Some dairy producers think of an individual cow's milk production or the herd's production in terms of daily averages, whereas other producers use rolling herd averages. Either of these averages describes the herd as a low, high or average producing herd. However, what is probably more important is whether the trend is up or down when compared with production from previous months. In herds where production continues to improve, progress is in the right direction. On the other hand, if production remains stable or takes a downward turn, an investigation is warranted.
Profit is an important parameter to monitor any business.
DHIA monthly herd summaries may contain product value and feed cost data particularly useful to the dairy producers. As feed costs rise relative to product value, the importance of feeding efficiency increases. A veterinarian may be helpful by counseling with management concerning the culling of marginal cows. A final production parameter worthy of mention is the average peak test day milk production. Supplementing this information with body condition scores on cows taken at drying off, calving, and at or near peak milk production can be used to document feeding deficiencies.