NATIONAL COOPERATIVE DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM RULES

DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT
1988

VOLUME: NCDHIP HANDBOOK

Preamble

The purpose of these Rules is to provide the framework for a
uniform, accurate record system which will increase dairy farmers'
net profits.

These Rules are basic and minimum standards to be uniformly
followed and enforced throughout the United States on all DHI
record plans with Type of Record codes 00 to 39. They serve to
ensure that National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program
(NCDHIP) records will provide the accuracy, uniformity and
integrity essential to all segments of the dairy industry. All
state DHIA field services, laboratories and dairy records
processing centers (DRPC's) will be evaluated annually under the
National Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Inc. (National DHIA)
Quality Certification Program to maintain these standards. To be
eligible to participate in this dairy recordkeeping program, a
dairy farmer must be a member of a local or state DHIA
organization. Special conditions affecting member eligibility and
participation by others will be the responsibility of the state
DHIA.

The uniform records and data thus provided are used for (1) making
farm management decisions; (2) educational programs and research,
including the genetic evaluation of cows and sires; and (3) the
promotion and sale of animals. DHIA organizations at all levels,
supervisors and herd owners, as well as persons in their employ,
are individually and collectively responsible for the enforcement
of these Rules and adherence to the procedures and policies set
forth.

Authority

These NCDHIP Rules and related policies have been developed and
adopted under the direction and authority of the NCDHIP Policy
Board. A Memorandum of Understanding by National DHIA, the
Extension Service and Agricultural Research Service of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the State Cooperative
Extension, delineates the authority of the NCDHIP Policy Board. To
facilitate the conduct of the NCDHIP, each state must have executed
a Memorandum of Understanding between the state DHIA organization
and the State Cooperative Extension.

Enforcement

Any alleged violation of these Rules must be referred to the state
DHIA for its consideration and appropriate action. The state DHIA
board may decide that certain rules be enforced routinely by state
DHIA designees without necessity of regular hearing procedures.
However, appeals to the appropriate appeals board may always be
made. Appeal procedures are described in state DHIA bylaws and
policies. Matters not covered by these Rules shall be administered
by the state DHIA board, and its decision shall be final. Members
or their agents judged to be in violation of any NCDHIP Rules may
be penalized by cancellation of lactation records, cancellation of
herd averages, and/or loss of membership for a limited or unlimited
period.

Definitions

Dairy Cow is defined as any cow from which milk production is
intended for use or sale for human consumption, or which is kept
for raising replacement dairy heifers and is an integral part of
the dairy herd.

Dairy Herd is defined according to the following principles that
are generally appropriate for herds enrolled in NCDHIP record
plans.

A. All cows of one breed, housed or managed under a single
management system, regardless of ownership.

B. On farms with two or more distinct breeds, either a composite
herd average or separate herd averages may be calculated and
reported. In general, herd codes should be assigned in accord with
the principles stated above. However, it is recognized that
legitimate exceptions may exist from time to time which might
warrant the assignment of separate herd codes. For example:

C. A single member may operate separate units under separate
management systems, with no movement of cows between management
units.

D. Two groups of cows may be housed as a single entity, but under
different ownership with different management goals, and with no
movement of cows from one ownership group to the other; one owner
may wish to test and the other owner may not.

E. On farms with two or more distinct breeds, it shall be
acceptable to enroll one breed on test and not the other(s).

Application for herd codes that differ from the principles in
A and B shall be evaluated by the state DHIA under the following
guidelines:

Whenever possible, participation in the DHIA System should be
permitted and encouraged for the mutual benefit of the dairy farmer
and NCDHIP. However, there must not be any movement of animals
between such herds, or questionable sales that would influence a
herd average or genetic evaluation. Failure of the herd owner to
abide by the conditions for having separate herd codes shall be
considered a fraudulent practice. The decision of the DHIA
regarding the assignment of separate herd codes shall be final.

Test is defined within the long tradition of DHIA to be the entire
process of information collection at the farm, including weighing
and sampling of milk during the milking process. Since the actual
component testing does not generally occur at the farm, this
procedure should be labeled as the laboratory test or component
test.

Supervisor is defined as the person approved by the state DHIA
member organization of National DHIA to certify the test
information collected at the farm.

State DHIA is defined as the organization authorized by National
DHIA, through Quality Certification and appropriate memoranda, to
conduct DHIA service. Responsibilities assigned to the state DHIA
board of directors by these Rules may be carried out by their
designated representative.

Dairy Records Processing Center (DRPC) is defined as the
organization approved by National DHIA which contracts with, or is
owned by, a state DHIA for the purpose of electronically processing
NCDHIP records. A DRPC must comply with approved NCDHIP procedures
and rules for records calculations.

NCDHIP Rules

1. Cooperation of Member

The member must cooperate to permit the supervisor to readily and
effectively observe all milkers, milking machines, metering and
recording devices, and cows during the milking process. Facilities
or milking processes which do not permit a single supervisor such
observation will require the addition of other supervisors as
necessary to conduct the sampling. All costs incurred will be borne
by the member.

The member must make available to the supervisor either
registration certificates or other permanent identification of
animals. Calving, dry, purchase, sale, abortion and other similar
dates, bulk tank weights (see Appendix 2), and other data essential
to the recordkeeping program must be made available to the
supervisor in an orderly fashion. It is recommended that breeding
dates and identification of offspring be included for complete
management information.

Advance request by members not to test on a particular day or date
shall be handled in accordance with individual state policy.
Refusal by the member to test when the supervisor calls or arrives
at the farm with intent to test, and the reasons given for such
refusal, shall be reported in writing by the supervisor to the
state DHIA within the time frame designated by state DHIA bylaws or
policies. Refusal to test is a violation of these Rules.

2. Relation of Supervisors and Members

Supervisors shall not test their own herd or any other herd in
which they have a financial or family oriented interest of any
kind. In any case involving a questionable relationship, the
decision of the state DHIA shall be final. Members and their agents
are held equally responsible for the enforcement of these Rules,
and shall not carry out any responsibilities of the supervisor.

3. Standard Equipment and Methods

All equipment and procedures must conform to the standards and
methods set forth by the NCDHIP Policy Board and state regulatory
agency. All equipment, including that owned by members, must be
checked for accuracy according to Quality Certification standards
to ensure that it is operating within the tolerance established by
the NCDHIP Policy Board. Any equipment out of tolerance must be
removed from service and repaired before further use.

4. Weighing and Sampling

All weighing, sampling and recording of the milk weights of each
cow, and the milking times for the herd for DHI records codes
00-39, must be done by a qualified person authorized by the state
DHIA. The milk from each cow must be thoroughly mixed before
sampling. All milk samples and all recorded test day data must be
locked up by the supervisor when these are not under immediate
supervision or observation.

The following are required procedures for each DHI record code for
obtaining and recording milk weights and milk samples for the test
day production credits. See Appendix 3(A) and Appendix 5.

There are four general weighing and sampling schemes:

a. DHI and DHIR; Type of Records codes 00 and 20 Weigh and sample
the milk from each milking for all cows in the herd during a single
24-hour period. The beginning and ending times for each milking
shall be recorded.

b. DHI-APT, DHIR-APT, DHI-AP; Type of Records codes 01, 21, 31

(1) For herds milked two times daily, weigh and sample alternately
at AM and PM milkings for two consecutive test periods. For herds
milked three times daily, rotate the two consecutive milkings
weighed and the one sampled across consecutive test periods.

(2) For plans 01 and 21, at least one part of the milking system
shall be equipped with a DHIA-approved milking interval recorder
which provides an authentic record of the milking intervals. On
test day, the supervisor will determine and record the reference
time at the beginning and ending of the sampled milking and the
previous milking. Time recording devices shall be utilized in such
a manner that the element of surprise concerning the date of test
is maintained.

c. DHI-APCS, DHIR-APCS; Type of Records codes 02 and 22

Weigh the milk from each milking during a single 24-hour period.
Collect samples for component testing at one milking. For herds
milked two times daily, alternate the sampled milking between AM
and PM milkings for consecutive test periods. For herds milked
three times daily, rotate the sampled milking among all three
milkings. Beginning and ending times of all milkings shall be
recorded to determine the milking interval for computing component
credits.

d. DHI-MO, DHI-MO-AP; Type of Records codes 33 and 34

Record code 33 follows the procedures in 4a, whereas record code 34
follows the procedures in 4b, except that components are not
sampled.

5. Advance Notice

The supervisor shall not notify the member of intent to test the
herd any earlier than the completion of the preceding milking.
Herds may be granted exemption from this rule only with written
approval of the state DHIA, and only when verification procedures
outlined by the state DHIA are satisfied.

6. Test Interval

Production records will be computed by the Test Interval Method as
outlined in Appendix 4.

Test intervals should routinely consist of not less than 25, nor
more than 35 days. The supervisor's schedule shall be varied to
avoid a predictable routine. Reasons for a long test interval
(46-75 days) must be reported on the barn sheet by the supervisor.
A lactation record with a test interval longer than 75 days will be
labeled owner-supervised. Twelve tests per year should be expected;
however, there must be a minimum of 10 tests, with no test interval
over 75 days in the previous 365 days for a rolling herd average to
be official.

7. Cows to be Tested

All dairy cows in the herd, with the same herd code, which have
ever calved, must be enrolled on a DHI record plan. Dairy cows may
be removed from a DHI record plan only when they leave the herd
permanently. Dairy cows used as embryo recipients are to be
included in the above classification.

Cows classed as Dry Donor Dams may be permanently assigned to a
separate Dry Donor string in the herd or to a separate Dry Donor
herd. No data on the Dry Donor Dam will be included in herd average
or management information. These cows must be verified dry each
test day by the supervisor. A certificate which identifies the cow
and is signed by both the herd owner and the person performing the
embryo transfer work must be filed with the state DHIA. Dry Donor
Dams which later calve must be returned to the milking herd, and a
365day dry period with 0 production data applied against the herd
average in the current test interval.

Refer to definitions for clarification of cows to be tested.

In any case not covered in Sections a, b and c involving the
questionable assignment of cows to a herd, moving cows between
herds or questionable sales from a herd that would influence a herd
average, the decision of the state DHIA regarding the assignment of
herd codes shall be final.

8. Identification

All cows in the herd must be identified with a permanent number.
Permanent identification consists of a national uniform series
eartag, VIP certificate, grade identification certificate, or
registration certificate. If the eartag is not in the ear, the
number must be cross-referenced to a picture, sketch, or a brand or
tattoo that is unique to that herd.

A cow must meet the permanent identification requirement when she
enters the herd. Changes in a cow's identification (cow's ID
number, sire, dam, or birth date) after the second test following
a cow's entry into the herd will result in the cow's records being
permanently labeled to note that identification has been changed.

The supervisor must be able to visibly identify the cow quickly and
accurately during the milking process, or the cow must be
identified electronically by a DHIA-approved electronic
identification system. All visible identification must be in place
on the cow prior to the beginning of the milking, and be visible
from several feet. Visible identification must be cross-referenced
to the permanent identification, (see Rule 8a) which will be
available to the supervisor to verify identification as necessary.
The decision of the state DHIA shall be final in any questions
involving this rule.

9. Fresh Cows--Dry Cows--Cows Leaving the Herd

A cow fresh 6 or more days will have her milk weighed and sampled
beginning the evening milking of the sixth day after calving
(morning of the seventh day for AP records), counting the day of
calving as the first day. The record begins on the calving date.
The dry date is the first calendar day the cow is not milked. Cows
turned dry on test day shall have their production credits
projected forward from the previous test day, using the previous
test day production data and adjustment factors approved by the
NCDHIP Policy Board. The calendar day the cow leaves the herd
counts as the last day in the herd, with production being credited
for that day. Any cow purchased in milk will start receiving
production credits in the new herd one calendar day following the
last day of credits in the previous herd. See Rule 1 and Appendix
3(C-4).

10. Sickness or Injury

In case of severe sickness, injury, or a cow in heat on test day,
production shall be considered abnormal, if such conditions are
reported on the barn sheets at the time of milking, and the
percentage decrease in total daily pounds of milk from the previous
test day exceeds the percentage obtained with the formula presented
in Appendix 3(C-7). Actual test day data must be reported even
though the milk weights are coded abnormal. Such abnormal records
will be computed only by the DRPC, as detailed in this rule and
Appendix 3(C-7). For an individual lactation record to retain its
Official status, there shall be no interval between two actual milk
weights of over 75 days. This does not apply to milk weights
routinely adjusted at the beginning and end of lactation. However,
actual milk weights may be used in place of adjusted weights in
order to reduce the interval to 75 days or less and maintain an
Official status. See Rule 13 and Appendix 3 for intervals over 75
days.

In the case of indicated sickness or injury on the first test day
of the lactation, the criteria in Appendix 3(C-7) will apply to
succeeding rather than preceding test day milk weights.

11. Cows Aborting, Calving Prematurely, Calving Without Going Dry,
Prepartum Milking

When a breeding date is available, and a cow freshens less than 30
days prior to the expected calving date, it will be considered a
normal calving. Those cows freshening 30 or more days prior to the
expected calving date, whether in milk or dry, will be coded as
abnormal.

If a cow aborts while in milk and has carried a calf less than 152
days, her current record will continue without interruption. If a
breeding date is not available, and the cow aborts while in milk
for less than 200 days, her current record shall continue without
interruption. Except for the specific situations above, the current
record shall end and a new lactation shall begin.

If a cow calves without a dry period, the record shall end on the
day immediately preceding the calving, and the new lactation will
begin on the day of calving.

Prepartum milk will not be counted as part of the lactation, and it
will not be included in the lifetime production record.

12. Cows Milked More Than Twice Per Day

Herds or cows normally milked more than twice per day shall follow
the same milking routine on test day.

Lactation records obtained by milking cows more than twice per day
for all or part of the lactation shall be labeled as to the number
of times milked per day and the number of days milked more than two
times a day.

Herd averages, where some or all of the cows are milked more than
two times a day, shall be so labeled. The number of times the herd
is milked daily shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. Note
Appendix 3(C-9).

13. Lost Milk Weights and/or Samples

When complete milk weights or samples are not obtained or are lost,
the missing data will be estimated or the test period spanned by
the DPRC, using procedures outlined in Appendix 3(C). All estimated
or missing data shall be appropriately labeled. Reasons for lost or
missed milk weights and/or samples must be recorded on the barn
sheet by the DHIA supervisor. For an individual lactation record to
retain its Official status, there shall be no interval between two
actual milk weights of over 75 days. This does not apply to milk
weights routinely adjusted at the beginning and end of lactation.

14. Verification Testing

States are encouraged to conduct verification tests to verify
records of cows and herds, and for investigation of possible Rules
infractions. Such tests may be ordered by the state DHIA for any
reason deemed appropriate. Procedures for the conduct of and
payment for verification tests shall be determined by the state
DHIA.

The state DHIA will establish uniform verification procedures.
Criteria for individual cows shall be based on standard deviation
above herd average.

Verification tests shall include the entire herd. Acceptable
verification procedures are as follows:

- A different supervisor conducts a duplicate test immediately
following the regular test.

- A different supervisor tests the herd for one milking, in
addition to the regular milking schedule.

- A different supervisor tests the herd using the regular milking
schedule (i.e. no additional milkings).

Other procedures may be established by the state DHIA board of
directors as deemed appropriate.

The use of milk sold to milk reported comparisons will also be used
to verify test results on a routine basis. Such information will
also be used to call verification tests or to initiate such other
investigations as deemed appropriate by the state DHIA.

All verification test results will be used in computing credits
except under extraordinary circumstances, in which case the state
DHIA shall determine which test(s) will be used.

15. Retesting-Member's Request

If a member is not satisfied with the regular testing of the herd,
a retest may be requested. Such a request shall be made within 15
days of the original test day and be directed to the state DHIA.
The member shall pay the cost of the retest, unless otherwise
determined by the state DHIA.

Retest results will be used in place of the test day data for which
dissatisfaction has been registered when an obvious discrepancy
exists. Both tests may be used if no discrepancy exists in the
judgement of the state DHIA.

16. Fraudulent Practices

All management practices carried out on test day should be typical
of the routine practices followed on other days. Any practice a
member or a member's agent may use, which impairs or attempts to
impair the reliability of any Official DHI records, is a fraudulent
practice and a violation of these Rules. Intentional omission or
misrepresentation of identification data (which may affect sire or
cow genetic evaluations) is a fraudulent practice and a violation
of these Rules.

17. Injections

The injection of any substance immediately prior to or during a
milking on test day will require the application of an appropriate
permanent label.

18. Production Reports

Official DHI lactation records of 305 days or less will be computed
as required by NCDHIP policies.

All Official DHI records must be processed at a National DHIA
approved DRPC which has met standards established by the NCDHIP
Policy Board. All herd reports and each lactation record must be
labeled as to type of record plan (Appendix 5, Table 1). Any
lactation record which includes any production data other than
Official production data cannot be upgraded to an Official DHI
record.

19. Yearly Averages

Herd, association and state yearly averages shall be computed on a
cow year basis. These shall be summarized and transmitted as
required by NCDHIP policies. A herd must have Official credits for
365 days before an Official herd average is published.

20. Public Use and Release of Records

The Standards for Public Use and Release of Records are established
by the NCDHIP Policy Board. Noncompliance with these Standards by
DHIA members or their agents is a violation of these Rules.

21. Dairy Goats

All the rules for the American Dairy Goat Association and all of
these NCDHIP Rules apply to dairy goat testing, except for
modifications to Rules 4, 5, 11 and 14, as listed in Appendix 6.
Definitions C, D and E do not apply to dairy goats.

Appendices to Official NCDHIP Rules

1. Milk Weighing, Measuring, and Sampling

A. DHIA Approval of Weighing Devices

The tolerances allowed for milk weighing, measuring and sampling
devices used in DHI testing plans are outlined in "Procedures for
DHIA Approval of Weighing and Sampling Devices." These devices must
be approved by the NCDHIP Policy Board, and shall be conspicuously
labeled "DHIA Approved." Instructions for operation and any
limitations of such equipment as approved shall accompany each
device.

B. Currently Approved Devices Are:

(1) Accurate Scales

(2) Meters Farmer-owned weighing devices must meet the same
calibration standards as association-owned meters.

(a) Bou-Matic Model "M"

(b) Foss MK II

(c) Milk-o-Meter (Closed-face dial covers are recommended for
Official tests) No. 032000, original model, Serial No. 0 to 3-9999;
No. 03200, Hi-Flo Model, Serial No. 4-0001 and up.

(d) Milk-o-Meter Model H

(e) Tru-Test Meter: Dairy Farm Model No. 26035, 26086, 26520; Herd
Tester Model No. 26032, 26076, 26510; Goat Meter Model No. 50000;
Model FV (102 lb) with subsampler attached.

(f) Tru-Test Electronic Meter Model No. 26530.

(g) Waikato Milk Meter: No. 8301331-81; Mark III, IILA, 4,
including 93 lb flask; Goat Meter

(h) Universal EWM Electronic Weigh Meter.

(i) DeLaval Flo-master Milk Meter (electronic).

(j) Surge Milk Monitor Model No. 36000; Control Model No. 36004
(electronic).

(k) Surge Dairy Manager Model No. 48015 (electronic).

(l) Afikim MM 81 Electronic Milk Meter

(m) Westfalia Metatron Electronic Milk Meter with sampler
7161-2503-000

(n) Special approval must be granted for use with nonconventional
milking machines. The nonconventional milking machines which have
been granted such approval and the limitations concerning their
use, are described below:

Zero Mfg. Co. milking machines may only use meters (a), (c), (d)
and (1) above without modification, or meters (e) (f) and (g) above
with Zero part 1035-6 or its equivalent. Bodmin Nu-Pulse milking
machines may only be used with meters (e) and (f) with 5/8-inch by
4inch adapters.

(3) Rigid Mounted Weigh Jars

(a) ChoreBoy Roll-0-Measure: No. 11916; No. 11945 (65 lb); No.
11935.

(b) Dairy Equipment Co. (Bou-Matic); No. 8517802 Kimax or Pyrex.

(d) Sta-Rite: No. DE 31-100 Kimax or Pyrex.

(e) Surge: No. 25177 Kimax or Pyrex (65 lb); No. 25799 Kimax or
Pyrex (65 lb).

(f) Top-Line: No. WJ694R.

(g) Universal: No. 7491 Kimax or Pyrex; No. 908562; No. 909038.

(h) Westfalia Systemat: No. 7009-2862220.

(i) Zero: No. 279-31.

(j) Germania Scale I.

C. Annual Certification

Weigh devices shall be certified annually, as outlined by Quality
Certification, using procedures specified in "The Periodic
Inspection, Repair and Recalibration of Devices Used in DHI
Testing." A durable label shall be affixed to each device stating
the date of certification and the state DHIA responsible.

D. General Requirements for Sampling and Weighing

The yield of individual cows is to be measured at the time of
milking with a minimum of interference to the normal routine.
Provision must also be made for collecting a sample which is
representative of the milk yield of the cow at any one milking.
Graduations on weighing and measuring devices shall be in one-pound
increments or less. All weighing and sampling devices must be used
strictly according to the manufacturer's written instructions at
all times.

E. Component Determinations

Milk fat, protein and other component determinations are made using
AOAC-approved procedures and equipment. Solids-not-fat (SNF) may be
determined directly or through calculation based on individual
components determined by approved procedures.

F. Determination of Milking Interval for DHIA-PT Testing Plans

The interval between milkings is to be determined by automatic
continuous monitoring of events associated with the milking
operation. To be acceptable for this purpose, a monitoring device
must display or print the starting and ending times of the sampled
milking and the previous milking. Monitored times must be within 15
minutes of actual times. At the end of the sampled milking, the
starting and ending times of the sampled milking and of the
previous milking shall be recorded for the DRPC to use in
determining the milking interval. In cases where strings or groups
of cows are milked in a different order at the PM milking as
compared to the AM milking, a herd may be enrolled in one of the
APT or APCS plans only if the monitoring device can record milking
times by string, and the DRPC can process strings or groups with
different milking intervals. The same policy also applies to herds
milked in strings or groups with breaks longer than 15 minutes
between strings. The events or conditions which can be most
satisfactorily monitored to determine milking interval may vary
from farm to farm, depending on the type of equipment and/or size
of herd. The following equipment, individually or in combination,
is currently acceptable:

(1) Transfer Pump Operation

(2) Milk Line Temperature

(3) Vacuum Pump (only for farms that do not have a pipeline)

(4) Milking interval Recorders Because of the variety of milking
installations and routines to be monitored, satisfactory
performance of this monitoring device as installed shall be
verified by the supervisor, prior to beginning testing under Rule
4b. Subject to this requirement, the following milking interval
recorders are approved:

(a) TeSa interval recorder (Models B & C).

(b) DHI, Inc. (Powell, Ohio) interval recorder.

2. Bulk Tank Measurements

Bulk tank pickup weights shall be recorded (data for three
shipments immediately prior to date of test) indicating the number
of milkings (or days) included in each shipment. If bulk tank
weights are not available, the fact that they cannot be obtained,
and the reasons why they cannot be obtained, must be reported in
writing to the state DHIA board of directors for action regarding
the status of these herds. Bulk tank pickup weights for appropriate
days may be used as verification of the accuracy of production
credits of the herd.

3. DHI Records Calculation

A. Test Day Production Credits for Record Plans Will be Computed by
a National DHIA-Approved DRPC as Follows:

(1) DHI, Codes 00, 20

Weigh and sample the milk from each milking in a 24-hour period.
Test day milk yield is determined by adding the milk weights. Test
day component yields are estimated from the test day milk yield and
the component percentages in the sample.

(2) APT and AP, Codes 01, 21, 31

For herds milked two times daily, weigh and sample the milk
alternately at AM and PM milkings on consecutive test days. Test
day milk yield and component percentages are estimated with factors
approved by the NCDHIP Policy Board for estimating daily milk yield
and component percentages from a single milking. Herds milked three
times daily may have two consecutive milkings weighed and one
milking sampled (the weighed and sampled milkings must rotate among
the milkings at subsequent test intervals). Test day milk yield and
component percentages are estimated with procedures approved by the
NCDHIP Policy Board for herds milked three times daily. For all
herds, test day component yields are estimated from the sum of test
day milk weights and the estimated test day components percentages.

(3) APCS, Codes 02, 22

For herds milked two times daily, weigh milk at both AM and PM
milkings, but collect samples at alternate AM or PM milkings on
alternate test days. Test day milk yield is computed as in 3A(1);
test day component percentages are estimated as in 3A(2).

For herds milked three times daily, weigh milk all three milkings
but collect samples from one milking that is rotated among all
three milkings. Test day milk yield is computed as in 3A(1); test
day component percentages are estimated as in 3A(2). For all herds,
test day component yields are estimated from the sum of test day
milk weights and the estimated test day component percentages.

(4) MO, Codes 33, 34

Follow the same procedures as in 3A(1) and 3A(2), except that
component percentages are not calculated.

B. The Following Definitions shall be Used in Computing DHI
Records:

1. Days carried calf

= current sample date - effective breeding date +1

2. Days open

= effective breeding date - previous fresh date

3. Gestation days

= resulting fresh date - effective breeding date

4. Days dry

= next fresh date - dry date

5. Calving interval

= next fresh date - current fresh date

6. Days in milk

= dry date previous - fresh date, or left herd date - previous
fresh date + 1, or current test date - previous fresh date + 1

Assumptions:

- day of freshening is an open day, a day in milk and not a dry day

- day of breeding is a day carried calf

C. Details of How Processing Centers Are to Handle Various
Situations Are as Follows:

All adjustments to production credits will be made by the DRPC with
routine programming. Exceptional cases will be referred to the
state DHIA Board of Directors.

(1) First Test Day Weights or samples Missed (provided the test day
data are obtained within 75 days of calving)

(a) Missing milk weights and component percentages shall be
calculated in the succeeding test interval by appropriate factors
and procedures approved by the NCDHIP Policy Board.

(b) If the milk sample cannot be tested, the percentage of each
component for the succeeding test day will be used.

(2) Cows Missed For One or More Intervals During the Lactation
After the First Interval (provided the test Interval does not
exceed 75 days)

(a) Missing milk weights and component percentages shall be
calculated based on the previous milk weights and component
percentages using appropriate factors approved by the NCDHIP Policy
Board.

(b) The milk weights and component percentages may be held open and
later computed as described in Appendix 4, Test Interval Method.

(d) For herds weighed more than once daily and one milk weight is
missed, AM/PM factors may be applied to the remaining weight(s) and
component analysis to calculate test day yield. This yield shall be
considered an actual yield.

(3) Cows Not Tested for More Than 75 Consecutive Days

If an individual cow is not tested for more than 75 consecutive
days, the record will be terminated at the date when the last data
were recorded. The incomplete record will be given a Termination
Code "1" and reported to the USDA. The continuing record will be
computed by regression procedures or by averaging the preceding and
succeeding test days for herd management and coded nonofficial. If
there is an interval greater than 75 days where the 305th day of
lactation occurs on or before the 75th day of the interval,
approved procedures will be applied in order to compute an official
305-day record. The same rationale shall be applied to the
calculation of 365-day records. If the first test day weights or
samples are obtained more than 75 days after freshening, the cows
will be given milk and component credits from the beginning of the
current test interval, and the record will be given a Termination
Code "9." The DRPC may extend the record back to the fresh date for
management purposes only.

(4) New Cows Entering The Herd

(a) A cow purchased in milk with transfer credits will have credits
computed through the sale date in the seller's herd. Her credits
will start the next day in the purchaser's herd, using test day
data from the succeeding test. The Test Interval Method is required
in making these computations. Dry cows will accumulate days on test
in the seller's herd through the sale date, and will start on test
in the purchaser's herd the next day.

(b) A cow purchased in milk with unavailable previous credits may
have her record computed back to the calving date, provided the
total production credit does not exceed 75 days prior to and
including the test date. If the cow has no known calving date, or
if more than 75 days have transpired as of the first test date, the
cow will receive credits for the current test interval only. The
lactation record will be given a Termination Code "9." The DRPC may
extend the record back to the fresh date for management purposes
only.

(5) New Herds Coming on Test

(a) Production for cows fresh no longer than 75 days on the date of
the first test date will have their records computed as in 3C(4)
above.

(b) A maximum of 30 days of production credit will be computed for
cows fresh no longer than 75 days or with unknown fresh dates. Such
records will be given a Termination Code "9" and are not usable for
305-day, 365-day, or complete lactation record purposes. The DRPC
may extend the record back to the fresh date for management
purposes only.

(6) Calculation of Ages of Cows (Truncation Method)

From the year, month and day of the fresh date, subtract the year,
month and day of birth date. If the days are positive, discard. If
the days are negative, add - 1 to months. Then, if months are
positive, use years and months as age of the cow. If months are
negative, add 12 months, and add - 1 to years. Use the resulting
years and months as the age of the cow.

(7) Sickness or Injury

In case of severe sickness, injury, or cow in heat on test day,
production shall be considered abnormal if such conditions are
reported on the barn sheet at the time of milking, and the
percentage of change in total daily pounds of milk from the
previous test day (from the succeeding test day if the first test
day of lactation is involved), exceeds the percentage obtained with
the following formula: Percentage = 27.4 plus 0.4 x days in the
first test interval. As an example, for a 28-day test interval:
Percentage = 27.4 + (0.4 x 28) = 27.4 + 11.2 = 38.6%.

Such abnormal records will be adjusted only by the DRPC as detailed
in Appendices 3C(1) and 3C(2) above.

(8) Lost or Missing samples

Cows with lost samples or missing milk weights on test day must be
properly coded indicating the circumstance. (See 3C(1) and 3C(2)
above.)

If the herd is tested more than once a day, and the weighing device
malfunctions during a test, Rule 13 shall apply. (If this estimate
results in an interval of greater than 75 days between actual
weights, the DRPC must attempt to maintain the status of the record
by applying AM/PM factors to the remaining weight(s) and component
analysis to calculate test day yield. This yield shall be
considered an actual yield.)

(9) Adjusting Records to 24 Hours

When herds are normally milked on intervals such that the test day
is other than 24 hours, the milk weight shall be adjusted to a
24-hour interval using the following procedure (or other procedures
approved by the Policy Board):

Divide 24 by the interval, then multiply by the milk weights. As an
example:

(a) For a 25-hour interval, (24/25) x 65 lbs = 62.4 lbs

(b) For a 20-hour interval, (24/20) x 65 lbs = 78 lbs

D. Electronic Transfer of Test Day Data

Test day data may be electronically transferred to the DRPC by
supervisors who have prior authorization from the state DHIA board
of directors. Supervisors with authorization for electronic
transfer shall have a password that is used during the transfer of
data which shall serve as their signature certifying that all Rules
have been upheld. Records may be processed following the transfer
of data.

4. Test Interval Method

The test interval (number of days from the previous test day
through the current test day) is divided into two equal portions.
Production credits for the first half of the test interval are
calculated from the previous test day information. The totals for
the two portions of the test interval are added to obtain the
interval totals.

Production totals from the first day of the lactation until the
first test day are based on the first test day information, and
production totals for the interval from the last test day until the
record is terminated are based on the last test day information. In
either case, an approved regression factor shall be used to more
accurately reflect actual milk production and current test day. The
next test interval begins on the following day. DRPC's are
permitted to adjust credits for the test interval based upon
average lactation curve effects, provided such adjustments more
nearly reflect daily production, and evidence for such has been
submitted to, and approved by, the NCDHIP Policy Board.

5. Types of Test Codes and Tags

TABLE 1. Codes, Tags, and Descriptions for NCDHIP Types of
Management Records.(a)

Description
Code Tag DHI Official (00-29)
(All Rules apply)
00 DHI Weigh and sample two consecutive milkings
01 DHI-APT Weigh and sample one milking; requires time
monitor
02 DHI-APCS Weigh two milkings and sample one milking
20 DHIR Breed program(b); same as Code 00
21 DHIR-APT Breed program(b); same as Code 01
22 DHIR-APCS Breed program(b); same as Code 02
DHI supervised (50-39)
(All Rules apply except as noted)
31 DHI-AP Same as Code 01, without a time monitor
(Accepted for use in USDA Sire Summaries)
33 DHI-MO Same as Code 00, without component sampling
34 DHI-MO-AP Same as Code 01, without component sampling
Owner-Supervised (40-99)(c)
(Rules do not apply)
40 DHI-OS Data collected by herd owner
(or his agent)
70 DHI-SS Data collected by supervisor

(a) Refer to Rule 4 for a more detailed explanation.
(b) Refer to DHIP Rules.
(c) Other Owner-Supervised record plan labels available
from state DHIA.

6. Rules That Apply to Dairy Goats only

A. Rule 4

Dairy goat producers may use the Group Testing Program as described
in dairy goat association guidelines and the NCDHIP Handbook.

B. Rule 5

The supervisor shall not notify the herd owner of the intent to
sample any earlier than completion of the preceding milking or 12
hours before the test.

C. Rule 11

When a breeding date is available, and a doe freshens less than 10
days prior to the expected kidding date, it will be considered a
normal kidding and the record initiated will be used for buck and
doe evaluations. Those does freshening 10 days or more prior to the
expected kidding date, whether in milk or dry, will be quoted as
abnormal and the record initiated will not be used for buck and doe
evaluations.

If a doe aborts while in milk and has carried a kid less than 80
days, her current record will continue without interruption. If a
breeding date is not available, and the doe aborts while in milk
for less than 240 days, her current record shall continue without
interruption. Except for specific situations stated above, the
current record shall end and a new lactation begin.

D. Rule 14

For DHIR verification tests, when an individual doe is in milk at
least 60 days, and a 305-day record is predicted on an actual basis
to be 3,000 pounds of milk and 105 pounds of butterfat, or on a
mature equivalent basis of 3,500 pounds of milk and 125 pounds of
butterfat, and when on a 120-day basis the mature equivalent is
predicted to be 4,000 pounds of milk and 140 pounds of butterfat,
a verification test is to be called by the state DHIA.

The dairy goat breed associations request that the DRPC's notify
the state DHIA as soon as practical, of herds having does which
meet these requirements.
h

��������������������The National Dairy Database (1992)��������������������
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%f TITLE;NATIONAL COOPERATIVE DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM RULES
%f COLLECTION;DAIRY HERD IMPROVEMENT
%f ORIGIN;Ohio
%f DATE_INCLUDED;June 1992