The Evolution of CowCalf5

The CowCalf5 Software Program has evolved from the ideas of producers, animal scientists, and veterinarians. The primary goal of this record system is to incorporate areas of selection, reproduction, nutrition, health, feedlot performance, carcass quality, and cost of production into one record system.  With this program, each aspect of production can be evaluated to provide objective information for future management decisions. 

A few or many of the variables presented in this record system may be used for a specific herd.  Most variables are optional and some can be customized to a individual herd specification.  It is possible to begin using this program with minimal herd data and add to it as the information grows.

Just as cows are the heart of a good cow-calf enterprise, the records are the core of the CowCalf5 program.  The cow record is divided into four categories:  Permanent Dam, Yearling (Replacement) Heifer, Yearly Production, and Calf.

The Permanent Dam records are cow variables, most of which don't change from year to year.  Some of the variables contained in the Permanent Dam information are dam ID, dam birth date, breed, pedigree, number of calves, average value of calves weaned, EPD's and accuracies, and dam MPPA (Most Probable Producing Ability).  Two optional fields are also available.

The Yearling (Replacement) Heifer variables can be collected on heifers following weaning.  This record contains information collected while the heifer calf is being developed and bred to become a cow.  Some of the variables contained in the Yearly Dam information are breeding, pregnancy information, next calving date, and dam weights, condition scores, and health. 

Calf Information is entered into the system with the appropriate dam.  Each of the dam's calves are easily accessible and can be compared with her previous calves.  Some of the calf variables available are calf tag, birth date, sex, birth weight, sire, health, weaning information, and value of calf at weaning.

CowCalf5 also manages bull records.  Permanent, yearly, and development variables are available including bull ID, birth date, birth weight, number of progeny, calving ease, progeny birth and weaning weight averages, scrotal circumference, EPD and accuracies, and sperm data.  There are many bull variables which can be adapted for individual ranch needs. 

Individual records can be stored.  Some of the variables include ADG, DOF, cost of gain, feed conversion, and carcass data.  CowCalf5 supports everything from grafting and twins, to artificial insemination and embryo transfer. 

To run CowCalf5 properly, your system has to meet these minimum requirements: 

Windows 95/98 
16 Meg Ram50 
Meg HDPentium 
SVGA Monitor (800 X 600)