From field to phone with new SRUC app

Suckler beef farmers will be able to share real-time cattle data with their vet while in the field through a new mobile app developed in Scotland.

British beef suckler farmers will be able to share real-time cattle data with their vet

Created by the Veterinary Services team at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the Herd Health Planning app also allows farmers to collect and record data as events occur – reducing both the chance of omissions and some of the repetitive chores of record keeping.

The app, which is free for Scottish farmers registered to the Animal Health Planning System (SAHPS) and available to others for a small subscription, includes an e-medicine book which complies with farm assurances and other statutory requirements.

It is also connected to the British Cattle Movement Service’s tracing system (BCMS), meaning cattle records such as births, deaths and movements, can be updated instantly.

Health Planning Development Manager Dr Foteini Manolaraki said that no internet connection was required at the time of recording the events as all data is stored locally on the app and sent to both BCMS and SAHPS when Wi-Fi and/or mobile data became available.

“We recognise that time is a precious commodity for today’s farmers,” said Manolaraki.

“Rather than taking notes while out in the field or in the shed and then copying them into the computer, this new app allows them to share their cattle data with their vet while on the move. This information is then shared multiple times via BCMS and SAHPS software, which could allow earlier vet intervention if necessary.”