Cattle Management Guide

1. Getting Started

Setting Up Your Cattle Operation

FarmSentry supports both dairy and beef cattle operations. Start by setting up your farm profile:

1. Go to Dashboard and click "Add Farm"
2. Enter your farm name and location
3. Specify your operation type: Dairy or Beef
4. Set your preferred units (pounds/kilograms)
5. Add herd size and target production goals
6. Save your farm profile

Creating a Herd

Organize your cattle by creating herds based on production stage or management group:

1. Navigate to your farm dashboard
2. Click "Manage Herds" or "Add Herd"
3. Enter herd name (e.g., "Milking Cows", "Replacement Heifers", "Breeding Stock")
4. Select species: Cattle
5. Add purpose (Dairy Production / Beef Production / Breeding)
6. Save your herd

Adding Animals

Add individual cattle to your herd with complete tracking information:

1. Go to "Animals" section
2. Click "Add Animal"
3. Enter the animal's tag ID (ear tag number or RFID)
4. Select the herd
5. Choose sex (male/female)
6. Add date of birth
7. Enter breed (Holstein, Angus, Hereford, etc.)
8. Set status: Active
9. Add dam and sire IDs if known
10. Enter current lactation number (for dairy cows)
11. Upload a photo if desired
12. Save the animal

2. Heat Detection & Reproductive Efficiency

Why Heat Detection Matters

Accurate heat detection is the foundation of reproductive success. Missing a heat cycle costs 21 days in open days and reduces overall herd profitability. FarmSentry helps you track heat patterns and optimize AI timing.

Signs of Standing Heat

Look for these behavioral and physical signs:

• Standing to be mounted: Primary sign - cow stands still when mounted by herd mates
• Mounting other cows: Active mounting behavior increases
• Restlessness: Increased activity, walking, vocalizing
• Clear mucus discharge: Visible from vulva
• Swollen vulva: Slight reddening and swelling
• Reduced appetite: Decreased feed intake during heat
• Chin resting: Resting chin on other cows' backs

Detection Methods

• Visual observation: Watch herd 2-3 times daily (morning, evening)
• Activity monitors: Automated systems track movement and mounting
• Tail paint/heat patches: Rubbed paint indicates mounting
• Teaser bulls: Vasectomized bulls detect heat
• Pedometers: Increased steps during heat period

Heat Intensity Assessment

• Strong: Multiple clear signs, stands firmly when mounted (15+ minutes)
• Moderate: Several signs present, stands when mounted (5-15 minutes)
• Weak: Few signs, brief standing or mounts others only

How to Record Heat Detection

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Heat Detection" tool button
5. Select the detection date and time (hour-level precision is critical)
6. Choose the cows showing heat signs
7. For each cow, record:
   • Heat onset date & time (when signs first appeared)
   • Detection method (visual/activity monitor/heat patch/other)
   • Heat intensity (strong/moderate/weak)
   • Standing heat observed? (Yes/No)
   • AI planned? (Yes/No)
8. The system automatically calculates:
   • Optimal AI window: 12-18 hours after heat onset
   • Days since last heat: Tracks estrus cycle length
   • Breeding recommendations: When to inseminate
9. Add notes about unusual behaviors or concerns
10. Save the heat detection record

Estrus Cycle Timing

• Average cycle length: 21 days (range 18-24 days)
• Heat duration: 6-18 hours average (shorter in hot weather)
• Optimal AI timing: 12-18 hours after heat onset
• Expected pregnancy rate: 60-70% with optimal timing

3. Artificial Insemination Records

Why Track AI Details?

Detailed AI records help you evaluate bull genetics, assess technician performance, and predict calving dates. The system automatically analyzes AI timing relative to heat detection to project pregnancy success rates.

Optimal AI Timing Window

Timing is everything in artificial insemination. Inseminating at the right moment maximizes conception rates:

• 4-12 hours after onset: 45-60% expected pregnancy rate (Early - acceptable)
• 12-18 hours after onset: 60-70% expected pregnancy rate (Optimal - best results)
• 18-24 hours after onset: 40-50% expected pregnancy rate (Late - declining fertility)
• Over 24 hours: 20-35% expected pregnancy rate (Too late - poor results)

Semen Type Considerations

• Conventional: Standard frozen semen - most common
• Sexed (Female): 90% female calves - dairy replacement programs
• Sexed (Male): 90% male calves - beef cross programs
• Beef: Terminal cross for dairy operations

How to Record AI

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Artificial Insemination" tool button
5. Select the cow being bred
6. Enter AI date and time (hour-level precision)
7. If heat was previously recorded, the system auto-fills:
   • Heat detection date & time
   • Hours after heat onset
   • AI timing analysis (optimal/early/late)
   • Expected pregnancy rate based on timing
8. Select the bull (from your bull inventory or add new)
9. Enter semen details:
   • Semen batch number (from straw label)
   • Semen type (conventional/sexed female/sexed male/beef)
10. Record AI technician name (tracks performance)
11. The system automatically calculates:
    • Expected calving date: AI date + 283 days (280-287 normal range)
    • Calving window: Expected date ± 4 days
12. The expected calving date is saved to both:
    • AI record for historical tracking
    • Animal profile for herd dashboard alerts
13. Add notes about breeding conditions or concerns
14. Save the AI record

Expected Calving Date Calculation

Cattle gestation averages 283 days (range 279-287). The system calculates:

• Expected calving date: AI date + 283 days
• Early calving date: Expected - 4 days (279 days total)
• Late calving date: Expected + 4 days (287 days total)

4. Mastitis Management

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by bacterial infection. It's the most costly disease in dairy operations, reducing milk production, quality, and animal welfare.

Types of Mastitis

• Clinical: Visible signs - swelling, heat, pain, abnormal milk
• Subclinical: No visible signs, detected only by testing (SCC/CMT)

Severity Levels

• Mild: Few clots or flakes in milk, quarter slightly warm
• Moderate: Abnormal milk, swollen quarter, reduced production
• Severe: Watery/bloody milk, hard/hot quarter, systemic illness (fever, depression)

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Thresholds

SCC measures white blood cells in milk - higher counts indicate infection:

• Under 200,000 cells/mL: Healthy - no mastitis
• 200,000 - 400,000 cells/mL: Subclinical mastitis - investigate
• 400,000 - 1,000,000 cells/mL: Clinical mastitis - treatment needed
• Over 1,000,000 cells/mL: Severe infection - aggressive treatment

Common Pathogens

• Staphylococcus aureus: Contagious - spreads cow-to-cow via milking
• Streptococcus agalactiae: Contagious - chronic infections
• E. coli: Environmental - from bedding/manure
• Streptococcus uberis: Environmental - from environment
• Klebsiella: Environmental - severe cases

How to Record Mastitis Cases

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Mastitis" tool button
5. Select the affected cow
6. Record detection date
7. Identify affected quarter(s) (left front/left rear/right front/right rear)
8. Assess severity (mild/moderate/severe)
9. Classify type (clinical/subclinical)
10. Record somatic cell count (if tested)
11. Perform California Mastitis Test (CMT) and record result (negative/trace/+/++/+++)
12. If cultured, enter pathogen identified
13. Record treatment details:
    • Antibiotic used (intramammary/systemic)
    • Dosage
    • Duration (days of treatment)
    • Milk withhold period (days until milk can be sold)
    • Meat withhold period (days until slaughter allowed)
14. Track milk discarded (liters/gallons during withhold)
15. Estimate production loss (reduction in daily milk yield)
16. Set recheck date for follow-up testing
17. Add notes about response to treatment
18. Save the mastitis record

Treatment Protocols

• Mild cases: Frequent milking, intramammary antibiotics
• Moderate cases: Intramammary + systemic antibiotics, NSAIDs for pain
• Severe cases: Aggressive systemic antibiotics, IV fluids, veterinary care
• Chronic cases: Consider culling if 3+ episodes or no cure after 2 treatments

5. Calving Records & Intervention

Why Calving Records Matter

Detailed calving records identify cows with calving difficulty (dystocia), track calf survival rates, and help you make genetic decisions. Recording birth weights and calving ease builds a valuable dataset for improving your herd.

Calving Ease Scores

• Unassisted (Score 1): Cow calves completely on her own
• Easy assist (Score 2): Minimal help - calf pulled with light pressure
• Moderate assist (Score 3): Significant pulling, mechanical assistance
• Hard pull (Score 4): Extreme force, calf jack required
• Cesarean (Score 5): Surgical intervention required

Calf Vigor Assessment

• Strong: Standing within 30 minutes, nursing within 2 hours, active
• Moderate: Slow to stand (1-2 hours), needed help nursing
• Weak: Over 2 hours to stand, required tube feeding

Target Birth Weights

Birth weight affects calving ease and calf survival:

• Dairy calves (Holstein): 80-100 lbs (36-45 kg)
• Dairy calves (Jersey): 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg)
• Beef calves: 70-90 lbs (32-41 kg)
• Heifers: 10% lighter than mature cows to reduce dystocia

How to Record Calving

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Calving" tool button
5. Select the cow that calved
6. Enter calving date (and time if known)
7. Select the sire (bull) if known
8. If AI was recorded, the system auto-fills expected calving date and calculates:
   • Gestation length (normal: 279-287 days)
   • Early/late calving flag
9. For each calf born, record:
   • Sex (male/female)
   • Birth weight
   • Vigor score (strong/moderate/weak)
   • Calf tag ID (ear tag applied)
   • Survival status (alive/stillborn/died within 24h)
   • Death cause (if applicable)
10. Assess calving ease (unassisted/easy assist/moderate/hard pull/cesarean)
11. Record birth type (single/twin/triplet)
12. Document any complications:
    • Retained placenta (not expelled within 12 hours)
    • Uterine prolapse
    • Milk fever (hypocalcemia)
    • Dystocia (difficult birth)
13. Check colostrum delivery:
    • Natural nursing: Calf nursed from cow
    • Tube fed: Weak calf required tube feeding
    • Bottle fed: Supplemental or replacement colostrum
    • Colostrum amount: 4 quarts (3.8 liters) within 4 hours
14. Assess cow condition post-calving
15. Add photos of calf and cow if desired
16. Save the calving record

Expected Performance

• Calf survival rate: 95%+ for singles, 90%+ for twins
• Stillbirth rate: Under 5% (target under 3%)
• Dystocia rate: Under 10% for cows, 15-20% for heifers
• Retained placenta: Under 10% (higher in twins or difficult births)

6. Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

What is Body Condition Scoring?

Body condition scoring assesses fat cover and energy reserves. Proper BCS management optimizes reproductive performance, reduces metabolic diseases, and maximizes milk production or calf weaning weights.

Dairy Cattle BCS (1-5 Scale)

Evaluate tailhead, ribs, hooks, and pins:

• BCS 1.0-1.75 (Thin): Bones very prominent, no fat cover
• BCS 2.0-2.75 (Moderate): Bones visible but some fat cover
• BCS 3.0-3.5 (Optimal): Smooth appearance, moderate fat
• BCS 3.75-4.5 (Fleshy): Bones hard to feel, thick fat
• BCS 4.75-5.0 (Obese): No bone definition, excessive fat

Beef Cattle BCS (1-9 Scale)

• BCS 1-2 (Emaciated): Extremely thin, ribs/bones protruding
• BCS 3-4 (Thin): Ribs easily visible, minimal fat
• BCS 5-6 (Moderate): Ribs covered, healthy appearance
• BCS 7-8 (Fleshy): Thick fat cover, well-conditioned
• BCS 9 (Obese): Excessively fat, mobility issues

Target BCS by Stage

Dairy Cows (1-5 Scale)

• Dry cows (early dry period): BCS 3.0-3.5
• Close-up dry cows: BCS 3.25-3.75 (not over 4.0)
• Fresh cows (calving): BCS 3.0-3.5
• Peak lactation: BCS 2.5-2.75 (acceptable loss from calving)
• Mid lactation: BCS 2.75-3.0
• Late lactation: BCS 3.0-3.5 (rebuilding reserves)

Beef Cows (1-9 Scale)

• Breeding season: BCS 5-6
• Mid gestation: BCS 5-6
• Calving: BCS 5-6
• Peak lactation: BCS 4-5
• Weaning: BCS 5-6

How to Record Body Condition

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Body Condition Score" tool button
5. Select the assessment date
6. Choose cattle to assess
7. The system automatically selects the correct scale:
   • Dairy breeds: 1-5 scale (allows 0.25 increments)
   • Beef breeds: 1-9 scale (whole numbers only)
8. For each animal, enter:
   • Current BCS
   • Life stage (dry/fresh/peak lactation/mid lactation/late lactation/breeding/pregnant/lactating)
   • Target BCS for their stage
   • Adjustment needed? (increase feed/maintain/decrease feed)
9. Record assessment method (visual/palpation)
10. Add notes about feeding changes or concerns
11. Save the assessment

BCS and Reproductive Performance

• Thin cows (BCS under 2.5 dairy / 4 beef): Delayed return to estrus, lower pregnancy rates
• Optimal BCS: Best conception rates, healthy calves
• Over-conditioned (BCS over 4.0 dairy / 7 beef): Higher dystocia, metabolic diseases, reduced fertility

7. Weaning & Growth Tracking

Why Track Weaning Performance?

Weaning weight is the most important single measurement in beef production and a key indicator of dairy calf health. Recording standardized weights helps you compare genetics, evaluate dam milk production, and make selection decisions.

BIF 205-Day Adjusted Weaning Weight

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) standardized weaning weights to 205 days to enable fair comparison across operations. FarmSentry automatically adjusts actual weaning weights to this standard.

Target Weaning Weights (205-Day Adjusted)

• Beef calves (British breeds): 500-600 lbs (227-272 kg)
• Beef calves (Continental breeds): 550-700 lbs (250-318 kg)
• Dairy calves (Holstein steers): 400-500 lbs (181-227 kg)
• Replacement heifers: 500-600 lbs (227-272 kg)

Average Daily Gain (ADG) Targets

• Excellent: 2.5+ lbs/day (1.13+ kg/day)
• Good: 2.0-2.5 lbs/day (0.91-1.13 kg/day)
• Average: 1.5-2.0 lbs/day (0.68-0.91 kg/day)
• Below average: Under 1.5 lbs/day (0.68 kg/day) - investigate

How to Record Weaning

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Weaning" tool button
5. Select the calf being weaned
6. Enter weaning date
7. Record actual weaning weight
8. If birth weight was recorded, the system automatically calculates:
   • Actual age at weaning (days)
   • Total weight gain (weaning weight - birth weight)
   • Average daily gain (ADG)
   • 205-day adjusted weight (BIF standard)
   • Performance rating (excellent/good/average/below average)
9. Select dam (mother) - the system attributes adjusted weight to her milk production
10. Choose weaning method:
    • Fence-line: Calf can see dam but not nurse
    • Total separation: Complete removal from dam
    • Gradual: Partial weaning over several days
11. Record calf health at weaning:
    • Condition score at weaning
    • Vaccinations given
    • Deworming treatment
12. Note post-weaning destination:
    • Retained for breeding
    • Feedlot/backgrounding
    • Direct to market
    • Sold
13. Add notes about calf behavior or health concerns
14. Save the weaning record

Weaning Age Guidelines

• Beef calves: 6-8 months (180-240 days) - industry standard is 205 days
• Dairy calves: 8-10 weeks (56-70 days) for milk replacer programs
• Early weaning: 90-120 days (stress reduction in drought conditions)
• Late weaning: 240+ days (maximize calf growth, heavier weights)

8. Bull Breeding Soundness Exams

Why Test Your Bulls?

Bulls are 50% of the genetics in your calf crop but represent only 2-5% of the herd. One infertile or subfertile bull can result in 20-40 open cows and massive economic losses. Annual breeding soundness exams (BSE) are essential.

The 4 T's of Bull Testing

• Teeth: Check for broken, missing, or misaligned teeth that prevent grazing
• Toes: Examine feet and legs for soundness - lame bulls can't breed
• Testes: Measure scrotal circumference and check for size, symmetry, tone
• Tool (Penis): Check for injuries, infections, hair rings, abnormalities

Scrotal Circumference Requirements

Scrotal circumference correlates with sperm production and daughter puberty:

• Yearling bulls (12-18 months): Minimum 30 cm (satisfactory), 32 cm (excellent)
• 18-24 month bulls: Minimum 32 cm (satisfactory), 34 cm (excellent)
• Mature bulls (24+ months): Minimum 34 cm (satisfactory), 36+ cm (excellent)

Semen Quality Standards

• Motility: Minimum 30% progressive motility (50%+ is excellent)
• Morphology: Minimum 70% normal sperm (maximum 30% abnormal)
• Concentration: Adequate sperm per ejaculate for breeding load

Bull to Cow Ratios

Breeding capacity depends on age, BSE results, and pasture conditions:

• Yearling bulls (satisfactory BSE): 1 bull to 25-30 cows
• Yearling bulls (questionable BSE): 1 bull to 15-20 cows
• Mature bulls (excellent BSE): 1 bull to 30-40 cows
• Mature bulls (satisfactory BSE): 1 bull to 25-30 cows
• Mature bulls (questionable BSE): Use with caution or cull

How to Record Bull BSE

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector
4. Click the "Bull BSE" tool button
5. Select the bull being examined
6. Enter exam date
7. Select exam type (pre-breeding/annual/problem investigation)
8. Record the 4 T's assessment:
   • Teeth condition: Pass or Fail
   • Toes condition: Pass or Fail (check hooves, legs, gait)
   • Scrotal circumference: Measure in centimeters
   • Testes condition: Pass or Fail (firmness, symmetry, no lumps)
   • Penis condition: Pass or Fail (no injuries, hair rings, infections)
9. If semen was collected and analyzed, enter:
   • Progressive motility percentage (minimum 30% to pass)
   • Normal sperm percentage (minimum 70% to pass)
   • Abnormalities noted (if any)
10. The system automatically determines:
    • BSE classification: Satisfactory / Questionable / Unsatisfactory
    • Recommended cow ratio: Based on age and BSE results
    • Breeding season ready? Yes/No
11. Set next exam date (annually or before each breeding season)
12. Add veterinarian notes or recommendations
13. Save the BSE record

BSE Classification System

• Satisfactory: Passes all 4 T's, meets scrotal/semen minimums - ready to breed
• Questionable: Minor issues or borderline measurements - use with reduced cow ratio
• Unsatisfactory: Fails one or more criteria - do NOT use for breeding

9. Pregnancy Checks & Dry-Off

Pregnancy Checking

Early pregnancy detection allows you to identify open cows, manage nutrition, and plan calving groups. Multiple methods are available depending on stage of gestation.

Pregnancy Detection Methods

• Rectal palpation: 35-40 days post-breeding, veterinarian performs manual exam
• Ultrasound: 28-35 days post-breeding, most accurate early detection, can determine fetal sex
• Blood test: 28+ days post-breeding, measures pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs)
• Visual observation: 150+ days, visible udder development and abdominal enlargement

How to Record Pregnancy Checks

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Pregnancy Check" tool button
5. Select the cow being checked
6. Enter check date
7. Select method (palpation/ultrasound/blood test/visual)
8. Record result:
   • Pregnant: Confirmed pregnancy
   • Open: Not pregnant
   • Uncertain: Inconclusive results, recheck needed
9. If pregnant, enter:
   • Estimated breeding date (if unknown)
   • Estimated gestation days (from ultrasound/palpation)
   • Expected calving date (calculated or confirmed)
   • Fetal sex (if determined by ultrasound)
10. If open, note:
    • Reason (failed to conceive/early embryonic loss/not bred)
    • Rebreeding plan
11. Add veterinarian notes or observations
12. Save the pregnancy check record

Dry-Off (Dairy Cows)

Drying off dairy cows is essential for udder health and preparing for the next lactation. The dry period should be 45-60 days.

When to Dry Off

• Standard timing: 60 days before expected calving
• Minimum dry period: 45 days (shorter periods reduce next lactation production)
• Extended dry period: 70-80 days for problem cows or low producers
• Milk production threshold: Under 20 lbs/day (9 kg/day) at dry-off

How to Record Dry-Off

1. Navigate to the Activities page from your dashboard
2. Click the "Animal Activities" button
3. Select "Cattle" from the species selector (if you have multiple species)
4. Click the "Dry-Off" tool button
5. Select the cow being dried off
6. Enter dry-off date
7. If calving/AI date is known, the system calculates:
   • Days into gestation at dry-off
   • Expected calving date
   • Dry period length
8. Record production at dry-off (lbs or kg milk/day)
9. Enter lactation number being ended
10. Document dry-off method:
    • Abrupt: Stop milking immediately
    • Gradual: Reduce milking frequency over 3-7 days
    • Intermittent: Milk every other day for a week
11. Record dry cow treatment:
    • Antibiotic infusion: Product name, quarter(s) treated
    • Teat sealant: Internal or external sealant applied
    • Vaccinations: Scour vaccines, respiratory vaccines
12. Note somatic cell count at last test (indicates udder health)
13. Set expected fresh date (when cow will calve and resume milking)
14. Add notes about udder condition or concerns
15. Save the dry-off record

Dry Period Management

• Far-off dry period (60-21 days before calving): Low energy diet, maintain BCS 3.0-3.5
• Close-up dry period (21-0 days before calving): Transition diet, prevent overcondition
• Avoid over-feeding: BCS over 4.0 increases metabolic disease risk
• Monitor for mastitis: Check udder weekly during dry period

10. Best Practices & Tips

Record Activities Consistently

• Record all breeding, health, and production activities the same day they occur
• Use mobile devices during farm work for real-time data entry
• Set calendar reminders for routine tasks (pregnancy checks, BSE testing, BCS assessment)
• Take photos of health issues, calvings, and unique identifiers
• Maintain consistent tag ID systems across physical tags and digital records
• Back up data regularly - your records are valuable assets

Using Data for Genetic Decisions

• Cull decisions: Remove cows with repeated calving difficulty, poor weaning weights, chronic mastitis, or low fertility
• Replacement selection: Keep heifers from high-ADG calves, easy-calving dams, and cows with low SCC
• Bull selection: Use bulls with passing BSE, good temperament, and proven genetics for your goals
• Breeding strategy: Track conception rates by bull, technician, and AI timing to optimize protocols
• Economic analysis: Calculate days open, feed costs per calf, and mastitis treatment expenses

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reproductive efficiency: Target 85%+ pregnancy rate, under 115 days open
• Calving ease: Target 90%+ unassisted calvings for cows, 80%+ for heifers
• Calf survival: Target 95%+ live calves, under 5% stillbirths
• Weaning weights: Target 500-600 lbs adjusted weight for beef, consistent growth for dairy
• Mastitis: Target under 5% clinical cases, herd average SCC under 200,000
• Body condition: Target 85%+ of cows within ideal BCS range for their stage

Seasonal Management Calendar

Getting Help

If you need assistance or have questions about using FarmSentry for cattle management:

• Check the Help Center for additional guides on other species and activities
• Review the Animal Activities Guide for feeding, health treatment, vaccination, and breeding records
• Explore species-specific guides for sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry
• Use the search function in your dashboard to quickly find animals, fields, or activities