Pregnancy checks and their simplification with the MooHero system

The success of dairy farming also depends on good reproductive management. One of the key steps in this process are regular and timely pregnancy checks, which enable the farmer to plan dry-off and calving on time, optimize milk production throughout the year, efficiently allocate barn space, and plan feed usage. Early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant cows means fewer losses, better herd overview, and higher economic efficiency of the farm.

But pregnancy checks are not just a technical procedure – the entire organization of the farm depends on them. That’s why it’s important that the data is accurate and always at hand for timely decisions. Here lies the difference between traditional, time-consuming record-keeping and the use of digital tools such as the MooHero system.

Timely and regular pregnancy checks – why are they essential?

Regular checks enable:

• timely decisions on further cow care and preparation for calving (when to dry off and when to prepare the cow for calving)
• better farm organization and optimal planning of necessary breeding measures
• early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant cows for timely action in case of reproductive disorders (e.g., cysts or metritis) and sufficiently early re-insemination
• reducing the risk of prolonged calving intervals and a drop in herd productivity

Pregnancy checks are carried out in the early stage of pregnancy, usually between the 30th and 50th day after insemination, when it can be reliably confirmed whether a cow is pregnant or not. For this purpose, various methods are used, from heat detection and ultrasound to rectal palpation or laboratory analysis of milk and blood, where correct timing and choice of the appropriate method are crucial for early detection of potential complications and timely planning of next steps.

The economic importance of pregnancy checks is significant, as each missed pregnancy can cause:

• longer non-productive periods and extended calving intervals
• reduced annual milk yield per cow
• fewer calvings (per year), fewer lactations, and thus lower herd milk production
• higher (unnecessary) costs
• increased risk of culling due to fertility issues

Although several methods exist, in practice it is most important that the farmer receives the most reliable information possible from these results for effective herd management.

Challenges without digital support

In practice, pregnancy checks without digital support mean quite time-consuming work:

• the farmer must first search for inseminated cows using lists and notes, gather data on inseminations, and prepare a work list for the veterinarian.
• during the actual check, the results are written on paper, which are later transcribed into records.

This kind of work requires a lot of time and attention, and errors often occur:

Tovrstno delo zahteva precej časa in pozornosti, pogosto pa se pojavijo tudi napake:

• results can get mixed up between individual cows
• lists or notes can get lost
• some cows may be checked multiple times unnecessarily due to confusion
• others may be overlooked entirely and not checked for pregnancy

Such mistakes cause confusion and extra work for both the farmer and the veterinarian, as well as the risk of missing the right moment for action. All of this can lead to poorer farm organization and often also financial consequences, since the period when the cow is non-productive is extended.

MooHero – Simplicity and clarity in one system

Modern technologies, including the MooHero system, transform the entire workflow, save time and energy, and reduce errors and losses. The system, through its app, automatically collects all data on inseminations and past checks, organizes them into lists, and updates them continuously (daily). This means the farmer doesn’t have to search for animals in lists or organize the work – at the right time, the system itself prepares an up-to-date list of cows scheduled for checks.

When the veterinarian arrives, they simply open the list in the app and go from cow to cow: the veterinarian performs the check, while the farmer enters the result right next to the cow, as soon as the veterinarian gives the outcome of the pregnancy check. The results are saved immediately, and the system processes them right away:

• (confirmed) pregnant cows are placed into the appropriate group, with reminders set up for drying-off and calving
• non-pregnant cows are marked for further reproductive measures or possible culling

In addition, the MooHero system allows the farmer to have all information about every cow’s past checks and other events from previous lactations stored in one place. This means they can quickly check:

• how many inseminations each cow had
• what recorded issues occurred during checks or other events
• how successful reproduction has been over time

In traditional notes, this information is often scattered or lost, making it difficult for the farmer to monitor long-term trends. This solution therefore doesn’t just offer a digital notepad, but a comprehensive decision-support system – data is always organized, accessible, and useful. The farmer no longer wastes time searching and managing records, but instead has a tool at hand that allows them to focus on what really matters: the health, welfare, and productivity of the herd.

Fewer worries, more time for the animals

Today’s farming tasks are becoming increasingly demanding, but modern digital tools can significantly reduce this complexity. Reliable and up-to-date data is essential, as only then can the farmer act on time to safeguard herd health and farm efficiency. MooHero makes this possible – no more searching through notes, no more confusion and missed opportunities. Instead of losing time on administration, the farmer can devote it to what matters most: the health of the herd and higher farm productivity.

MooHero is not just an app. It is a tool that maintains stable herd productivity and enables farm growth.

Author: Tadej Sajnkar