STEP 1 : Data Analysis

With a herd, data is more accurate if it is captured while an animal in the the race. Modern databases enable livestock producers to monitor the complete history of an animal, as well as its immediate performance and profitability—and then to query the data available to identify animals that either under or out perform the operation's requirements.

STEP 2 : Individual Identification

Effective stock management is dependant upon the unique identification of individual animals. Without a unique identification number for each animals, it is difficult to accurately measure and manage the performance of a herd.

Whilst visual tags have been mainly used in the past, more modern identification methods, like radio frequency devices, offer greater accuracy, better security and the opportunity for remote automated animal identification and recording (meaning animals do not need to be restrained or tags visually identified).

STEP 3 : Data Collection

In most cases, data is collected at the race. Crucial information such as ownership, weight, calving status, location, drenching and vaccination is recorded against each animal's unique identification number.

This information is stored on a database.

Advanced data collection systems capture animals individual identification numbers as they pass through the race, and then append appropriate information to a human database, with next to no human intervention.

STEP 4 : Decision Making

Once the factors that contribute to under or over performance are identified, these factors can be managed to boost the performance of the entire herd.

Accurate data provides property managers with the ability to fine-tune genetics, feed composition, veterinary administration, and all variables that ultimately impact on the return investment the producer receives for each individual animal.

STEP 5 : Implementation

Once decisions have been made, conclusions can be implemented while animals are in the race.

Modern stock management systems can automatically identify animals that need attention while they are in the race. Animals that have reached the optimum weight for slaughter can be drafted, and those that have not can be sent back to the paddock.

STEP 6 : Profit

While a larger herd provides economies of scale, until now it could not be managed with the same precision as a small herd. An effective stock management system enables the modern livestock producer to achieve both cost savings and productivity gains that have not previously been possible.

Of course, this helps producers to maximise the performance of their livestock by enabling them to identify individual animals that perform outside the required break even range. It also provides them with a profit and loss figure for each individual animal at all times.