Animal
Animal management is a critical component of farm profitability and sustainability. From genetics to herd management and more, this section covers topics that will help guide your decisions.
Total results 113
Total results 113
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Featured
Contract GrazingContract heifer growing involves the collaboration between a dairy farmer and a grazier. This page emphasises the significance of clear communication, mutual benefits, and solid health programmes with steps to develop a contract grazing arrangement.
Animal•15 min read
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Featured
Liveweight targetsHeifer liveweight at first mating and calving influences reproductive performance and milk production potential. Achieving liveweight targets is crucial; otherwise, first calving may delay, and fertility may decrease.
Animal•4 min read
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Acidosis
Acidosis is a metabolic condition that affects cows when their rumen pH levels drop below normal. This is often due to a high-starch diet. You'll recognise acidosis when your cows show signs like scouring, depression, and milk fever-like symptoms.
Animal•2 min read
Acidosis
Acidosis is a metabolic condition that affects cows when their rumen pH levels drop below normal. This is often due to a high-starch diet. You'll recognise acidosis when your cows show signs like scouring, depression, and milk fever-like symptoms.
Animal•2 min read
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Related tools
Bull Search
Search for an individual bull or set criteria to produce a list of bulls to suit your requirements.
Tools
NZAEL
Animal Herd Averages
Breeding Worth (BW), Production Worth (PW) and trait Breeding Values are available to help farmers make breeding, culling and purchasing decisions.
Tools
NZAEL
Lameness Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the impact of lameness on the farm business bottom line and to show the origin of these costs.
Tools
Animal
Ranking of Active Sires
The RAS list is published by NZAEL, an independent animal evaluation body working alongside breeding companies for greater genetic gains.
Tools
NZAEL
Mastitis performance calculator
This Calculator estimates the potential economic benefits of 'closing the gap' between your herd's actual performance and your target performance, for udder health and milk quality.
Tools
Animal
Bull Team
Simply use the RAS list or search below to add bulls. This page will update with your new selections.
Tools
NZAEL
Healthy Hoof app
Please note that from 16 June 2025, DairyNZ will be discontinuing the Healthy Hoof app.
Tools
Animal
Body Condition Scoring App
Our new and improved Body Condition Scoring (BCS) app makes scoring your cows faster and easier. Designed with farmer feedback and testing, the app helps your record, track and analyse BCS data with ease.
Tools
Animal
Breeding Worth Tool
The Breeding Worth Tool shows the effect that economic values have on the overall breeding worth of a bull.
Tools
NZAEL
Mastitis Investigation Kit
The SmartSAMM Mastitis Investigation Kit (the Kit) provides a resource that professional advisors can use to gather information during a full mastitis investigation.
Tools
Animal
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Mastitis Overview
Mastitis affects udder health and milk quality, impacting farm productivity. To manage it, use SmartSAMM, which offers guidance on reducing mastitis and somatic cell counts.
Animal•3 min read
Mastitis Overview
Mastitis affects udder health and milk quality, impacting farm productivity. To manage it, use SmartSAMM, which offers guidance on reducing mastitis and somatic cell counts.
Animal•3 min read
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Identifying lameness
Lameness is a cow health issue that requires timely detection and treatment. The DairyNZ lameness scoring system helps you spot early signs and monitor cows' condition over time.
Animal•2 min read
Identifying lameness
Lameness is a cow health issue that requires timely detection and treatment. The DairyNZ lameness scoring system helps you spot early signs and monitor cows' condition over time.
Animal•2 min read
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Animal Welfare Overview
Animal welfare is central to good farming and goes beyond just caring for animals on the farm. This means adhering to standards set out by the Animal Welfare Act and welfare codes, and meeting consumer and market expectations.
Animal•2 min read
Animal Welfare Overview
Animal welfare is central to good farming and goes beyond just caring for animals on the farm. This means adhering to standards set out by the Animal Welfare Act and welfare codes, and meeting consumer and market expectations.
Animal•2 min read
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Setting up for Calving
Planning and preparing for calving with your farm team will reduce stress when calving is in full swing, and will help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Animal•4 min read
Setting up for Calving
Planning and preparing for calving with your farm team will reduce stress when calving is in full swing, and will help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Animal•4 min read
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Considering Grazing
Heifer grazing involves estimating your farm's ability to support the growth of dairy heifers to meet their target weights. It's important to evaluate the number of heifers your land can sustain based on the amount and quality of pasture.
Animal•4 min read
Considering Grazing
Heifer grazing involves estimating your farm's ability to support the growth of dairy heifers to meet their target weights. It's important to evaluate the number of heifers your land can sustain based on the amount and quality of pasture.
Animal•4 min read
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Extending AB Period
Changing mating management on your dairy farm can offer benefits but comes with potential risks.
Animal•3 min read
Extending AB Period
Animal•3 min read
