Measuring Impact

Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

The development of cattle and buffalo breeding strategies and activities based on BREEDPLAN in Thailand

Project ID:
LPS/2005/052
Collaborating Countries:
Thailand
Commissioned Organisation:
Agricultural Business Research Institute, Australia
Project Leader
Mr Jamie Allen
Phone: 61 2 6773 3023
Fax: 61 2 6772 5376
Email: jack.allen@abri.une.edu.au
Collaborating Institutions:
    Project Budget:
    $50,000
    Project Duration:
    01/05/2006 - 31/12/2006
    ACIAR Research Program Manager
    Dr Bill Winter
    Project Background and Objectives

    A previous ACIAR project helped Thailand to establish a national system of recording and evaluating the breeding and performance of beef cattle and buffalo. This system, which has been run by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) uses a PC-based software system - Herd Magic - to record the data for genetic evaluations to rank animals for genetic merit and monitor genetic progress within and across herds. This ACIAR project developed the HerdMASTER program using a more recent Microsoft tool, giving it Thai language capability to collect data more efficiently. This work specifically altered HerdMASTER screens to Thai language labels, converted 'online help' documentation, developed basic 'help' into Thai language and converted existing Thailand Herd Magic systems to HerdMASTER. The work included the training of a Thai officer from DLD in the use of the package.

    Project Outcomes

    The HerdMASTER PC based on farm herd recording system was developed with a Thai language switch allowing screen labels, online help and output report headings to be in Thai. A Thai data recording specialist was trained in Australia to become the trainer for Thailand, and 31 DLD station personnel have now received training in the use of the new system. The system has been installed on 33 DLD Livestock and Breeding stations and 54 databases have been converted into the new format.