Vermont DHIA

Traditional DHIA testing involves taking milkweights and/or samples, often with the help of a trained DHIA technician, typically 10-12 times (called test-days) per year.  These tests are used to gather production information and track status events (calvings, breedings, dry-offs) on your herd.

If you're interested in traditional DHIA testing, please look at the DHIA Testing Plans Overview page to get an idea of which test options might suit you best and then give us a call! We'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the options available and work to design a test plan that works for you.

If you are interested in non-member lab-only services, contact our lab at 1-800-639-8067. We can arrange to mail you the supplies and equipment you'll need.

To start testing or discuss your testing options, please contact one of our staff (Mildred, Brett, or Linda) to discuss a testing plan that will work for you. Since there are so many options available, we work to customize a plan for each producer that will provide the services you need at the most reasonable cost.

Information we may need to help determine the services we can offer:

• Number of animals, milking and dry (youngstock are free)
  
• Type of milking system (traditional parlor, flat-barn parlor, pipeline)
• Need for meters (to weigh and sample milk on test-day) or do you have weigh jars or electronic meters already?
• Approximate milking times and length of milking (for technician services)
• Approximate location of your farm (for technician services)
• How frequently you would like to test (number of milkings per day and tests per year)
• Are your animals registered or grades?

You'll need to gather the following information before you begin testing:

• ID on all animals (at least a unique index number, more for other test plans)
• Breed, birth dates, and the most recent freshening date of all animals
• Any extra breeding or other information you want to track
• Herdcodes and old index numbers for transfer animals

Other requirements:

• All members must sign a membership agreement and adhere to the standards and policies of Vermont DHIA
• All members who choose to have their records processed through DRMS must choose a method of disclosure for their records (full/open, limited, or none)
• All members who choose full/open or limited disclosure must follow and adhere to the National DHIA Uniform Data Collection Procedures
• All members who choose full/open or limited disclosure must abide by the National DHIA Code of Ethics