SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

The value of individual animal data A key advancement in modern systems is the shift from herd-level to individual animal monitoring. This enables identification of underperforming animals, targeted supplementation strategies, and objective culling decisions. As a result, producers can improve herd efficiency while reducing unnecessary input costs. Practical application in extensive systems While high-tech solutions are advancing rapidly, data-driven decision-making does not have to be complicated or expensive. A practical approach includes: • Regular weighing • Basic recordkeeping (births, deaths, treatments) • Camp rotation records • Supplement intake tracking System / technology What it measures / collects Example product/ system Key benefit (management) Financial impact for farmers Weighing & EID systems Live weight, ADG, animal ID, treatments Tru-Test XR5000 Tracks individual animal performance, identifies poor performers, and enables drafting by weight or criteria Faster growth ► fewer feeding days; identify low performers ► better culling decisions; improved feed efficiency Basic weigh indicators Live weight, weight gain between sessions ID5000 Weigh Scale Indicator Simple performance tracking, easier adoption for smaller farms Low-cost entry into data ► improved decisions without high capital cost RFID / EID ear tags Animal ID, movement, treatment history Cattle Tracking Ear Tag Individual animal traceability integrates with weighing systems Reduces record errors; improves herd management ► higher reproduction & lower losses GPS tracking systems Integrated data (weight, health, grazing) Cattle GPS Tracker Monitors grazing behaviour, detects theft or straying Reduced stock theft; better grazing utilisation ► improved veld efficiency Livestock monitoring platforms Integrated data (weight, health, grazing) Grazertrack Live- stock Tracking Starter Pack Centralised data, real-time insights, remote monitoring Better decision-making, labour savings, improved overall herd efficiency Mobile apps & software (data integration) Data storage, analysis, reporting (e.g. Datamars Livestock software linked to Tru-Test) BenguFarm AgriWebb DSS Converts raw data into reports, trends, and alerts Links data to Stud Book Turns data into actionable decisions ► direct profitability improvements Table 4: Technology systems and their financial benefits Conclusion: measure what pays In extensive ruminant farming, margins are often tight, but the opportunity lies in efficiency. The farmers who succeed are not necessarily those who spend more, but those who: • Measure the right things • Act on the information • Continuously refine their system What gets measured gets managed, but what gets managed correctly becomes profitable. Should you require more information relating to turning data into decisions in extensive ruminant systems, please contact your nearest De Heus technical specialist - https://www.deheus.co.za/ meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com