An important feature of the CGen software is the ability to record calves prior to their registration (if required.) The CGen platform allows breeders to record calves without registering them. Whilst any details that are added for a recorded calf, such as phenotypes and genotypes, will be used in the weekly IGS evaluation, including genomics, recorded calves are not able to be viewed on the public website and only show in the breeder online section.

This allows breeders to keep a full record of every calf born (alive or dead), which is a great way to manage the information, but only they have access to the records. Then, when a breeder wishes to register a recorded calf, they can do that themselves easily from the online section.

There are a number of key benefits;

1. Data bias causes issues with the accuracy of EPD reporting. Ensuring that every calf in the contemporary is recorded allows breeders to record phenotypes on the whole drop, not just the registered portion.
2. Breeders may choose to submit information such as birthweight, calving ease, docility and weaning weight prior to registration. Given that recorded calves still get full EPD’s each week, recording allows breeders to have the maximum possible information prior to selecting which animals to register.
3. Breeders who choose to use genomics (such as PV) prior to registration, must have the calf recorded at least, in order for the office to be able to assign the DNA case number to a recorded animal. DNA profiles on unrecorded or unregistered animals cannot be used for obvious reasons.
4. Breeders who genotype recorded calves prior to registering will still have access to full genomic enhanced EPD’s, to assist them with selection decisions.
5. If a cow unfortunately has a stillborn or the calf is lost post calving, not recording the calf will have a negative effect on the dams Stayability count. Being able to record these calves without registering them, will give a clearer picture of the dams fertility records.
6. Breeders can change the animal details, such as coat colour, sex, name or horn status at any time prior to registration. Once the calf is registered, those details can only be changed by the office.
7. Full details for recorded calves are available in the breeders online section of CGen, helping breeders to manage their records easily.

Recording calves is easy and only requires limited details compared to registrations. Breeders can easily register recorded calves whenever they choose, particularly given that CGen is a live platform, so registrations are instantly available on the public website.

To learn more about recording calves prior to registration, please click here.