Example input screens
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Screen 1. Your simulationThis is where you have the choice of starting a new simulation or opening saved simulations that represent existing herds. |
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Screen 2. Prices.The economics of dairy farming depends on the cost of your inputs and the price you obtain for your products. Therefore, this is where you enter data for animal and milk prices. The cost of a cow culled for failure to conceive is likely to have a major impact on herd profits. |
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Screen 3. Calving pattern.Here you enterthe present calving pattern for your herd. You can choose between seasonal and all year round service patterns. Heifers are allowed to enter the milking herd during a defined period that can be separate from the main herd. |
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Screen 4. Fertility & culling.This is where you define your herd's present or planned reproductive management and level of fertility. Conception rates to 1st and additional services, Heat detection rates, Voluntary waiting periods can all be defined for either the whole herd or on an individual calving month basis. This allows you to treat key groups of cows (e.g. spring calvers) with raised levels of fertility management. |
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Screens 5 & 6. Lactation.Yours cows and milking heifers have individual lactation curves that can be defined, if required, by month of calving. Therefore, December calvers could, if you wish, display improved yields and persistency to those animals calving during the summer. |
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Screen 7. Analysis.Here you can choose how you want the analysis to be performed and in what way you would like the results displayed. For example you can take advantage of the 'What if' or 'Sensitivity' analysis to see which management factors have the most effect on your herd. For example, is it 'Heat detection' or 'Voluntary waiting period'? |
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When you press the calculate button you will be kept informed of the software's progress as it uses your data to calculate the results. |
