Potential Development and Use of Data Acquisition Systems

Computerized dairy herd data acquisition systems for management of the dairy herd can be expected to become reality. As herd sizes increase and various components of the system are developed, dairy managers will in increasing numbers accept management systems utilizing either a mini-computer or a terminal for a computer located elsewhere.The computerized dairy herd management system envisioned is one utilizing electronic animal identification, automatic milk weighing and recording, entrance of data into the system at either the parlor, the lot, barn, or at the computer itself. Output will be developed to assist the manager in decision making and management of the herd.As computers are installed for dairy herd management, additional uses will be found in computer-assisted decision aids, monitored crop production, financial accounting, and rapid communications.