What role does the Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) program play in cattle evaluation?

The Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) program primarily serves to supply performance records and data analysis, which are critical for evaluating cattle. Through the collection of data on milk production, reproductive performance, and overall herd health, the DHI program allows dairy producers to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence. This data-centric approach enhances the ability to track individual animal performance and monitor herd trends over time.

These performance records facilitate comparisons between animals within a herd and across different herds, offering insights that can lead to improved breeding and management practices. By analyzing the data collected, producers can identify high-performing animals, manage culling decisions, and implement strategies to enhance overall herd productivity. Thus, the DHI program is an essential tool in the dairy industry for optimizing herd performance through accurate data and analysis.