Quick Overview
- 1#1: DairyComp 305 - Comprehensive on-farm dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics.
- 2#2: Afimilk - Integrated herd management system with milk metering, real-time health monitoring, and advanced analytics for optimizing dairy operations.
- 3#3: DelPro - Farm management software that integrates milking parlor data, cow monitoring, and feeding control for efficient dairy farming.
- 4#4: PCDART - Specialized dairy records analysis tool for processing test-day data, generating reports, and supporting genetic selection decisions.
- 5#5: DairyPlan C21 - Cloud-based digital herd management platform for monitoring cow performance, feed efficiency, and reproduction across dairy farms.
- 6#6: Lely Horizon - Cloud solution for managing robotic milking, automated feeding, and cow traffic data to enhance dairy farm productivity.
- 7#7: Dairymaster - All-in-one farm management software handling milking data, herd health, traceability, and inventory for dairy producers.
- 8#8: Sum-It - Modular dairy management system covering reproduction, health records, milk yields, and financial integration.
- 9#9: Connecterra - AI-powered platform providing actionable insights from herd data to improve dairy farm efficiency and cow welfare.
- 10#10: Herdwatch - Mobile app for dairy and beef cattle management, focusing on event recording, compliance, and health tracking.
Criteria included feature depth (such as reproduction tracking and milk yield analysis), user-friendliness, data integration capabilities, and overall value, with a focus on tools that deliver tangible efficiency gains for diverse dairy operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top dairy cattle management software tools, including DairyComp 305, Afimilk, DelPro, PCDART, and DairyPlan C21, to guide users in selecting the right solution for their operations. By highlighting features, usability, and integration capabilities, readers will learn how each platform optimizes milk recording, herd health, and resource management tasks.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DairyComp 305 Comprehensive on-farm dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Afimilk Integrated herd management system with milk metering, real-time health monitoring, and advanced analytics for optimizing dairy operations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | DelPro Farm management software that integrates milking parlor data, cow monitoring, and feeding control for efficient dairy farming. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | PCDART Specialized dairy records analysis tool for processing test-day data, generating reports, and supporting genetic selection decisions. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | DairyPlan C21 Cloud-based digital herd management platform for monitoring cow performance, feed efficiency, and reproduction across dairy farms. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Lely Horizon Cloud solution for managing robotic milking, automated feeding, and cow traffic data to enhance dairy farm productivity. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Dairymaster All-in-one farm management software handling milking data, herd health, traceability, and inventory for dairy producers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Sum-It Modular dairy management system covering reproduction, health records, milk yields, and financial integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Connecterra AI-powered platform providing actionable insights from herd data to improve dairy farm efficiency and cow welfare. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Herdwatch Mobile app for dairy and beef cattle management, focusing on event recording, compliance, and health tracking. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive on-farm dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics.
Integrated herd management system with milk metering, real-time health monitoring, and advanced analytics for optimizing dairy operations.
Farm management software that integrates milking parlor data, cow monitoring, and feeding control for efficient dairy farming.
Specialized dairy records analysis tool for processing test-day data, generating reports, and supporting genetic selection decisions.
Cloud-based digital herd management platform for monitoring cow performance, feed efficiency, and reproduction across dairy farms.
Cloud solution for managing robotic milking, automated feeding, and cow traffic data to enhance dairy farm productivity.
All-in-one farm management software handling milking data, herd health, traceability, and inventory for dairy producers.
Modular dairy management system covering reproduction, health records, milk yields, and financial integration.
AI-powered platform providing actionable insights from herd data to improve dairy farm efficiency and cow welfare.
Mobile app for dairy and beef cattle management, focusing on event recording, compliance, and health tracking.
DairyComp 305
enterpriseComprehensive on-farm dairy herd management software for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics.
Integrated DHI testing and genetic evaluation module for precise breeding and profitability forecasting
DairyComp 305 by VAS is the industry-leading dairy cattle management software, providing comprehensive tools for tracking milk production, reproduction, health events, and genetics across entire herds. It integrates seamlessly with milking parlor systems, RFID tags, and lab data to deliver real-time insights and automated reports that optimize farm efficiency and profitability. With decades of refinement, it supports data-driven decisions for large-scale operations, from individual cow monitoring to whole-herd forecasting.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in reproduction, health, and production tracking
- Rock-solid reliability for large herds (10,000+ cows)
- Extensive customization and integration with farm hardware
Cons
- Dated user interface with steep learning curve
- High cost may deter smaller farms
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to newer competitors
Best For
Large commercial dairy operations requiring robust, scalable herd management with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom subscription based on herd size; typically $2-5 per cow/year plus setup fees—contact VAS for quote.
Afimilk
enterpriseIntegrated herd management system with milk metering, real-time health monitoring, and advanced analytics for optimizing dairy operations.
AfiTag Pro neck collars for precise, non-invasive rumination, activity, and health monitoring with 99% accuracy in heat detection
Afimilk is a leading dairy cattle management software platform that integrates hardware like milk meters, ear tags, and sensors with cloud-based analytics for comprehensive herd monitoring. It tracks individual cow performance including milk production, health metrics (rumination, activity), reproduction cycles, and feeding efficiency in real-time. Designed for large-scale operations, it optimizes farm productivity through data-driven insights and automated alerts, supporting everything from parlor management to genetic selection.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time monitoring with AfiTag sensors for health, activity, and rumination
- Seamless integration with milking parlors and automated systems for end-to-end farm control
- Advanced analytics and reporting for reproduction, genetics, and profitability optimization
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware installation and licensing
- Steep learning curve due to complex setup and customization
- Limited flexibility for small farms without full hardware ecosystem
Best For
Large commercial dairy farms with automated milking systems seeking integrated hardware-software precision management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; starts at $50,000+ for hardware/software bundles, with ongoing subscriptions ~$10-20/cow/year.
DelPro
enterpriseFarm management software that integrates milking parlor data, cow monitoring, and feeding control for efficient dairy farming.
Seamless real-time synchronization with DeLaval's VMS (Voluntary Milking System) and sensors for automated, precise cow-level data capture.
DelPro is DeLaval's flagship herd management software designed specifically for dairy farms, integrating seamlessly with their milking parlors, sensors, and automation equipment. It tracks key metrics including milk yield, udder health, reproduction cycles, feeding efficiency, and overall herd performance through real-time data collection and analytics. The system enables farmers to make data-driven decisions to optimize productivity, reduce labor, and improve animal welfare.
Pros
- Deep integration with DeLaval hardware for accurate real-time data
- Comprehensive modules for milk production, health, reproduction, and feeding
- Advanced analytics, alerts, and customizable reporting dashboards
Cons
- Limited flexibility with non-DeLaval equipment integrations
- Steep learning curve for full utilization of advanced features
- High upfront costs tied to hardware ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms already using DeLaval milking systems that need a fully integrated, hardware-synced management solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on farm size and hardware; typically bundled with DeLaval equipment purchases starting at $5,000+ for software licenses, plus annual fees around $1-2 per cow.
PCDART
specializedSpecialized dairy records analysis tool for processing test-day data, generating reports, and supporting genetic selection decisions.
Advanced sire summary and genetic evaluation reports for precise breeding decisions
PCDART is a longstanding dairy herd management software from the University of Wisconsin, specializing in comprehensive record-keeping for milk production, reproduction, health events, genetics, and feed management. It offers detailed reporting, graphing, and analysis tools to help farmers optimize herd performance and make data-driven decisions. Ideal for operations integrating with DHIA testing and on-farm scales, it emphasizes accuracy and depth over modern aesthetics.
Pros
- Robust reporting and analytics for production, reproduction, and genetics
- Proven reliability with decades of use in dairy operations
- Strong integration with hardware like milk meters and scales
Cons
- Dated interface with a steep learning curve for new users
- Limited mobile and cloud accessibility compared to newer solutions
- Customization requires technical knowledge
Best For
Established dairy farms prioritizing in-depth, accurate record-keeping and DHIA integration over user-friendly modern interfaces.
Pricing
One-time license starting at ~$1,500 for base package, plus optional modules (~$300-$800 each) and annual support (~$300-$500).
DairyPlan C21
enterpriseCloud-based digital herd management platform for monitoring cow performance, feed efficiency, and reproduction across dairy farms.
DairyNet integration for real-time parlor data synchronization and automated herd monitoring
DairyPlan C21 by GEA is a robust herd management software designed specifically for dairy operations, integrating seamlessly with GEA's milking systems like DairyNet. It provides real-time insights into milk production, animal health, reproduction, feeding, and genetics, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize farm efficiency. The modular platform supports scalability from small herds to large-scale operations with advanced reporting and automation tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with GEA milking hardware for real-time data
- Comprehensive modules covering reproduction, health, and production analytics
- Scalable and customizable for various farm sizes
Cons
- Best suited for farms using GEA equipment, limiting flexibility
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller operations
Best For
Large dairy farms with GEA milking systems seeking an integrated, hardware-synced management solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on herd size, modules, and hardware integration; typically starts at several thousand euros annually.
Lely Horizon
enterpriseCloud solution for managing robotic milking, automated feeding, and cow traffic data to enhance dairy farm productivity.
End-to-end integration with Lely Astronaut robots, enabling precise, real-time individual cow data syncing without manual input
Lely Horizon is a cloud-based farm management software tailored for dairy operations, particularly those using Lely's robotic milking systems like the Astronaut. It aggregates data from sensors and robots to monitor milk production, cow health, feeding, fertility, and overall herd performance in real-time. The platform offers customizable dashboards, automated alerts, advanced analytics, and reporting tools to help farmers optimize productivity and decision-making.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Lely robots and sensors for accurate, automated data collection
- Comprehensive analytics including rumination, activity, and estrus detection for proactive health management
- User-friendly mobile app and customizable dashboards for real-time insights
Cons
- Limited interoperability with non-Lely equipment, reducing flexibility for mixed farms
- Subscription costs can be high for smaller herds without Lely hardware
- Occasional reliance on stable internet connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms equipped with Lely robotic milking systems seeking an integrated, hardware-synced management solution.
Pricing
Subscription-based model, typically €4-8 per cow/month, often bundled with Lely hardware service contracts; custom quotes required.
Dairymaster
enterpriseAll-in-one farm management software handling milking data, herd health, traceability, and inventory for dairy producers.
Real-time milking data integration directly from Dairymaster parlors with automatic alerts for mastitis and yields
Dairymaster offers a robust herd management software platform designed specifically for dairy cattle operations, integrating milking parlor data, animal health tracking, fertility management, and performance analytics. It captures real-time milk yields, somatic cell counts, and conductivity from compatible hardware, enabling farmers to monitor herd performance efficiently. The system includes mobile apps for on-the-go access and customizable reports to support decision-making and compliance.
Pros
- Deep integration with Dairymaster milking hardware for accurate real-time data
- Comprehensive modules for fertility, health, and milk production tracking
- Strong reporting tools and mobile accessibility for farm management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and hardware setup
- Pricing can be high, especially when bundled with equipment
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms with Dairymaster milking systems seeking integrated hardware-software management.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on herd size and hardware; software licensing typically €2-5 per cow/year plus setup fees.
Sum-It
enterpriseModular dairy management system covering reproduction, health records, milk yields, and financial integration.
Seamless real-time integration with parlor systems and national milk recording bureaus for automated data flow
Sum-It Dairy is a robust herd management software designed specifically for UK dairy farmers, offering comprehensive tools for milk recording, fertility management, health event tracking, and pedigree recording. It supports integration with national milk recording organizations and provides detailed reporting for performance analysis and regulatory compliance, such as TB testing. The software includes a mobile parlor app for real-time data entry during milking.
Pros
- Strong integration with UK milk recording services like NMR and CIS
- Comprehensive reporting and forecasting tools for milk yields and genetics
- Reliable for compliance with UK dairy regulations including TB and medicine records
Cons
- Primarily desktop-based with a dated Windows interface
- Steeper learning curve for new users without training
- Limited cloud or web access compared to modern competitors
Best For
Established UK dairy farmers prioritizing regulatory compliance and detailed on-farm recording over cutting-edge mobile-first interfaces.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately £2-£3 per cow per month, with annual contracts and setup fees; contact for custom quotes.
Connecterra
specializedAI-powered platform providing actionable insights from herd data to improve dairy farm efficiency and cow welfare.
Ida, the natural language AI advisor that delivers personalized, conversational farm recommendations.
Connecterra (connecterra.ai) is an AI-powered dairy management platform that analyzes data from existing sensors, milk meters, and collars to deliver predictive insights on cow health, reproduction, and productivity. Its flagship Ida AI acts as a virtual farm advisor, providing personalized recommendations via a mobile app to optimize milk yield, detect issues like mastitis early, and improve breeding efficiency. The software emphasizes actionable intelligence without requiring new hardware, helping farmers reduce labor and costs while boosting overall herd performance.
Pros
- Advanced AI predictions for heat detection, health risks, and rumination patterns
- Seamless integration with existing farm sensors and data sources
- Conversational Ida AI interface for quick, natural language insights
Cons
- Requires reliable existing data infrastructure for optimal performance
- Pricing is custom and not publicly transparent
- Less comprehensive for full farm ERP compared to all-in-one legacy systems
Best For
Tech-forward dairy farmers with sensor-equipped herds seeking AI optimization without new hardware investments.
Pricing
Subscription-based SaaS model with custom pricing per herd size, typically starting at $5-10 per cow/month (contact for quote).
Herdwatch
specializedMobile app for dairy and beef cattle management, focusing on event recording, compliance, and health tracking.
Direct API integration with Ireland's AHCS for automatic regulatory reporting and notifications
Herdwatch is a mobile-first livestock management software tailored for Irish dairy and beef farmers, enabling easy recording of animal health events, breeding, treatments, and movements. It excels in regulatory compliance by integrating directly with Ireland's Department of Agriculture databases for automatic TB testing, IBR vaccination, and movement reporting. For dairy operations, it supports milk recording integrations and basic performance tracking, though it lacks advanced analytics found in specialized tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Irish government systems for compliance
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-farm use
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited advanced dairy-specific analytics like heat detection or detailed milk yield forecasting
- Primarily optimized for Irish/EU regulations, less versatile internationally
- Basic reporting compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to medium Irish dairy farms focused on regulatory compliance and straightforward daily herd management.
Pricing
Starts at €4.50/month for basic (up to 100 animals), €9/month for standard, and custom enterprise plans; free trial available.
Conclusion
The top 10 dairy management tools reviewed showcase innovative solutions for modern farming, with the top three leading in performance. DairyComp 305 is the clear winner, offering comprehensive tracking of production, reproduction, health, and genetics. Afimilk and DelPro, strong alternatives, excel in real-time analytics and seamless integration of key farm processes, respectively, catering to different operational needs.
Dive into the top-ranked DairyComp 305 to optimize your dairy operations, leveraging its robust features to enhance productivity and herd care.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison