Why Orchid?

Here are some of the benefits you will gain through using the Orchid herd management software on your farm.

Features	Benefits
Modular Design	Cost effective - pay only for specific sections that you will use. Start small and build up as you need other modules
Designed by Farmers	Easy to follow and understand Manage records on computer as logically as you are used to.
Multiple Herd Capability	Easily transfer animals from one holding to another - no need to re-enter details of animals Keep logical business units apart Manage a diverse enterprise from a single location If required, can track animal movements on a field-by-field basis
Internet Links to CTS Database (BCMS)	Future ready Time saving by electronically notifying movements and passport applications direct to BCMS. Save on paperwork
Links to outside Recording Agencies	Sharing / importing data from existing systems eliminates the need to re-enter all your data
Links to auto-Parlours	Accurate, efficient and cost effective milk recording
Links to Pocket PC	Improves accuracy of Identification Record data electronically as it happens instead of on paper
Farm Assurance	Comprehensive Vet & Med recording with full reporting for assurance inspections
Continuous updates	Protection of investment We interpret and implement the latest rules defined by DEFRA You can play an active part in new program features
On-screen video tutorials	Learn as you go - no need for extensive training Effective – learn through demonstration
Clear uncluttered reports	Visual analysis of data at a glance
Efficient storage of information	Data entered only once Easy, compact storage of all your DEFRA records

You can also download the Orchid Dairy brochure (PDF format, requires Adobe Reader).

Don't have Adobe Reader? Click on the icon below to download from the Adobe website.

Software modules available

The basic package is called dairySTARTER and gives you these functions:

Flexible action lists for services, PDs, drying off and calvings
Event reports for cow breeding calendar events, purchases, sales and deaths
Statutory movement book, movement tracking and Herd Register
Cattle passport applications and movement notifications via CTS Web Services (BCMS)

The following additional modules are available for you to customize your software package.

Milk Recording

Highlight poor performing animals
Mastitis cell count reports
Cell count contribution calculations
Individual lactation graphs
Historical lactations
Links to milk recording agencies NMR, CIS, QMMS
Import milk yields from datastream file, monthly update file and Essential Sampling CSV format
Easy to select the best cows for breeding
Yields to date with margins
Product Index showing earnings per cow

Veterinary

Complete veterinary history for each animal
Medicine stock management
Problem analysis
Medicine withdrawal date calculations for milk and meat
Medicine book in compliance with dairy farm assurance schemes and milk buyer schemes

Fertility

Detailed fertility analysis including cusum, oestrus periods
Instant fertility snapshot for the whole herd
Flexible reports with user-defined parameters

Herd Analysis and Enterprise Costings

Detailed herd costings
Compares outputs per calving month
Compare individuals against the monthly calving group

Auto milking parlour connections

Extract milk yields from parlour systems

Milk Production Forecasting

Quick predicted milk production report
More detailed predictions based on individual cow data

Pedigree

Complete pedigree records
Classifications
Download herd book numbers, classification data from HUK via the 1-Stop Herd Management System
Pedigree Catalogues for individuals or export data in a batch for formatting and publication

Feed

Records every foodstuff for individual animals including costs
Easy to use feed dispensing
Feeding printout
Feed history