Vermont DHIA

When testing your herd through DHIA, some form of weighing (and sampling) device is necessary. For those farms that do not have their own meters, weigh-jars, or pails and scales, Vermont DHIA has meters available for rent - both for members and non-members. For herds using Technician Services or Owner-Sample Services, the technician will deliver and pick-up rented meters on test-day. For herds enrolled in our Mail-In Owner-Sample (MIOS) program and renting meters, meters are shipped via US Mail.  In those cases, the producer is responsible for return-shipping.  MIOS herds can also choose to have their meters dropped-off and picked-up by a Vermont DHIA technician at their farm for an extra charge.

Vermont DHIA does not charge for meter rent when using weigh-jars or electronic meter systems, however DRMS does charge a small monthly fee when using electronic meters in conjunction with PCDART.

In most cases, the type of meter used on your farm has no negative impact on your DCR. In the case of electronic meters, daily weights, when combined with identified animals, can actually improve your DCR value - in some cases over the target of 100.

Calibrations and Approved Devices

Please note, the use of unapproved weighing or sampling devices, or the use of uncalibrated (including out-of-date calibrations) devices can significantly reduce your DCR value or classify your test results "unofficial". This applies to all types of meters, including Vermont DHIA meters and other producer-owned meters, weigh-jars, and electronic meters.

All Vermont DHIA meters are calibrated annually in our certified Meter Lab, according to National DHIA Quality Certification specifications. Producer-owned meters, of similar type to Vermont DHIA meters can be sent into our meter lab for calibration for a nominal fee. Weigh-jars and electronic meter systems must be calibrated by your dealer.

For a list of ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording) approved meters, weighing, and sampling devices, please visit the "Approved Devices" page of the National DHIA website here or directly visit the ICAR Website at http://www.icar.org.