The Africa Asia Dairy Genetic Gains project launches mobile app to track dairy animal performance

The Africa Asia Dairy Genetic Gains (AADGG) project has developed an Android-based mobile application, Dairy Data App, to track dairy animal performance in smallholder enterprises.

Supported by a robust and agile data platform, the new app allows registered farmers and extension personnel to submit data and receive instant feedback through user-friendly modules on their mobile phones or tablets.

It is a significant improvement over previously used Open Data Kit tools.

Available for all active AADGG countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), new app users begin by registering farms, herds, animals, cooperatives and less formal groups.

The app is initially available for use by extension personnel who interact regularly with livestock keepers to support monitoring of the performance of their animals, and use the information generated to guide management decisions in dairy productivity.

Unlike previous Open Data Kit tools, users can now query the data entered and receive instant feedback on basic productivity parameters.

They can track each dairy animal's performance, including calving, milking, health, weight, synchronization and insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, animal exits and disposals from a farm, and genetic sampling.

Farm-specific details recorded include household demographics, primary economic activities on the farm, land use, livestock feed, water and housing conditions, and access to extension services and training.

The AADGG project is led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Photo: A dairy farmer cleans her cow's udder in preparation for milking in Siaya County, Kenya (credit: FIPS/Raymond Jumah)