Introduction to recording events in animal records

Events are used to record actions, observations or measurement relating to an animal. A range of classes of event are possible including:

Fertility events: Calvings, services, pregnancy diagnosis etc

Observation/treatment events: Vaccinations, occurrences of mastitis, lameness, dry-off dates etc

Offtake events: Sale, cull, death

Production measurements: weights and body condition.

There is no constraint to the number or range of events you can have. The event structure can be as complex (or simple) as necessary to satisfy the requirements of your herd management system. When you create your data file (see creating a data file) the template that you use contains an event structure.  It is the ability to amend, develop and tailor an event structure to the management system that gives the program such flexibility.

Entry of events: Events are entered in to animal records in a number of ways depending on circumstances:

If entering single or small numbers of events use the  parity data and events page of the animal record. 
If entering a long list of events in a hurry use the Event pad
A list of weight measurements should be entered using  Weight status and recording
To enter one event in a number of animal records (e.g. for vaccinations, oestrus synchronisation or other block treatments) use batch event entry.

Definition of events: Users with appropriate permissions (see User names and permissions) can develop their own event structure or amend existing event definitions.