Use of Computers in Cow-Calf Herd Management

Abstract

Although computers are already commonly used by bovine practitioners for dairy and beef feedlot ration formulation, little attention has been given to potential use of computers in cow-calf herd health management. Computers offer the veterinarian working in a progressive beef cow-calf herd health practice an opportunity to expand the services offered to his beef cow-calf clients and to increase his depth of involvement in cow-calf herd management. Computers are limited by the applicability of software available, accurancy of data entered, and computer operator skill. With these limitations in mind, cow-calf veterinarians may find a computer system and software a very worthwhile and enjoyable investment.