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Understanding the Fresh Cow List
Current Test Transition Cow IndexTM Cows
- Each cow receiving a TCI at the current test is included in this section. This consists of all second and greater lactation cows 5 to 40 days in milk on test day with a reported milk weight.
- Cows are ranked beginning with the one with the lowest TCI.
- The TCI graph on the Fresh Cow Summary only includes cows with TCIs between +10,000 and -10,000. The Fresh Cow List includes all cows, so you can identify animals outside of this range.
- 305 days mature equivalent identify the cow's prior lactation performance and her expected performance in the current lactation. 305 day ME milk values are a commonly used DHI tool that standardizes cows of different ages, months of calving, days open and region of the country for comparison on a level playing field.
- TCI is not the difference between prior lactation 305 day ME milk and current lactation 305 day ME milk. Instead TCI uses 15 different factors including age, breed, season of calving, SCC at last test of prior lactation, days dry, milking frequency, both prior lactation and first test day production to more accurately and objectively measure if her performance is above or below expectations.
- The fat-to -protein ratio (FPR) is provided for each cow and corresponds to the information in Block B of the Fresh Cow Summary. Cows with a FPR over 1.4 are at risk for subclinical ketosis.
- Percent fat information is provided. In a Holstein herd, a significant number of cows with fat tests over 5.0% or below 2.0% may indicate early lactation metabolic problems.
- Somatic Cell Count (SCC) data from the last test of the previous lactation and the first test of this lactation is included to identify cows with cured, new or chronic mastitis infections. This information is tabulated in Block C of the Fresh Cow Summary.
Understanding the Fresh Cow List
Current Test Fresh Heifers
- Transition Cow Indexes cannot be calculated for first lactation heifers.
- In this section, heifers are listed from lowest to highest 305 day ME milk projections based on their first test recorded milk weight.
- Fat-to-protein ratios (FPR) greater than 1.4 identify heifers at risk for subclinical ketosis. Reference Block B of the Fresh Cow Summary to review trends in subclinical ketosis over the past 12 months.
- Somatic Cell Count (SCC) identifies heifers freshening with mastitis. Block C of the Fresh Cow Summary illustrates the trend in heifer mastitis rates for the last 6 months.
Understanding the Fresh Cow List
Special Situation Cows
- Cows listed in this section did not receive a Transition Cow Index.
- These cows may have been less than 5 days in milk on test day, their milk weight was lost or sold or dead before their first test.
- If a milk weight can be recorded for a sick cow, she will receive a TCI. Reviewing TCI values for all early lactation cows, including those that are sick, will provide a more accurate picture of transition cow management.
