Transition Management Index

Overview of the dashboard

The main dashboard page covers the Transition Management Index (TMI). Key performance indicators (KPI) related to the transition period management are displayed on the main page and can be explored further on their respective drill-down pages. To learn more about your herd’s performance, click on the appropriate tab in the dashboard header or double-click on the specific KPI on the main page:

• Energy status (at first test: 5 to 45 days in milk)
• Udder health (at first test: 5 to 50 days in milk)
• Dry period (all cows that calved in the last 12 months)
• Culling (all cows that calved in the last 12 months)

Contact Customer Service at Contact – Lactanet to subscribe to these services.

In addition, the Cow List tab provides a comprehensive customizable list of all animals tested within the last 12 months.

Make your selection

Use the default values or customize your selection for the period displayed, lactation number, or breed. Changes will be applied across all dashboard pages and can be made on any page.

Select the test date period

Select either the Test Last 90 days option (all test dates within the last 90 days from the most recent test date; default value) or the Last Test option (recommended for herds).

Select the lactation number group

Select the lactation number: Lactation 1, Lactation 2, Lactation 3+, or All (default value). Only the cows from the selected lactation number group will be displayed in the graph.

Select the predominant breed

If you have more than one breed in your herd, you can select a specific breed: Holstein (default value), Jersey, Ayrshire, or All Breeds. Only the cows from the selected breed will be displayed in the graph. This selection will be applied across all graphs in the dashboard, and it can be made on the Transition, Udder Health, and Dry Period pages.

Please note that KPIs are not recalculated based on the breed selection.

Color-coded KPI indicators

The KPI indicators (average TMI and % of cows with negative TMI on selected period; energy status and udder health) are colored to facilitate the interpretation of the herd status.

If colored in green, your herd is within the top 25% performers in your province, indicating excellent herd status for the respective indicator.

If colored in yellow, your herd is within the top 25% and top 50% performers in your province, indicating room for improvement in the status of your herd for the respective indicator.

If colored in red, your herd is performing less than the average herd in your province, indicating that the status of your herd should be improved for the respective indicator.

Mouse-over

All graphs in the dashboard feature the mouse-over functionality. You can hover your mouse over each cow’s symbol in the graph at any time to see more information about that cow (cow id, Calving date, lactation number, breed code, SCC, TMI, Pro$…).

Open in PDF

To open all tabs of the dashboard in PDF printable format, click Open in PDF at the top of the page.

To open the current tab of the dashboard in PDF printable format, click Open Current Tab in PDF in the bottom left corner.

Dashboard Main Page

Step 1: KPI – Average TMI and proportion of cows with negative TMI

The average TMI is the average of all cows in your herd according to the Selected period and the last 12 months average (Annual). % cows with negative TMI indicate the proportion of cows with TMI below zero according to the Selected period and the last 12 months’ average (Annual).

The goal is to achieve a high and positive TMI average while maintaining a low percentage of cows with negative TMI.

Step 2: Compare with the provincial benchmarks

Compare your herd’s performance over the last 12 months (annual TMI average) with other herds in your province. The 80^th percentile represents the top 20% of herds with the highest average TMI, while the 20^th percentile represents the bottom 20% of herds with the lowest average TMI.

Step 3: Plot – Transition Management Index in the last 12 months

Although the averages provide an overview of the herd, the graph shows the results of each cow in the herd over the past 12 months. The solid line in the graph represents a continuous rolling herd average for the last 15 cows tested. The dotted line represents the herd TMI annual average. Each symbol represents a cow and contains relevant animal information through the mouse-over function. Different colors of the symbol indicate different lactation numbers, with the legend available at the top of the graph.

Step 4: Current KPIs

Energy Status

Proportion of cows at first test (5–45 DIM) with a concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the milk of 0.15 mmol/L or higher.

If you have the KETOLAB service activated for your herd, double-click the header to open the drill-down page with more detailed information on your herd’s energy status.

Udder Health

The proportion of cows at first test (5–50 DIM) with a Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of 200,000 cells/mL of milk or higher, equivalent to a linear score of 4 or more.

Step 5: Annual Averages

Supplementary information is provided as annual averages for peak milk yield, DIM at peak, % cows left herd 60 DIM, and days dry.

Peak milk yield, kg: The average milk production at the peak of lactation for all the cows that calved in the last 12 months.

DIM at peak: The average days in milk (DIM) at the peak of lactation for all the cows that calved in the last 12 months.

% Cows Left Herd 60 DIM: The average % of cows culled within 60 DIM for all cows that calved in the last 12 months. Double-click on the indicator to open the drill-down page with more information on the most common culling reasons for your herd.

Days Dry: The average dry period length for all cows that calved in the last 12 months. Double-click on the indicator to open the drill-down page with more information on the dry period and gestation length.

Energy Status

This page is only available for customers subscribed to the KETOLAB service.

Step 6: KPI – BHB

Proportion of cows at first test (5–45 DIM) with a concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in milk of 0.15 mmol/L or higher, which is an indicator of subclinical ketosis.

If colored in green, your herd is within the top 25% performers in your province, indicating excellent energy status.

If colored in yellow, your herd is within the top 25% and top 50% performers in your province, indicating room for improvement in the energy status of your herd.

If colored in red, your herd is performing less than the average herd in your province, indicating that the energy status of your herd should be improved.

Step 7: Plot – BHB in the last 12 months

Although the averages provide an overview of the herd, the graph shows the result of each cow in the herd over the past 12 months. The solid line in the graph represents the BHB threshold at 0.15 mmol/L. Every symbol represents one cow tested at first test (5–45 DIM) and contains relevant animal information accessible through the mouse-over function.

Step 8: Plot – BHB in early lactation

This graph illustrates the variation of BHB in early lactation for every cow tested up to 90 DIM over the last 90 days. The solid line in the graph represents the BHB threshold at 0.15 mmol/L. Every symbol represents one cow and contains relevant animal information accessible through the mouse-over function.

Step 9: KPI – Percent cows with high BHB by stage of lactation  

This indicator shows the percentage of cows with a concentration of BHB in milk of 0.15 mmol/L or higher, between 5 and 21 DIM and 22 and 45 DIM, respectively.

Step 10: Tables – Positive cows at DIM 5 -21 and 22-45

These tables show the number of cows tested, the number of positive cows, and % of positive cows by test date over the last 12 months, separated into two stages: 5-21 DIM and 22-45 DIM. Click on any test date to retrieve the list of positive cows at the test, along with additional relevant animal information, including lactation number, BHB concentration in milk, Days in Milk, Milk Yield (with a note if considered abnormal), and fat-protein-ratio. Click again on the blue arrow to return to the initial table.

Udder Health

Step 11: KPI – Udder Health

The proportion of cows at first test (5–50 DIM) with a Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of 200,000 cells/mL of milk or higher, equivalent to a linear score of 4 or more. 

If colored in green, your herd is within the top 25% performers in your province, indicating excellent udder health. 

If colored in yellow, your herd is within the top 25% and top 50% performers in your province, indicating room for improvement in the udder health of your herd. 

If colored in red, your herd is performing less than the average herd in your province, indicating that the udder health of your herd should be improved. 

Step 12: Plot – SCC at 1^st test

This graph illustrates the variation of SCC at first test (5 – 50 DIM) for every cow tested in the past 90 days. The solid line in the graph represents the SCC threshold at 200,000 cells/mL. Each symbol represents one cow and contains relevant animal information accessible through the mouse-over function.

The maximum value in the graph is 1,000,000 cells/mL. Cows with a count above 1,000,00 cell/mL will be displayed at the top of the graph. To check their actual SCC, use the mouse-over function on the cow symbol. 

Step 13: Plot – Historic average SCC

This graph illustrates the evolution of the herd SCC average for the first test (5-50 DIM) over the last 12 months.  

Step 14: Udder Health Indicators

New fresh infections

Of only the fresh cows that were healthy before dry–off (SCC < 200,000 at last test within 50 days pre-dry), % of cows with a SCC > 200,000 in the first test (5 – 50 DIM).  

Overall fresh infections

Of all fresh cows, % with SCC > 200,000 in the first test, regardless of results from previous lactation. Includes also % fresh heifers with SCC > 200,000 on their first test. 

Failure to cure

Of only the fresh cows that were unhealthy before dry–off (SCC > 200,000 at last test within 50 days pre dry), % of cows with a SCC> 200,000 in the first test. Only for Lactation 2+ cows. 

Culling

This section is not updated based on the selection made in the sidebar.

Step 15: KPI – Percentage of cows left herd by 60 DIM

Average percentage of cows that left the herd by 60 DIM over the last 12 months.

Step 16: Plot – Cows left by 60 DIM in the last 12 months

This graph illustrates the evolution of the number of cows left the herd by 60 DIM over the last 12 months. Each bar shows the total number of cows that left the herd in the 12 months up to that date. Different colors represent different lactation numbers, with the color legend at the top of the graph.

Step 17: Plot – Reason for leaving the herd

This graph illustrates the main reasons for cows leaving the herd within 60 DIM over the last 12 months.

There are 12 categories of culling reasons, based on the farm records.

• Unknown: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of unknown reasons.
• Other reasons: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of other reasons.
• Mastitis and udder: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of mastitis and/or high SCC, udder breakdown, Staphylococcus aureus infection, or injury to udder or teats.
• Production: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of low milk production, low fat, or low protein.
• Management: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of slow milking, old age, culling for conformation, or bad temperament.
• Feet and legs: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of feet and leg problems, or arthritis.
• Metabolic disorders: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of milk fever, or displaced abomasum.
• Infectious diseases: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of pneumonia, leukosis, or Johne’s disease.
• Other diseases: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of sickness, peritonitis, or bloating.
• Dystocia: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of difficult calving.
• Injuries and accidents: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of injury/accident, poison, or electrocution.
• Reproduction: includes cows that left the herd by 60 DIM because of reproductive reasons.

Dry Period Length

This section is not updated based on the selection made in the sidebar.

Step 18: Average Days Dry, Last 12 months

Average dry period length for your herd over the last 12 months.

Step 19: Plot – Distribution of days dry

Each bar represents the number of cows whose dry period lengths fall within a specific 5-day range.  The categories are centred around the indicated day, including two days before and two days after. For example, cows with dry period lengths between 48 and 52 days are group into the “50 days dry” category, while those with lengths between 53 and 57 days are grouped into the “55 days dry” category. This pattern continues for all categories.

Step 20: Plot – Gestation and Dry Period (days)

This graph combines days dry and gestation length per cow (only Lactation 2 and Lactation 3+). The minimum gestation length displayed in the graph is 260 days and the maximum is 300 days. Cows with a calculated gestation length shorter than 260 days will be displayed at the bottom of the graph, and cows with a calculated gestation length longer than 300 days will be displayed at the top of the graph. To check their actual calculated gestation length, use the mouse-over function on the cow symbol.

Please note that the accuracy of gestation length depends on the correct recording of the last insemination date.

Step 21: Plot – Dry Period Seasonal Effect

This graph illustrates the variation in days dry over the last 12 months. The solid line represents the average days dry of your herd at the last test date.

Step 22: Plot – Gestation Duration Seasonal Effect

This graph illustrates the variation in gestation duration over the last 12 months. The solid line represents the average gestation length of your herd at the last test date.

Cow List

This is an interactive table with relevant animal information for animals that calved in the last 12 months from the most recent test date. Test date information refers to the first test only.

Step 23: Selected variables

Selected the variables you wish to view in the Cow List, and then click Finish.

The list of optional variables are:

• Animal information
  • Visible ID No
  • Lactation Number
  • Calving Date
  • Test Date
  • Animal ID
  • Breed Code
• Transition management
  • Transition Management Index (TMI)
  • No TMI Reason –identifies the reasons why the cow does not have a TMI calculated. The reasons are: too fresh (< 5 DIM at test day), No 24-hour milk, 1^st lact no EBV milk, More than 45 DIM, Lactation number > 7, No prev lact yield, hormone induced, Changed herd, end not dry normal, Missing days dry, 1^st calving < 18 or >36 months, missing peak milk, No calc. breed, Prev. lact hormone induced, Milking 2.5 x, No previous lactation, Days dry >200.
• Production and health performance
  • Milk yield (kg/day)
  • Fat (%)
  • Protein (%)
  • SCC (x 1000 cells/mL)
  • BHB (mmol/L)
  • Milk urea nitrogen (mg/dL)
  • Milk yield at peak lactation – based on the multiple traits prediction (the prediction reliability improves with any subsequent test following the first test)
  • DIM at peak lactation – based on the multiple traits prediction (the prediction reliability improves with any subsequent test following the first test)
• Reproduction performance and survival
  • Number of days dry
  • Gestation length (estimated from the last recorded insemination date)
  • Left herd reason
  • DIM at date left the herd
  • Left Herd Reason
  • Calving ease (for twin birth, this refers to the most difficult calving recorded)
• Genetics
  • Pro$

Step 24: Sorting variables in the cow list

Cow list is sorted by calving date by default (more recent calving to least recent). You can resort the list by any variable by clicking on the column header of the desired variable, clicking the following symbol: on the top of the dashboard, and then selecting your preferred sorting order (ascending, descending, don’t sort).