Managing livestock health records can feel overwhelming—especially when juggling vaccinations, weight changes, and treatments across dozens (or hundreds) of animals. But well-kept records mean healthier animals, smarter decisions, and even cost savings in the long run. Let’s explore a practical, stress-free way to track health records using FarmKeep, supported by expert advice and efficient best practices.
Proper health tracking isn’t just busywork—it’s essential. As the Pennsylvania State University Extension puts it, “keeping accurate health and production records … can help producers make meaningful decisions while troubleshooting transition cow issues”. Industry-wide, record-keeping is known to boost productivity, profitability, and animal welfare .
Rather than tracking every little detail, focus on essential categories most experts agree matter:
Assign ear tags or unique IDs and record breed, birth date, and sex—critical for all downstream tracking
Log vaccines, deworming, illnesses, injuries, dosages, and vet visits. This supports wellness and ensures compliance, especially if you plan on selling your animal or animal products.
Track birth/weaning weight, body condition scores, and growth curves to spot nutrition or health issues early
Record breeding dates, calving/kidding outcomes, and fertility metrics like calving or kidding rates—essential for herd improvement.
Traditional handwritten logs still work—but digital tools offer major benefits. You can log anything digitally, share access, schedule reminders, and run reports.
With FarmKeep, all key record categories—health events, weight logs, breeding cycles—are tracked in one place. Set reminders for vaccinations or pregnancy checks, collapse reports by animal or time period, and track treatments and outcomes effortlessly.
Tracking livestock health doesn’t have to be a chore. By focusing on key categories, using digital tools like FarmKeep, and setting reminders, you can manage detailed records without losing your mind. Your animals stay healthier, your operation runs smoother—and you spend less time chasing paperwork.
