Do your dairy businesses run with DeLaval or GEA on-farm software? If so, DataGene is keen to connect with you.
Connecting your herd makes it easier to genotype and herd test animals because much of the information will be pre-filled, saving re-entering the same information into different systems.
It will also improve the accuracy of breeding values – both for your own animals and the genetic evaluation of bulls.
DataGene chief executive officer, Dr Matt Shaffer, said the DataConnect project aims to integrate data from systems that don’t currently talk to each other.
“At this stage, each herd needs to set up the connection. The process is quick, easy and secure,” Matt said.
“It’s a once-off task that involves a 10-minute online session with DataGene’s IT staff, who will take you through the connection process. Once connected, your data will be updated
to the industry’s central data repository
every night.”
The DataConnect project is a step towards DataGene’s vision of a system that enables data to be entered once and then accessed in many different ways to eliminate double entry of the same information and to enable data-driven decisions through reports and tools that analyse the data.
Connections with other systems will roll out progressively over time, so DataGene is inviting dairy farmers with any system to express their interest now and they will be contacted when their system can connect.
Matt said DataConnect would result in a quantum change in the types and volume of data in the CDR, improving the completeness of herd reports like the Fertility Focus Report and Mastitis Focus Report.
“An expanded database creates opportunities for the development of new reports based on a herd’s actual records. New types of data will also allow the development of breeding values for new traits. The opportunities are very exciting.”
