1. Get an early read on milk quality
The first herd test of the season provides one of the clearest pictures of your herd's milk quality. Somatic cell count (SCC) results can help identify problem cows early and provide a benchmark to track performance through the rest of the season.
2. Check how dry cow treatments performed
Early-season test results can show whether cows that went into dry-off with mastitis challenges have responded to treatment. Where SCC remains high, the results can help inform decisions about treatment, segregation or culling.
3. Identify your top and bottom performers
A herd test highlights differences between individual cows that aren't always visible in the dairy shed. Understanding which cows are producing the most milk, and the best-quality milk, can support day-to-day management and future breeding decisions.
4. Support mating decisions
When combined with body condition scores, herd test information can help assess whether cows are on track heading into mating. The data can help farmers balance production, nutrition and cow condition as they work to get cows back in-calf.
5. Build a stronger long-term picture of the herd
A single herd test provides a snapshot, but a series of tests throughout the season builds a valuable history of herd performance. Over time, that information becomes a useful tool for breeding, culling and management decisions that can improve herd productivity and milk quality.
Herd testing at peak lactation is an opportunity to build a clearer picture of your herd. The insights gained now can help inform decisions around milk quality, reproduction and herd performance for the rest of the season and beyond.
