP Age and Source Verification see Getting Started with Age & Source.

If you choose to manage calves (Age & Source) and breeding livestock you will need the following items as a basis to start electronically managing livestock.

Basic Package: