Record Keeping in Animal Sciences

Flashcards based on key concepts and practices related to record keeping in animal sciences, focusing on tools, measurements, and management strategies.

Record Keeping

The systematic process of collecting, organizing, and maintaining accurate data regarding animals and management practices for improving on-farm profitability.

EID

Electronic Identification; a system that uses tags to uniquely identify animals electronically, reducing human error and increasing data accuracy.

Pros and Cons of Digital Records

Pros include easy sorting and sharing of data; cons include potential data entry errors and the need for ongoing learning.

Weaning Weight Calculation

Calculated as ext{(((Weaning wt. – Birth wt.) ÷ age at weaning) × 60) + Birth wt.}, used to estimate the growth of lambs.

Management Continuum

A framework for planning and implementing management practices that vary with different stages, such as Spring vs Fall calves.

Trait Ratio

A method of comparing an individual animal's performance to the average of a contemporary group, calculated as ext{(individual’s value ÷ contemporary group avg.) × 100}.

Special Measurements

Includes the assessment of milk production, egg production, fleece weight, and other performance indicators.

Advantages of EID

Reduces human error in identifying animals, saves labor, links data to individual animals, and provides real-time responses to data.

Computer Records Pros and Cons

Pros: easy to evaluate and backup data; Cons: potential for data entry errors and associated management costs.

Production Example Calculation

Example for lambs to evaluate growth using average adjusted BW and trait ratios for selecting replacements.