Precision dairy farming involves the use of technologies to measure physiological, behavioral, and production indicators on individual animals. The primary goals of precision dairy farming are to 1) maximize individual animal performance, 2) detect diseases early, and 3) minimize the use of medication through preventive healthF measures.

Examples of precision dairy farming technologies include milk yield recording systems, milk component monitors, activity monitors, lying and rumination behavior monitors, milk conductivity indicators, and heat detection monitors.

A new fact sheet from dairy scientists at the University of Kentucky provides qF uestions to consider before making the investment in these technologies

Read "Pre-Investment Considerations for Precision Dairy Farming Technologies," by Karmella Dolecheck and Jeffrey Bewley, Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky.

The three-page fact sheet also discusses how the technology works and tips for getting started.