Calf Health Scorer

Name: Calf Health Scorer
Author: University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison

TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a leading university

For:Clinicians & Healthcare ProfessionalsIndustry Professionals

2.99 USD

Download on the App Store

App Summary

Calf Health Scorer gives farmers and veterinarians a digital tool to evaluate calf health by scoring a range of clinical signs through a graphical interface. The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine created the app to convert its own proven, paper-based scoring chart into a portable format for modern dairy operations. By generating sharable reports and lists of at-risk animals, the tool allows users to keep consistent records, monitor health trends, and identify calves that may need treatment.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

This digital health assessment tool, developed by the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, streamlines the evaluation of calf health. The app utilizes a graphical interface for scoring key clinical parameters, such as nasal discharge, appetite, and joint appearance, on a scale of 0 to 3. It also integrates a system for recording lung ultrasonography results. The platform compiles this data to generate lists identifying calves that may require treatment or monitoring and facilitates sharing reports.

Development & Context

The app was created to translate a proven, paper-based calf health scoring chart into a portable and user-friendly digital format.
News coverage notes that the project was part of a larger initiative to create teaching tools for veterinary students, supported by a UW–Madison educational grant.
As part of a suite of eight agricultural apps, it contributed to nearly 900 downloads in 40 countries within its first year of release.
The software is intended to provide a more consistent, science-backed method for evaluating animal health and educating clients on farm management practices.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is designed for dairy farmers, calf rearers, veterinarians, and agricultural consultants for on-farm health assessments. It functions as a record-keeping and monitoring utility to support earlier intervention decisions for calf health management. The information presented is derived from news coverage and app descriptions, not peer-reviewed efficacy research.

In the Media

Calf Health Scoring

The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine developed Calf Health Scorer to assess on-farm calf health using clinical parameters, based on scoring charts by Dr. Sheila McGuirk. The app uses a point-based system where "calves with two or more parameters scoring 2 or 3 are automatically placed on a 'to treat' or 'recheck' list depending on the clinical signs." Each parameter includes photographic examples for consistent scoring across different users, and reports can be generated and shared via email instantly.

SoutheastfarmerRead article

Dairy farms go digital with apps from School of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine's Food Animal Production Medicine program developed Calf Health Scorer as part of eight unique iPad applications to help meet the needs of today's dairy farmers. Professor Nigel Cook explains, "For most of these apps, we've taken proven, pen-and-paper systems, which our faculty previously developed, and translated them into a portable, digital format." The apps provide instant feedback, immediate data uploads, and analytical functionality that lead to greater efficiency and cost savings for dairy farms.

WiscRead article