MSD Animal Health has launched a new app based on its popular, paper-based suckler herd performance checklist tool.

The app works on tablets, as well as smartphones, and enables audit results to be e-mailed directly to farmer clients following an interactive on-farm assessment.

The MSD Animal Health Suckler Herd Performance Checklist advisors and farmers to work closely together to draw up a workable action plan to address the key areas influencing optimum herd health and performance.

“This useful new app builds on the successful launch of our dairy calf health checklist app in the summer,” said MSD Animal Health’s beef and youngstock marketing manager Robert Simpson. “This additional engagement tool helps a vet assess performance across the five crucial time periods and processes impacting on the efficiency of beef suckler herds.

“For example, reducing calf morbidity and mortality rates in a suckler herd starts with management practices before conception. Optimum performance also requires following proper management protocols throughout the youngstock period from birth to weaning, including effective colostrum administration, vaccination, nutrition and hygiene.”

Mr Simpson added that the new checklist also provides a tool to use during routine health planning, offering a thorough approach for looking at various aspects of animal health in depth.