Information management in cow-calf operations: data priorities, recording, and sharing

Abstract

Animal information management presents a major challenge in the beef cattle industry. How data is gathered, recorded, utilized, and shared are constrained by time, cost, and technology. Effective information collection and administration provides a valuable tool for producers to facilitate efficient cattle management. The transfer of detailed production and health information from cow-calf to downstream producers enables tailoring production decisions, reducing redundant animal health interventions, and facilitating cattle and beef marketing. Additionally, sufficient information flow within the beef supply chain is necessary for the provision of beef production information desired by consumers.

The purpose of this project is to design and develop a mobile electronic animal information record-keeping and sharing tool, known as the “CalfDex,” for cow-calf producers to support improved management practices and streamline data sharing to downstream customers. The functionality and interface of the CalfDex is being designed based on input collected from cow-calf producers through surveys constructed to identify and prioritize information they would want to record with the tool along with their willingness to share specific information with cattle buyers. Additionally, surveys were conducted with feedlot managers to identify information they want to receive from cattle suppliers that could be efficiently collected and transferred with use of the CalfDex along with their willingness to share selected data with cow-calf producers.

Highlighting the potential benefit of a program like the CalfDex, survey results suggest there is a lack of uniformity in the way beef cattle records are kept as well as a lack of data sharing between supply chain participants. The surveys conducted also built an understanding of the prioritized information needs of cow-calf producers and value associated with specific information shared to downstream producers. This insight was considered in designing the structure of the CalfDex to streamline functionality and ensure the program met producer needs. Currently, the CalfDex is in the final stages of the development period. Once development has been completed, beta testing trials will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program to manage animal information and facilitate information sharing in the beef cattle supply chain