By Taylor Grussing
SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist
In today’s day and age, we rarely go anywhere without some kind of technology in our pocket or vehicle. Even in the livestock industry, there is an app for many of the tasks we conduct each day that can make our lives easier if we take the time to learn how to use them. From keeping track of markets, banking, and now even calving records, there’s an app for that too.
Choosing the Right App
Calving season is a busy time for beef producers and it seems every year a calving book gets washed with valuable information never to be read again. The development of several calving book apps in the last few years has left producers asking which one is best and what specifications to look for before purchasing. Here we will discuss some tips to consider before purchasing just any calving book app.
Apps should have inputs for cow inventory, sire inventory, along with calving data. If the app is to be used year to year, check to see if new data can be added each year without removing old data. Some example calving inputs to look for include: Calf identification number, birth day/year, birth weight, sire/dam ID, color, calving ease score, single/twin, udder score, teat score, and location (pasture). In addition to calving data, other herd information that may be valuable in the same app including breeding season and pregnancy check to easily determine who the sire is and expected due date.
- Accessibility and Compatibility
Does the app need to be accessible at all times? Identify apps that can be accessed even when data or wifi services are not available. The app will likely synch to an online storage system when cellular service becomes available, but may need to be set for this to occur and keep everyone using the app updated. Also, if multiple people will be entering information into the app, make sure all phones are compatible with the same app (android vs. iPhone). Lastly, if the calving app is being accessed by two users at the same time, be sure data can be entered simultaneously without complications.
What type of storage or data program does the app synch too? Options may including online cloud storage, computer or record keeping programs. In addition, file type is important and should be in a format that data is easy to use and capable to generate reports as needed. Example file types may include text, excel, pdf or even breed specific database programs. Also, is the app compatible with a computer or ipad? If apps are only accessible on the phone, it may be difficult to see mass quantities of data at one time, sort data or even print reports. Bottom-line, making sure data is backed up and accessible once entered into the app is critical in case a phone goes missing on the 4-wheeler or lost while bedding the barn.
Most apps will offer a free-trial for 10 – 30 days before charging a monthly or yearly fee for services. Also, apps may vary in the amount of storage or number of animals that can be entered into the system. Seek out how much data can be stored and if extra animals can be added for a fee if that storage limit is met.
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