Dairy Herd Health and Production Monitoring: Optimising Data use and Understanding the Pitfalls

Modem dairy practice demands the skills of the consummate clinician coupled with the ability to analyse and interpret both complex datasets and modem diagnostic tests. Acquiring and maintaining these skills is a challenge for the new graduate and experienced practitioner alike. Whilst the importance of the acquisition of clinical skills is obvious and often used as a benchmark of our performance by our clients, the importance of the data analyst is often overlooked. Recent developments have addressed the dearth of data available to the modem practitioner. However, there are a plethora of pitfalls awaiting the uninitiated when venturing into the uncharted midst of such freely available data, which often lacks veracity. The aim of this paper is to outline some of these pitfalls and, with the aid of examples, illustrate the importance of thoroughly assessing available information before considering the most appropriate approach to analysis and interpretation. In effect, this can only be achieved by taking a backward step, visualising the data first and asking yourself "Do I believe this?"