Quick Overview
- 1#1: DairyComp 305 - Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking production, reproduction, health, and feed records.
- 2#2: Afimilk - Integrated milking automation and herd management system with advanced analytics for optimizing dairy farm performance.
- 3#3: DelPro - All-in-one dairy management platform combining milking control, herd monitoring, and farm optimization tools.
- 4#4: DairyPlan C500 - Modular herd management software for real-time monitoring of milk yield, animal health, and reproduction.
- 5#5: PCDART - Dairy records analysis and herd management tool focused on DHIA testing and performance reporting.
- 6#6: T4C - Farm management software for robotic milking systems providing insights on cow health and performance.
- 7#7: ALYX - Advanced activity and health monitoring software integrated with milking systems for dairy herds.
- 8#8: M2erlin - Herd management system for milking parlors offering data on yields, fertility, and animal welfare.
- 9#9: Sum-It Dairy - Flexible dairy farm software for recording milk production, health events, and financials.
- 10#10: CowManager - Ear tag-based system delivering real-time alerts on cow health, fertility, and nutrition status.
We selected and ranked these tools based on feature depth, functional quality, user experience, and long-term value, ensuring relevance for diverse dairy operations from small family farms to larger enterprises.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading dairy software tools, such as DairyComp 305, Afimilk, DelPro, DairyPlan C500, PCDART, and other notable options. It highlights key features, usability, and functionality, equipping readers to understand each tool’s strengths for tailored dairy management solutions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DairyComp 305 Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking production, reproduction, health, and feed records. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Afimilk Integrated milking automation and herd management system with advanced analytics for optimizing dairy farm performance. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | DelPro All-in-one dairy management platform combining milking control, herd monitoring, and farm optimization tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | DairyPlan C500 Modular herd management software for real-time monitoring of milk yield, animal health, and reproduction. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | PCDART Dairy records analysis and herd management tool focused on DHIA testing and performance reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | T4C Farm management software for robotic milking systems providing insights on cow health and performance. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | ALYX Advanced activity and health monitoring software integrated with milking systems for dairy herds. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | M2erlin Herd management system for milking parlors offering data on yields, fertility, and animal welfare. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Sum-It Dairy Flexible dairy farm software for recording milk production, health events, and financials. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | CowManager Ear tag-based system delivering real-time alerts on cow health, fertility, and nutrition status. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking production, reproduction, health, and feed records.
Integrated milking automation and herd management system with advanced analytics for optimizing dairy farm performance.
All-in-one dairy management platform combining milking control, herd monitoring, and farm optimization tools.
Modular herd management software for real-time monitoring of milk yield, animal health, and reproduction.
Dairy records analysis and herd management tool focused on DHIA testing and performance reporting.
Farm management software for robotic milking systems providing insights on cow health and performance.
Advanced activity and health monitoring software integrated with milking systems for dairy herds.
Herd management system for milking parlors offering data on yields, fertility, and animal welfare.
Flexible dairy farm software for recording milk production, health events, and financials.
Ear tag-based system delivering real-time alerts on cow health, fertility, and nutrition status.
DairyComp 305
specializedComprehensive dairy herd management software for tracking production, reproduction, health, and feed records.
The Analysis Engine, which processes massive datasets to generate precise forecasts and customized recommendations for breeding, culling, and rations.
DairyComp 305 is the industry-leading comprehensive herd management software for dairy farms, offering end-to-end tracking of milk production, reproduction, health, genetics, and feed rations. It integrates seamlessly with parlor systems, milk meters, and DHI testing services to deliver real-time data and advanced analytics. With decades of refinement, it supports decision-making for optimizing herd performance and profitability.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in reproductive and health tracking with proven accuracy
- Seamless integration with major dairy hardware and testing services
- Robust reporting and analysis tools for data-driven farm management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Dated user interface that feels clunky on modern systems
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
Best For
Large commercial dairy operations needing a battle-tested, all-in-one solution for herd optimization.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on herd size; typically $0.75-$1.25 per cow per month plus base fees—contact Valley Ag for quotes.
Afimilk
enterpriseIntegrated milking automation and herd management system with advanced analytics for optimizing dairy farm performance.
AfiMilk's seamless integration of parlor automation with AI-driven herd insights for predictive health and fertility management
Afimilk provides comprehensive dairy farm management software integrated with advanced hardware like milk meters and sensors for real-time monitoring of milk production, cow health, reproduction, and feeding. The platform delivers actionable insights through detailed analytics, automated alerts, and customizable reports to optimize herd performance and profitability. Widely used globally, it supports everything from small herds to large commercial operations with scalable solutions.
Pros
- Extensive real-time data collection from milking parlors and wearables
- Proven reliability with over 10 million cows monitored worldwide
- Advanced analytics for health, fertility, and production optimization
Cons
- High upfront costs for hardware integration
- Steep learning curve for full utilization
- Limited flexibility without proprietary Afimilk equipment
Best For
Large-scale dairy farms needing fully integrated hardware-software systems for precision management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $50,000+ for hardware and software bundles, with ongoing subscription fees based on herd size.
DelPro
enterpriseAll-in-one dairy management platform combining milking control, herd monitoring, and farm optimization tools.
The integrated VMS (Voluntary Milking System) data fusion for predictive alerts on cow health and mastitis detection
DelPro is a comprehensive dairy farm management software developed by DeLaval, designed to integrate seamlessly with their milking parlors, sensors, and automation systems. It provides real-time monitoring of milk production, animal health, feeding efficiency, and reproductive performance through advanced data analytics and dashboards. The platform enables farmers to optimize herd management, reduce labor costs, and improve overall farm productivity with customizable reports and alerts.
Pros
- Seamless integration with DeLaval hardware for accurate real-time data collection
- Powerful analytics for herd health, reproduction, and milk yield optimization
- Customizable dashboards and mobile access for on-farm decision-making
Cons
- Limited compatibility with non-DeLaval equipment
- Steep learning curve for users without prior experience
- High upfront costs tied to hardware integration
Best For
Large-scale dairy operations already invested in DeLaval milking systems seeking an all-in-one management solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on farm size and hardware; typically includes hardware costs plus annual software subscription starting at $5,000+ for mid-sized farms.
DairyPlan C500
enterpriseModular herd management software for real-time monitoring of milk yield, animal health, and reproduction.
Seamless synchronization with GEA's DairyNet for predictive herd health alerts and automated workflows
DairyPlan C500 by GEA is a robust herd management software designed for modern dairy farms, offering real-time monitoring and control of milking, animal health, reproduction, and feeding processes. It integrates seamlessly with GEA's automated milking systems and sensors to deliver actionable insights through customizable dashboards and reports. The platform supports scalable modules for single or multi-site operations, helping farmers optimize productivity, reduce costs, and improve animal welfare.
Pros
- Deep integration with GEA hardware for real-time data accuracy
- Comprehensive modules covering all aspects of dairy herd management
- Advanced analytics and mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- High upfront costs tied to GEA ecosystem
- Learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited flexibility without compatible GEA equipment
Best For
Medium to large dairy farms with GEA milking automation seeking an all-in-one integrated management solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on farm size, modules, and hardware integration; typically €5,000–€20,000+ initial setup plus annual maintenance.
PCDART
specializedDairy records analysis and herd management tool focused on DHIA testing and performance reporting.
Advanced genetic evaluation tools with sire matching and predicted transmitting abilities for optimized breeding decisions
PCDART is a veteran on-premise dairy herd management software designed specifically for dairy farmers, offering comprehensive tracking of milk production, reproduction, health events, genetics, and inventory across cows and heifers. It excels in generating detailed reports and integrating with DHI services, milk meters, and feed systems for accurate data synchronization. With decades of refinement, it provides customizable modules tailored to dairy operations of various sizes.
Pros
- Deep dairy-specific functionality including genetics and production analysis
- Strong integrations with DHI testing and parlor equipment
- Reliable, stable performance with extensive reporting options
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface feels outdated compared to modern cloud apps
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior experience
- No native cloud or mobile access, requiring on-premise installation
Best For
Mid-sized dairy farms seeking robust, customizable on-premise software for detailed herd records and DHI integration.
Pricing
One-time license fees start at around $1,500-$3,000 based on herd size, plus annual maintenance and support fees of $300-$600.
T4C
enterpriseFarm management software for robotic milking systems providing insights on cow health and performance.
Deep integration with Lely Astronaut robots for automatic, real-time milking and health data syncing without manual input
T4C by Lely is a specialized herd management software tailored for dairy farms equipped with Lely's robotic milking systems like the Astronaut and feeding solutions like Vector. It offers real-time monitoring of milk production, cow health, fertility, and feeding efficiency through dashboards, alerts, and analytics. The platform integrates deeply with Lely hardware to automate data collection and provide actionable insights for optimizing herd performance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Lely robotic milking and feeding systems for automated, accurate data
- Real-time alerts and comprehensive reporting for proactive herd management
- Cloud-based access with mobile app support for on-farm flexibility
Cons
- Limited compatibility with non-Lely equipment, reducing flexibility for mixed farms
- Steep learning curve for users new to Lely ecosystems
- Pricing tied heavily to hardware bundles, making standalone use expensive
Best For
Dairy farmers heavily invested in Lely robotic systems who need integrated, hardware-synced herd management.
Pricing
Bundled with Lely hardware; standalone subscriptions start at ~€5-10 per cow/year depending on herd size—contact Lely for custom quotes.
ALYX
specializedAdvanced activity and health monitoring software integrated with milking systems for dairy herds.
Direct integration with BouMatic parlor controllers for automated, real-time milking and health data syncing
ALYX by BouMatic is a comprehensive dairy herd management software that integrates seamlessly with milking systems to track milk production, animal health, reproduction, and feed efficiency. It provides real-time data analytics, automated alerts, and reporting tools to optimize farm operations and decision-making. Designed for modern dairy farms, it supports mobile access and customizable dashboards for efficient herd monitoring.
Pros
- Seamless integration with BouMatic milking hardware for real-time data collection
- Comprehensive analytics for milk yield, health, and reproduction tracking
- Mobile app for on-the-go farm management
Cons
- Best suited for farms with BouMatic equipment, limiting flexibility
- Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
- Pricing can be premium without broad third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large dairy farms equipped with BouMatic milking systems seeking integrated, hardware-synced herd management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on herd size and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ annually, quote required.
M2erlin
specializedHerd management system for milking parlors offering data on yields, fertility, and animal welfare.
Seamless real-time synchronization with Fullwood robotic and conventional milking systems for precise parlor control and data capture
M2erlin from Fullwood is a specialized herd management software tailored for dairy farms, particularly those using Fullwood milking systems. It offers real-time monitoring of milk yields, somatic cell counts, animal health, reproduction tracking, and parlor performance analytics. The platform enables detailed reporting, decision support, and optimization of dairy operations through integration with compatible hardware.
Pros
- Deep integration with Fullwood milking hardware for accurate real-time data
- Comprehensive dairy-specific tools for health, reproduction, and yield analysis
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for farm insights
Cons
- Interface feels dated and requires significant training
- Best suited for Fullwood equipment users, limiting flexibility
- Limited cloud or mobile accessibility compared to modern competitors
Best For
Dairy farms with Fullwood milking parlors needing robust, hardware-integrated herd management.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on farm size and modules; typically bundled with Fullwood hardware, starting around $5,000+ annually.
Sum-It Dairy
specializedFlexible dairy farm software for recording milk production, health events, and financials.
Multi-vendor milk robot integration for real-time yield and health data syncing
Sum-It Dairy is a specialized software solution for dairy farm management, offering comprehensive tools for herd registration, milk production tracking, reproduction planning, and health monitoring. It integrates seamlessly with popular milking robots from brands like Lely, DeLaval, and Fullwood, as well as scales and sensors for real-time data collection. The platform also handles financial administration, reporting, and compliance with Dutch agricultural standards, making it a robust all-in-one system for modern dairy operations.
Pros
- Strong integration with multiple milking robot brands and farm hardware
- Comprehensive coverage of dairy-specific needs like reproduction and health tracking
- Cloud-based access with mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Primarily Dutch-language interface limits accessibility for non-Dutch speakers
- Initial setup and customization can require technical support
- Pricing scales with herd size, potentially expensive for small farms
Best For
Medium to large dairy farms in the Netherlands with automated milking systems needing integrated herd and production management.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically €2-5 per cow per month depending on herd size and features; custom quotes available.
CowManager
specializedEar tag-based system delivering real-time alerts on cow health, fertility, and nutrition status.
Rumen bolus sensor delivering continuous, multi-parameter data (rumination, activity, temperature) from inside the cow for unparalleled accuracy.
CowManager is a dairy management software that uses rumen bolus sensors attached to cows' ears or inserted into the rumen to monitor key metrics like rumination, activity, temperature, and ear skin temperature in real-time. It provides automated alerts for heat detection, health issues such as mastitis or ketosis, and nutritional deficiencies via a cloud-based dashboard and mobile app. The system integrates with existing herd management tools to optimize fertility, health, and productivity on dairy farms.
Pros
- Highly accurate real-time monitoring of individual cow health and fertility
- Proven reductions in veterinary costs and somatic cell counts
- Intuitive mobile app and dashboard for quick alerts and insights
Cons
- Significant upfront hardware costs for boluses
- Bolus insertion requires veterinary assistance
- Battery life limited to 4-6 years, necessitating replacements
Best For
Mid-sized dairy farms focused on proactive health and reproduction management through sensor-based automation.
Pricing
Hardware bolus: ~€130 per cow (one-time); annual subscription: ~€65 per cow.
Conclusion
The top dairy software tools reviewed offer strong capabilities, with DairyComp 305 leading as the top choice for its comprehensive tracking of production, reproduction, health, and feed records. Afimilk stands out with integrated milking automation and advanced analytics to optimize farm performance, while DelPro excels as an all-in-one platform combining milking control, herd monitoring, and farm optimization tools. Each solution caters to unique operational needs, ensuring there is a fit for diverse dairy operations.
Discover why DairyComp 305 is the top pick—explore its features to elevate your farm's management and herd health today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison