Preg Calculator

Functionality & Mechanism

This herd management utility, developed by the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), streamlines reproductive planning for dairy farms. The tool calculates the required number of pregnancies per interval to maintain a stable herd size. It processes user-inputted parameters, including herd size, calving intervals, and culling rates, which can be derived from standard industry reports. Users can also monitor actual performance by entering current pregnancy data, facilitating ongoing herd management and comparison over time.

Development & Context

• This app is one of eight digital tools created by UW–Madison's Food Animal Production Medicine program to digitize proven, paper-based farm evaluation systems.
• Its development was supported by a UW–Madison Educational Innovation grant, initially serving as a teaching tool for veterinary students in the classroom and field.
• The news coverage notes that by mid-2015, the suite of FAPM apps had logged nearly 900 downloads across 40 countries.
• Proceeds from app purchases are designated to support the ongoing development of the digital tools.

Intended Use & Scope

This utility is designed for dairy herd managers, food animal veterinarians, and agricultural consultants involved in reproductive planning. It functions as a specialized calculator to support herd maintenance decisions by modeling pregnancy requirements based on operational data. The information presented is based on news coverage and developer descriptions, not on peer-reviewed clinical or efficacy studies.