Computers play an important part in herd management. Every cow has her own record for milk production, health issues and treatment and these are updated daily.

Managing grassland is an important task for the stock man. Grass is the cheapest form of feed and good management is essential.

Managing food stocks in winter is vital if the herd is not to run short before grass can be grazed again. This is maize gluten that is purchased in bulk. Like silage, it has to be carefully monitored to ensure that it does not run out.

Once silage has been exposed to the air it starts to degrade and so the face of the clamp will be cut to a clean edge to minimise waste.

The breeding calendar shows the point at which each cow calves. Cows are usually calved in the winter or spring months. Calving in the summer months can be difficult because grass growth reduces from mid June onwards.

All cows carry a passport if they have to move from the farm. Passports are just one aspect of very comprehensive record keeping that is required by law.

Further reading for Dairy Cows - Production cycle

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