SHEPHERD
DEVELOPED for the STUD BREEDER by STUD BREEDERS
WHY USE SHEPHERD!!!!
 An outstanding record keeping system is an investment for the future.
 All programs are difficult to learn  the more adaptable the more
difficult to learn!
 If you must learn one:
o Get to know one that meets all your immediate needs NOW and
o Also meets your needs in FUTURE.
 Records are easily transferable between different organizations.
 Experience the freedom of creating and changing your OWN animal
cards.
 Summaries of progeny of rams on colorful screens.
This program was developed in accordance with the requests of the Federation of Small Stock Breeders The Source Code is the property of the Breeders to ensure continuity.
1
SHEPHERD PROGRAM STEP for STEP.
Welcome to this comprehensive program that will meet all your requirements for record keeping. Because
this program is so comprehensive it could be more difficult to learn than other more simple programs.
However, once you have mastered the basic principles you will be able do whatever is required with the
program.
The CHOICE screen consists of two sections. On the left hand side are the MAIN SECTIONS. Under
each of these main sections are SUB- SECTIONS on the right hand side, each covering a specific
function.
The main options are divided into:
1. SETUP
Under this section is the option to record your Stud Name and address, language choice; to specify
certain constants, to
create Animal Cards; to
specify search group
requirements; to calculate
temporary indices,
temporary marks and
also to back-up the files.
2. DEFINE
Under this section Family
Codes can be specified,
birth seasons defined as
well where is animal,
remarks, management
groups, addresses and
also linear scores. In this
section are various values
and fields that you
yourself can define.
3. ANIMAL.
This section has all
information regarding
each individual animal. Data is captured and viewed under animal data, growth traits, fibre traits,
carcass traits, parasite traits, animal remarks, linear scores, animal sales and animal summary.
4. BREEDING.
In this section animals are firstly mated, then scanned for pregnancy and births registered, pedigrees
drawn, ewe data and animal cards viewed. With these options one can really start to integrate an
animal’s own information as well as that of it’s parents and progeny on one screen.
5. FILES.
With this option data is sent electronically to and from Intergis, Fleece Testing, BLUP, other Societies
and Studbook and spreadsheet data from electronic scales.
6. REPORTS.
In this section certain field book forms can be printed for mating, scanning, birth registration,
weighing, fleece testing (fibre) and custom card reports. These reports can be transferred to a
spreadsheet where various sorting and printing options can be applied.
Click on each of these options first and get to know them so that once you start working you will know
where to go.
2
Shepherd Choices – What do I do where!!!
1.
Create new animals used or bought from other studs
ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> capture new animals (p 7-8)
2.
Identify rams that will be used as sires (Make them active for mating, ram summaries etc.)
(p 10)
ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> maintain existing animal data. Choose YEAR GROUP, MALES
and select SEARCH. Choose each sire and go USE AS SIRE and click on YES.
.
Choose the ewes that must be mated (p 10)
ANIMAL ->ANIMAL DATA -> Use maintain existing animal data. Choose all FEMALES that are
IN STUD and SEARCH. Should any of these have left the Stud (dead, sold) change their WHERE
IS ANIMAL codes.
3.
4
Create a new season (or management group, animal remarks, linear score, where is animal
code)(p 11)
DEFINE > BIRTH SEASON . Press PLUS button and fill in the name for the new season of
lambing (Month/year). Press the Correct sign and CLOSE
Or DEFINE-> MANAGEMENT GROUP for the different management groups
Or DEFINE-> ANIMAL REMARKS for the different animal remarks of animals
Etc..
5.
Mating ewes in stud with rams that have been activated as sires(as in 2 above) (p 20-21)
BREEDING-> MATING-> NEW MATINGS. Choose the FEMALES that are IN STUD (Where is
animal code). Press SEARCH. All the ewes should appear that are to be mated.
Identify the sires using the drop-down, enter period that the rams where with the ewes and
select and press ENTER with each EWE that was mated.
6.
Change matings already created(p 21-22)
BREEDING->MATING->Use Maintain current matings. Choose the MATING SEASON and
SEARCH
Make the necessary changes.
7.
Recording of births(p 11-13)
BREEDING-> BIRTH REGISTRATION. If the ewes where already mated in a season choose the
season and SEARCH.
If not - Mark CREATE BIRTH FROM UN-MATED EWE and SEARCH. Choose the ewes from IN
STUD and SEARCH. Choose applicable BIRTH SEASON
9.
Capture of weights (Pre-wean, wean or other weights) (P19)
ANIMAL -> GROWTH TRAITS-> capture NEW WEIGHTS. Choose the season of birth, click on
SEARCH. Select the applicable weight (WEANING or other weight to be captured).
In the case of a weight recorded incorrectly: ANIMAL->GROWTH TRAITS >Current weights
Choose the animal or group and SEARCH. Select the weight group and change the weight.
10.
Calculation of temporary indices (Wean or other weights)(p 26)
SETUP->TEMPORARY INDEXES Choose the season and SEARCH. Choose the applicable
STATUS (birth, pre-wean wean) and AGE CORRECTION FACTOR and Calculate index
11.
Sending data to Grootfontein (p 27)
FILES -> INTERGIS DATA -> CREATE OUTPUT FILE FOR INTERGIS SYSTEM and also
WEIGHT and SELECT. Choose the correct season and SEARCH.(the same procedure for other
weights)
3
12.
Recapturing data from Grootfontein (p 29)
FILES -> INTERGIS DATA and choose “Import Intergis file(*.epi)” and choose SELECT. Repeat
for the file”Import Intergis file (*.gro)” to import growth indexes. (Procedure is the same for Postweaning weights)
13.
Printing of reports for weaning (or any predetermined reports or cards) See point 23 (p 38)
REPORTS->WEIGHT FIELD BOOK
14.
Capturing of linear scores
ANIMAL -> LINEAR SCORE -> capture new linear data Choose the SEASON etc and SEARCH.
15.
Recapturing of BLUP Data(p 30)
FILES->BLUP DATA. Choose IMPORT EBV FILE FOR MEAT (or BLUP file for Wool).
16
Printing of final selection list
REPORTS -> CUSTOM CARD REPORTS - choose SEASON and SEARCH. Choose the
selection list, can be printed or saved to to Export file and then printed.
17.
Making a back-up. (p 15)
SETUP-> DATA BASE MAINTENANCE and choose BACKUP. Create folder in which back-ups
will be saved.
18
Restore of BACKUP data (p 16)
SETUP->DATA BASE MAINTENANCE and choose RESTORE. Go to created folder where
back-ups are stored.
19.
GRAPHS (p 32-34)
ANIMAL ->ANIMAL SUMMARY Various options are available
20.
Viewing of data (p 35)
Choose START FORM and choose YEAR and SEARCH. Click on the animal and screen that you
want to view.
21.
Pedigree(p 37)
BREEDING -> PEDIGREE WITH DATA, Choose YEAR or SEASON and SEARCH.
22.
Ewe Cards (p 36)
BREEDING -> VIEW ANIMAL CARDS. Choose YEAR or SEASON or WHERE IS ANIMAL and
SEARCH.
23.
Creation of Animal Cards (p 23)
SETUP -> ANIMAL CARDS. Give each card a name and select fields. Remember that fields can
be shortened (abbreviated) or lengthened as required.
24.
Quick capture of Where is animal (or Season, Registration, Temporary marks, additional
numbers) (p 25) ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> EXISTING ANIMALS. Choose the animal or
group and SEARCH. Click on PLUS button -> QUICK CAPTURE OF WHERE IS ANIMAL (Bottom
of screen). Click on WHERE IS ANIMAL (or any of the fields that can be read in quickly).
25.
Quick capture of Animal remarks (p 26)
ANIMAL->ANIMAL REMARKS. Choose Animal or Group and SEARCH. Click on PLUS button,
click on REMARK and then SELECT
26.
Sale of animals to specific client (p 41)
ANIMAL-> ANIMAL SALES. Choose the animal or group and SEARCH. Choose the Buyer, date
and amount.
4
SHEPHERD PROGRAM STEP for STEP.
The most important sections are described in detail in this section. We have tried to do this as simply as
possible. A basic knowledge of WINDOWS will however be of great assistance for a better use of the
program. One thing to remember, you need not be scared of breaking the program. Most incorrect moves
can be undone.
PARTICULARS OF STUD AND STUD NUMBERS (HDM)
Fill in the Stud Name and Numbers (HDM).
1. Go to SETUP
2. Choose Breeder
and Stud
The Screen will look as follows:
3. STUD NUMBER. This is
the number or HDM
allocated by your Breed
Society. It can also be
characters.
4. Choose the BREED
5. Choose the LANGUAGE
6. Fill in your address
particulars.
5
CAPTURING THE FIRST ANIMALS.
Before any lambs can be recorded onto SHEPHERD both of their parents must first be on the system. We
advise that you begin with a specific group of lambs i.e. lambs born in 2005. Make a numeric list of all the
animals with their dams and sires if available.
NUMBERING SYSTEM
World wide there are various numbering systems, but the most acceptable is the following:
.
STUD NUMBER:
As filled in on the SETUP screen, makes your animals unique
BIRTH YEAR
Either as YYYY or as YY or just Y on the ear of the animal.
(Alphabetical characters should not be used in this field)
SEQUENCE No.:
Numerical from 1 to 9999. Combinations for seasons can also be
used i.e. Lambs born in Spring = 1001 1002 1003 etc. and
Autumn lambs 5001 5002 5003 5004 etc.
WHERE IS ANIMAL Code:
Initially when there are only few animals on the computer, it is quite easy to find any animal. However as
the numbers increase it becomes more difficult and time consuming. To overcome this problem it is easier
using the WHERE IS ANIMAL code to find any animals. The simplest situation is two codes IN STUD
and YOUNG/UNCLASSIFIED. Before use however, these codes must be created.
1. On the MAIN MENU
choose DEFINE
2. Choose WHERE IS
ANIMAL
3. CODE: This is usually a 2
or 3 character code that
describes the event. The
reason for this will be obvious
later.
4. In the CODE field type IS
and in the DESCRIPTION
filed type IN STUD.
5. To create another code click
on the PLUS button.
6
6. In the CODE field type YU
(or any other code that is
descriptive for your situation).
7. In the DESCRIPTION field
type
YOUNG/UNCLASSIFIED
(In the same way other codes
can be captured.)
8. Click on CLOSE
CAPTURING of the FIRST ANIMALS:
Usually the first animals captured do not have either a sire or dam or both. To cater for this situation a
dummy number is created indicating that parents are unknown. An example of the dummy number is the
following:
For rams:
DUMY 1977 7777
For ewes:
DUMY 1977 7778
Let us create this number.
1. On the MAIN
MENU choose
ANIMAL
2. Then
ANIMAL DATA
When you click on
ANIMAL DATA
another screen asks:
3. CAPTURE NEW
ANIMALS or
MAINTAIN
EXISTING
ANIMALS
CAPTURE NEW ANIMALS is used to load animals that are not on the computer database. MAINTAIN
EXISTING ANIMALS is used where data for an animal is already on the system but we want to add
additional information or view what information is already there
7
4. Choose CAPTURE NEW ANIMAL and the following screen will appear.
The new animals information is typed in here. The STUD NUMBER is filled automatically. You must fill
in the birth year and sequence number. NB THE YEAR FIELD IS FILLED AUTOMATICALLY
FROM THE BIRTH DATE - IF FILLED DO NOT FILL IN AGAIN.
To simplify the capturing of data fields that are usually the same for all animals are defaulted and will fill
automatically. In this case SEX, BIRTH DATE and WHERE IS ANIMAL can be defaulted. If you click
on the specified block the data will automatically be recorded for every following animal.
Here all animals born in the same year are given. It can thus easily be used to ensure that no duplicate
numbers are captured – the program will not allow this
Numbers that have already been captured cannot be deleted. Please ensure that numbers are read
in correctly. The number can however be changed by going to ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> SEE
EXISTING ANIMALS and making relevant changes.
It is easier to capture a group of animals born in the same year. Once the first animal has been captured the
following number is created automatically and the ENTER button can be pressed each time.
The correct birth date is not critical for older animals and estimated dates may be recorded.
WHERE DO I BEGIN??????. Usually with a group of lambs that have already been born. Make a list of
their sires and dams. Use the above option to capture both the parents, remembering to create the ram as a
sire. If you want to record pedigree information for an animal you must begin with the oldest animal. This
is usually a very time consuming exercise, so be sure what information you really need. If you have data
with a breed society or Studbook this information can usually be given electronically.
REMEMBER!!!!! An ANIMAL must be on the system before it can become the parent.
8
WRONG NUMBER !!!!!! WHAT NOW?
Go to ANIMAL->ANIMAL DATA->MAINTAIN EXISTING ANIMALS. You get the following screen:
This screen is the main SEARCH filter of the program to enable easy finding of any animal (More about
this screen later).
Take an example an animal 59 2004 0003 typed in as ACG 2004 0003. You want to change the STUD
NUMBER (HDM).
Remember that wherever you get a  (arrow down) on the right hand side of a block there is a
choice of values that can be chosen – you cannot type in values here.
Choose 2004 in the field YEAR and SEARCH
All the animals born in 2005 are shown. Choose the one that is incorrect by highlighting it.
In the ANIMAL ID block
change the Stud Number to
ACG.
TO REMOVE THE
INCORRECT NUMBER
YOU CAN USE THE
BACKSPACE KEY
9
RECORDING OF BIRTHS OF NEW LAMBS
Before this can be done you must first:
 Identify the potential sires of the lambs to keep the choice of the list to search as short as
possible.
 A Season must be created in which the lambs are to be born.
MAKE THE RAMS ACTIVE AS SIRES.
On the MAIN MENO choose ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> MAINTAIN ANIMAL DATA.
You will get the MAIN SEARCH FILTER.
This is a powerful search filter that will you will use regularly to do intricate searches.
All that matters now is to search for ram lambs. Clear the SEARCH FILTER by clicking on
RESTORE SEARCH to ensure that all filters are cleared (always remember that when search
functions do not give the desired results that the filters are set properly)
Choose MALE in the SEX block and then the SEARCH button.
The list of all rams are
shown. In this case all
2002 born rams are
shown. The rams 59 2002
0001 and 59 2002 0040are
used and must be activated
as rams.
Click on the ram 59 2002
0001
Click on the block USE
AS SIRE and choose YES
Repeat with the ram 0335
and also choose YES (the
moment the ram has been
10
activated a name can be given to the ram by typing in the ANIMAL NAME block, otherwise the number
will be used).
DEFINE A SEASON
A BIRTH SEASON is the season in which the lambs are to be BORN. Do not mix the MATING
SEASON with the BIRTH SEASON. Remember that it is always the period in which the lambs are born
and not when the ewes are mated
Go to the MAIN MENU choose DEFINE and SEASON. The following screen will appear:
In the SEASON NAME type H2005 (2005 Autum) or however you want to define the seasons. If you
want to add further seasons click on the +(PLUS) button and add or otherwise on the CLOSE button.
TO GET LAMBS ONTO THE SYSTEM
You can now begin to register the births. Below is a list of births that need to be record. As can be seen all
the lambs were born in the SEASON 2004S, namely September.
Lamb Number
Ewe
Birth date
Sire
Sex
1
59-1997-0301
2005-05-22
59- 2002-0001
Male
2
59-1997-0003
2005-05-25
59- 2002-0040
Female
3
59-1997-0003
2005-05-25
59- 2002-0040
Male
4
59-19970021
2005-05-26
59- 2002-0001
Female
Go to MAIN MENU and choose BREEDING
Mating: If you want to mate a
group of ewes end work from a
mating list.
Scanning: Use this once a
mating list has been drawn up
and the results of pregnancy
testing must be recorded.
Birth Registration: Use this to
record lambs onto the system
when the parents are already
recorded.
(The other options will be
discussed later)
11
Choose BIRTH REGISTRATION
The following screen will appear:
If a mating list has been captured go to MATING
SEASON and it’s drop-down and select the season.
Our example however does not have a mating list or
mating season.
Therefore click on CREATE BIRTH FROM
UNMATED EWES and select SEARCH
The following screen will appear:
The reason for this search screen
is to limit the number of ewes
from which you must select each
time.
In this case there are only a few
ewes that are IN STUD. You
choose WHERE IS ANIMAL
and then IN STUD from the
drop-down.
SEARCH again and the
following screen will appear.
The SEASON that the lambs are born in will be
high-lighted (must be blue)
A list of all the ewes at present in the IN STUD
are listed.
To record a birth the correct ewe must be
chosen(also blue)
Click on this button once you have selected your
ewe and wish to record the birth. If lambs have
already been recorded and you want to change
information click on CHANGE REGISTERED
LAMBS
The WHERE IS ANIMAL codes are created
automatically. Ensure that
YOUNG/UNSELECTED is chosen is this block.
12
You can also record if the birth was normal or not.
You choose ewe 0301 and click on REGISTER BIRTH
The YEAR is derived automatically from the birth date.
The STUD is created automatically.
The sequence number begins at 0001 and following
numbers 0002, 0003 etc. are created automatically as
lambs are added.
The DATE will be given as the present day, unless
another date is chosen. If another date is chosen, the
program will retain this for the next lambs until it is
again changed.
You must choose the ram by clicking on the drop-down
and selecting the ram.
Male is set as a default and if it is an ewe lamb the sex must be changed to female(F )in the block.
The CORRECT button can now be keyed to store the birth.
Make sure that the WHERE IS ANIMAL is correct.
REGISTER THE FOLLOWING EWE’S LAMBS
The following ewe is number 0302 who had 2 lambs.
Choose her number and click on REGISTER
BIRTH. The next number 0002 comes up and the
birth date and sex must be changed if necessary.
Change the Sire Name and Sex.
To add the next lamb 0003 click on the + (PLUS).
The next lamb with the next number will be created
with the same birth date and sire name. All that
could change is the sex. If the ewe had triplets the
process would be repeated.
If a mistake has been and you want to change or
delete numbers, click on the –(MINUS) button.
If all is correct click on the CORRECT button and
store.
13
IF A MISTAKE WAS MADE
If the lambs were example allocated to the wrong ewe,
choose the ewe where the lambs were incorrectly
recorded. Then choose CHANGE REGISTERED
LAMBS.
If 59 1997 0003 was incorrect mark and then click on
59 2005 0003 and then on the –(MINUS) button. (The
lamb’s data will disappear) If the following lamb was
also incorrect again click on the –(MINUS).
If the Sire was incorrect choose the correct sire and
then click on the CORRECT button to store the
changes.
14
STORAGE / BACK-UP OF DATA
To store or back-up your is a basic principle in any software program, and so also in SHEPHERD. When
you receive your SHEPHERD program your Data Base is empty and if you are worried about making
mistakes you can make a back-up now for future references.
MAKING OF A BACK-UP
Choose SETUP on the MAIN
MENU
And then
DATA BASE MAINTENANCE
This screen appears, click on BACKUP.
Once you have done this a message
appears “To backup a large data base
could take a long time - do you want
to continue”
You click on YES and the following screen appears:
This is a Standard Windows screen
for the storage of files. This usually
consists of DOCUMENTS with
specific files under it.
The “yellow” blocks indicate that
this is a folder with other files in it.
If the yellow block is open you can
look into the folder and see the other
files in it. In this case we are inside
“Documents en Settings” and inside
are folders “Administrator” and “All
Users”
If you now click on SAVE a folder
will be created with the name
“ShepherdBackup_2004-05-04.gbk”
15
It is important that you have a book to write up this information, as if you want to look for this file in
future it should be easy to find. Data will be saved with the present date and if you want to have more than
one back-up on any day mark with an a, b, or c. For example the first file was ShepherdBackup_2004-0504.gdb. The next would be ShepherdBackup_2004-05-04b.gdb etc.
When you are finished the following screen will appear.
Click on this button to close the
screen
RESTORING OF DATA
Again on the MAIN MENU choose SETUP and DATA BASE MAINTENANCE
This screen will again appear and click on the RESTORE button
The screen that appears is usually
similar to the one below. It could
happen that the file that you are
looking for is not available.
In this case the file
Shepherdbackup_2004-05-04.gbk is available. Mark and OPEN
If you do not find the file
use this arrow to go
previous FOLDER until
you find the file you are
looking for.
The FOLDER that the file
is in must appear here to
be able to see the file you
are looking for.
16
DESCRIPTION of ANIMAL or BREED STANDARDS
Many breeds use a description of certain traits of that breed to describe an animal. For example the Dorper
breed use the following description and scores for their animals:
 Confirmation
Score
1 -5
 Size
1- 5
 Fat distribution
1- 5
 Colour pattern
1- 5
 Coat
1- 5
 Type
1- 5
These are traits that are judged and a point is given. These points make up the linear score.
Before these points can be given to a specific animal the traits must first of all be defined. To do this we
again go to the MAIN MENU, choose DEFINE and LINEAR SCORE. The following screen appears.
Type in CONFIRMATION in the descriptive field.
Conformation
Click on the +(PLUS) button to capture the other traits.
When finished click on the CLOSE button
When finished your screen should look like this:
17
EACH ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE ALLOCATED A SCORE (not compulsory).
Go to the MAIN MENU and choose
ANIMAL
And then
Linear Score
Choose “New linear data”
You will again come to your MAIN
SEARCH FILTER.
Make sure that all options are open
by using the RESET SEARCH.
Usually the animals that are to be
scored are of a similar age and born
in the same season. To simplify the
search select the SEASON of birth.
Click on SEARCH
You will have a numerical list of the animals born in that season to be scored.
In this case CONFIRMATION has been chosen and the
scores for each animal for this trait can be recorded.
Thereafter choose SIZE and read in all the scores.
Then Condition and all the scores.
Etc Etc.
If you had chosen “SEE EXISTING LINNEAR DATA”
initially, you would also get a list of the animals and you
could of read in scores per animal and not per trait as we
have now done. You can choose which is the easier way
for yourself.
18
RECORDING OF WEIGHTS
1. From the MAIN MENU choose ANIMAL -> GROWTH TRAITS -> NEW WEIGHTS
2. Choose the animals born in a specific SEASON. (NB This is one of the main reasons why animals
are grouped into SEASON of BIRTH – it makes comparisons much more meaningful.)
3. Ensure that the correct weighing group is selected. Do not mix Pre- wean with Weaning data.
4. Choose the WEANING date.
5. If all animals fall into the same group
choose MANAGEMENT GROUP 1. (If a
management group was not created go to
DEFINE -> MANAGE-MENT GROUP
and select C or any other specified group)
6. Choose the ENVIRONMENTAL CODE
7. Choose the animal and type in the weight.
8. To go the next animal press the “Arrow
down” on your KEYBOARD or type in the
next animals sequence number (will move
to next number). NBNB If the
MANAGEMENT group changes it must
be changed in the applicable block. When finished click on CLOSE.
9. You will be asked if the BIRTH or WEAN STATUS must be used in the calculations. This will
happen once ALL the weights have been read in. The program will calculate the status from the
birth information if weights have been recorded, depending on whether they are single, twin or
triplet births.
19
CAPTURING of MATINGS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Remember that the SEASON must first be created. This is the season of birth of the lambs. If you
mate in the Autumn the lambs will be born in Spring and the SEASON will be 2005S.
NB NB – This is very important as you will definitely become mixed up if you do not choose
your season correctly. Ensure that you choose your season correctly.
Ensure that the rams that you are mating with are on the system. This means that if you using
rams that were not born into the flock they must be put onto the system. First search to see if the
number has not already been recorded (ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> EXISTING
ANIMALS) and if not create the animal as described previously and must also be activated as a
SIRE on the system.(page ….)
Go to MAIN MENU -> BREEDING -> MATING -> NEW MATINGS.
Your SEARCH FILTER will appear and choose IN STUD under WHERE IS ANIMAL.
You will get the following screen: .
This is a list of the ewes that are at present IN STUD. These are matings that have already been
recorded for each ewe.
To mate the ewe first choose her number. In this case the ewe 59-1998-0001 is high-lighted in blue. The
SEASON is chosen from the drop-down (If you have not created the season it will not be there). Now
choose the first RAM and if necessary a second ram each with the dates that they will be with the ewes.
20
NB If you do not know which ram is to be mated in the second cycle choose the ram DUMY-1977-7777
as “UNKNOWN”. The correct ram can be replaced at a later date.
Everything that has been typed in is recorded as soon as the ENTER button is pressed and it moves to the
next ewe recreating the last recorded data at this ewe.
If an ewe has been incorrectly mated press the REMOVE MATING button and the mating will be
removed. If she should be mated with another ram replace with the correct information.
If you think you have made a mistake with the whole mating list, the CANCEL button can be pressed. If
however you are satisfied that all is correct press the STORE MATINGS button and all data will be
stored.
EDIT MATINGS
Should you want to alter data on STORED MATINGS you can do it through the following option:
1. Choose BREEDING  MATING  SEE EXISTING MATINGS.
2. Choose MATING SEASON and the specific season.
21
All the ewes that were mated in the specific season will appear. You can now choose the ewe that was
incorrectly mated and change the ram or dates etc. You can also remove any ewe that was incorrectly
mated.
Again when you are finished click on CLOSE to store all changes. You can now go to MAIN MENU ->
REPORTS -> and BIRTH FIELD SHEETS and print lists for future reference.
22
CREATING of ANIMAL CARDS
From time to time you need certain information of specific animals in your Stud. With the use of
ANIMAL CARDS different information and combinations of information can be accessed on standard
screens.
1. Make a list of the traits that are needed in any specific situation. For example make a card for the
progeny of an ewe. The following information is needed:
o Sire of the lamb
o Sex of the lamb
o Where is the animal code (to see what has happened to any lambs)
o General remarks(to see if she has a constant fault)
o Wean index
2. Go to SETUP  ANIMAL CARDS. The screen appears as follows:
Type in the name of the card. In this case
“Ewe Card”
[If you want to create more cards click
on the +(PLUS) and to remove a card
click on the –(MINUS) button]
The name of all the cards created will
appear here
3. Choose the fields that you want to include.
Search for the field DATE BORN under
the section ANIMAL DATA and highlight
Click on the CHOOSE DETAIL button.
Date Born will then appear in this frame.
Search for SIRE, also in the ANIMAL
DATA section. Once high-lighted click
again on the CHOOSE DETAIL button
Repeat for all the other traits. They could appear in some of the other sections GROWTH TRAITS,
FIBRE TRAITS, EWE DATA or LINNEAR SCORES
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The new card screen should appear as follows:
You can change these names as needed.
Some will be too long and should be
abbreviated or made more descriptive.
(NB to change the name you must first
click on CLOSE and then recall the
ANIMAL CARD. Once changed and
CLOSE is again pressed the changed name
will be stored.)
4. How do I use this??
You can go to BREEDING  ANIMAL CARDS and also at REPORTS  OWN REPORTS and
use these cards.
Let s use this in the ANIMAL CARD screen.
5. From the Main Menu choose BREEDING and ANIMAL CARDS.
6. You will be asked which group of animals you require. Again in this case we want o look at all ewes
that are IN STUD. Choose WHERE IS ANIMAL and IN STUD.
You will get the following screen where ewe 0003 is high-lighted
The trait that was
chosen can now be
seen for both the ewe
and her progeny.
If you draw up more
than one card you can
see different
information for the
same ewe. You can
also have a card for
the ewe and another
for her progeny.
By clicking on these
drop-downs you can
choose different cards
and you can choose
which you want.
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QUICK CHANGES OF WHERE IS ANIMAL, FAMILY, SEASON etc.
Sometimes it is necessary to change WHERE IS ANIMAL or other codes quickly. Choose ANIMAL ->
ANIMAL DATA -> EXISTING ANIMALS and choose the group that need to be changed.
Choose the QUICK
CAPTURE ANIMAL
STATUS.
You will get this screen and it is easy to change any of the given codes and then move on to the next
animal. First select the field by clicking in the little square block. Some fields will remember their default
values, so you do not have to change them each time for a new animal.
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ANIMAL REMARKS
There are two places where remarks can be recorded.
1.
2.
ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA: On this screen general remarks can be made on any animal. It is
usually an opinion made of an animal.
ANIMAL -> ANIMAL REMARKS: Here remarks are made on each animal, that have usually
been predefined. These are general remarks regarding abnormalities, culling faults etc. Remarks
made here can usually be used in the animal summaries and it is used to see if rams are breeding
specific faults.
General remarks cannot be used in the ram summaries. These are meant as general remarks for a
specific animal. ANIMAL REMARKS describe culling faults or abnormalities that could exist.
CALULATION of TEMPORARY INDECES
The program itself does very few calculations. Most of the calculations are done by outside organizations
and transferred to the system, and these values cannot be changed. One calculation that is however done is
the calculation of temporary indices.
Take weaning weight as an example.
You have weaned your lambs and want to know immediately which lambs should be culled. After reading
in weight data go to:
SETUP -> TEMPORARY INDEXES. Choose the SEASON and SEX of the animals you want
indexed.
Only animals that have received similar treatment can be compared to each other. Choose
those animals born in the same season and are also of the same sex on which index
calculations are to be done( if you do not do it corrections for sex will also be done)
You get the following screen:
Choose WEANING
Choose INDEX 1(This means that the index
that will be calculated will be stored in
TEMPORARY INDEX 1)
Choose Wean Status(Use Wean status – not
birth status when these corrections are done)
Choose 100 (means that weights are
corrected to 100 days of age or any other age
you choose) . Remember to click in the little
square to active the correction.
Choose CALCULATE INDEX.
To view the values go to ANIMAL ->
ANIMAL DATA and view in Temporary
Index 1
It really is incredible to watch the program calculating the correction factors that are applied to each group
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SENDING /RECEIVING of ELECTRONIC DATA
Weaning and Wool weights are usually sent to Grootfontein (INTERGIS), who do all calculations on the
data and send processed data back to you. BLUP data is also calculated and sent back to the breeder. Data
is also sent to and from different Breed Societies or Studbook.
All these actions are done under the section FILES on the MAIN MENU:
1. INTERGIS. This
is mainly for
weights (wean, postwean, etc.) sent to
Grootfontein and
processed data
returned from
Grootfontein.
2. Fibre data. Data
related to fleece
(body weight, wool
weight) as well as
the results back
from Grootfontein
3. EBV data. BLUP
values that are
received
4.Other Data. Data
to and from different
Societies.
5. Scale. Weights
from electronic
scale from a spread sheet program.
SENDING of WEANING WEIGHTS.
Choose FILES, then INTERGIS DATA and get the screen “CREATE FILE FOR INTERGIS”.
You must choose
WEANING by
clicking on the
drop-down, get
the list of options.
Choose SELECT
and get the
following screen.
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The reason for this screen is that you must select the group of animals that you are to send. It is usually
animals that were born in the same season.
Press RESET SEARCH to clear previous choices and select SEASON from which you will select the
specific season. Select SEARCH and you will get the following screen:
You must now
choose where you
are going to store
data. It is usually
done in MY
DOCUMENTS. It
is important to
know where this
data is stored, as
when you e-mail it
you have to know
which FILE to
ATTACH to the email message.
You can also
change the name
of the file i.e. type
Intergis2004H.txt
(2004H was the
season you chose.
When finished click on SAVE.
The same steps can be taken when sending Pre-wean, post-wean and mature weights.
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CAPTURING OF PROCESSED WEAN DATA.
Data sent to Grootfontein, is processed and sent back to you and you can capture the processed
data and indices against each animal. If you send pre-wean or wean data you receive two files
back. The first is *.epi- which is the ewe productivity data of the mothers of the lambs. The other
is *.gro which is the growth indices of each lamb for whom pre-wean or wean data was sent.
Again choose FILES and INTERGIS DATA. Click on the drop-down to get the following:
Choose DRAW INTERGIS FILE IN (*.epi) and click on CHOOSE.
This screen asks where you
have stored the files returned
from Grootfontein. Usually
under MY DOCUMENTS.
Once you get the file, click on
it and choose OPEN and the
data is drawn in.
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STORE/CAPTURE of FLEECE DATA.
Choose FILES and FIBRE DATA and the following screen appears:
The correct default values are already selected and you should continue by selecting CHOOSE.
As in the case of WEANING described previously, a SEASON must be chosen and also a
specific SEX. Generally, data of rams and ewes are analyzed separately. You can also change the
FILE NAME before storing.
It is necessary at this stage to change the WHERE IS ANIMAL status of all sold or dead
animals. When you choose the SEASON, SEX and WHERE IS ANIMAL of a group only
those with weights or measurements should be sent.
It is important to note that we need the data of all animals measured because the information
of ewes mated that did not lamb can also contribute to the data.
RECORDING OF PROCESSED DATA
Again choose FILES and FIBRE DATA but select “Import Fleece Testing Results File In” and choose
SELECT.
You will be asked to select the FILE you received from Grootfontein.
After selecting the FILE click on OPEN.
CAPTURING of BLUP DATA
Choose FILES and EBV data. Choose if you want to use BLUP data for MUTTON or WOOL. Press
SELECT.
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As with similar screens you are
asked to select the file that
contains the data. You must know
where you stored the data.
Once you have identified the FILE
click on OPEN and your data will
automatically be imported.
SENDING OF “OTHER” DATA.
Other data is usually the electronic birth notifications to either Breed Societies or Studbook. The basic
principles are the same as above.
Go to FILES and OTHER DATA. Choose from the drop-down the options that you want to use. Once you
have selected this you will again be asked which SEASON or GROUP the animals come and where the
data must be stored.
These files can be sent electronically (by e-mail) or stiffie.
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GRAPHS
The program has the capacity to make summaries of an animal and its’ progeny. To utilize this option
choose ANIMAL -> ANIMAL DATA -> -> ANIMAL SUMMARIES. The following screen will appear:
1. The performance of
the progeny of
different sires in
specific seasons.
2. Different traits that
change over years.
3. How a specific ram
bred in respect of
different traits.
4. Graphic
presentation of
WHERE IS ANIMAL
code within year and
sex.
5. Summary of
reproduction of a ram
used in a specific
season. This option only applies when use has been made of MATINGS.
SINGLE TRAIT and DIFFERENT SIRES.
Choose ANIMAL DATA and ANIMAL SUMMARIES. Choose Sires per season and the trait that you
want to use. In this example GROWTH and WEANING INDEX were chosen.
The graph is created
summarizing each rams
progeny. To see the
numbers of the rams
choose the
HORIZONTAL BAR.
You can choose
different traits and
season to have a
comprehensive
evaluation of each ram.
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ONE RAM and SEVERAL TRAITS.
This option is used to see how a ram has bred especially as regards traits that do not have a numerical
value. Typical examples are WHERE IS ANIMAL, REMARKS, LINEAR SCORE or animal descriptions
read in under “GRADE”.
Go to ANIMAL DATA and ANIMAL SUMMARIES.
Choose a
SPECIFIC
SINGLE SIRE
option.
Choose a ram
from the list of
rams (To choose a
ram it must be
active as a siresee p 10)
Choose one of
these options to
view a summary
of the specific
ram.
Click on CREATE
GRAPH.
This graph is
created. To create
the “PIE” graph it
must be chosen
from the options.
The advantage
of this is that the
discs are
proportional
(percentages)
and make for
easier
interpretation.
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RAM PER SEASON for a summary of reproduction of rams in any specific season.
Choose ANIMAL DATA and ANIMAL SUMMARY and then RAM per SEASON and choose SEASON
This table is a summary of each ram and the reproduction of the ewes with which they were
mated.
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SUMMARY OF ANIMALS
The BEGIN FORM option on the MAIN MENU is an option whereby each animal’s performance of itself
and parents/progeny can be viewed at a glance. To get this option click on BEGIN FORM.
You can choose an individual animal or group of animals by using these blocks and click on SEARCH.
Different groups of data are available which you can choose yourself. By clicking on any animal in the
pedigree its information is extracted. These options include:

General – General information on an animal, sold to whom, etc.

Mutton – Mainly growth traits with breeding values and selection indices that combine various
traits presented in an economical value.

Linear Score – If you have scored animals for various traits they can be viewed here.

Progeny – Gives the progeny of an animal according to the ANIMAL CARD options that were
chosen (see p 23 for setup of animal cards).

Remarks – View which remarks were made for an animal.


Wool – Wool traits of an animal, including breeding values and selection indices.
Reproduction – Reproduction summaries of an ewe provided she has lambed and the data has been
processed and returned by Intergis.
35
ANIMAL CARDS
The animal cards are used to view all the values of an ewe and her progeny. Their main use is to evaluate
all ewes as to whether they are retained as breeding ewes or not.
Go to BREEDING and VIEW ANIMAL CARDS. Choose the group that you want to work with (for
example FEMALES IN STUD) and SEARCH.
This section has all to do with the animal itself, and his/her sire or dam’s information. The information
that is seen depends on which ANIMAL CARD has been chosen. To view different information you can
alternate between the different cards.
The second section includes each animal’s PROGENY. As with the animal itself, different cards can be
chosen to view different information of the progeny. The third section is the summary of the numbers,
total and average for each of the headings.
The usefulness of these cards will depend on the completeness of your data. If your WHERE IS ANIMAL
section is not up to date you will not be able to see how each ram/ewe has performed. The same applies to
REMARKS.
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PEDIGREES WITH DATA
A pedigree without data (even if it is just a phenotypic description of an animal) is at most only
interesting. You can choose BREEDING and PEDIGREE with DATA. As in most other case you can
choose either a single animal or a group of animals using the main search filter.
All the information of the animal itself as well it’s progeny is available on this screen. This section refers
to the animal itself. Again the data that can be viewed is dependant on the choice of cards.
The numbers and information of progeny are shown here. The information that can be seen is again
dependant on the choice of cards.
By clicking on any animal in the pedigree its own records and those of it’s progeny are shown. This is
really helpful when you are determining which rams to use as sires in your next mating season, by viewing
how his parents, grand parents, etc all performed.
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PRINTING OF REPORTS
Several pre-defined options of reports are available. These reports use lots of ink and should only be
printed when necessary.
You can however create your own reports and then print. As an example you want to print information of
a group of ewes. The data that you require must first of all be available as Animal Card. Go to REPORTS
and ANIMAL CARD REPORTS and choose the group that you want to print. In the example all animals
born in 2004 were recalled.
Choose the ANIMAL CARD and you will recall the required information. Click on PRINT and the
required data will be printed. These reports are however not very user-friendly as the program attempts to
fit all the columns into one page and it sometimes becomes very fine print.
A very handy option is available on all screens of animal cards and that is to sort the data from high to
low or visa versa so that the animals can be ranked according to certain traits. Merely click on the
column heading to sort. Click a second time and the order is reversed.
This data can be exported to a spreadsheet or word processor. In this program you can create columns and
make use of colours etc. To do this press on the EXPORT TO FILE button. The following screen appears:
38
The file is a CSV file that can be read by most computers. Choose MY DOCUMENTS and give the file a
descriptive name and click on SAVE.
To close SHEPHERD or to MINIMIZE. Go to MY DOCUMENTS on the MAIN SCREEN of your
computer and choose the file. Double click on the file and it will open automatically in EXCELL if you
have EXCELL on your computer.
Try to learn how these Spreadsheet programs (EXCELL) work. It will give you so many more options
for the data you are getting out of SHEPHERD and you can order the data, as you require. It makes
the information that much more useable and applicable.
39
SELLING of ANIMALS
This section allows us to keep record of your clients and what they are buying from you, each animal sold
can be linked to a specific client.
Go to ANIMAL and ANIMAL SALES. Choose the group of animals that have been sold.
You can choose the
buyer from the dropdown, the amount that
it was sold for and the
date on which it was
sold.
(Before a buyer can be
recalled he must be
created as a buyer and
his particulars must be
recorded. (see p11)
To view what a particular buyer has bought go to REPORTS and ANIMAL CARD REPORTS and on the
main filter choose the specific buyer.
On searching the program will recall the animals sold to this buyer. You can print this through the choice
of Animal Card to give the information required and export to a spreadsheet to print.
40
SUMMARY of MENU
NEW INFORMATION:
MAIN
Sub menu
MENU
Define
Family
Where is Animal
Birth season
Management group
Remarks
Buyers
Name Linear traits
Animals
Create new animals
Weights
Fibre data
Remarks
Linear traits
Animal sales
Matings
Births
MAIN
MENU
Define
Animal
Mating
Sub menu (right)
Family codes
Where is animal codes
Birth season groups
Management group
Remarks
Address lists
Linear score
Animal data
Growth traits
Fibre traits
Animal remarks
Linear scores
Animal sales
Matings
Birth registrations
CHANGE EXISTING INFORMATION:
Main menu (left)
Animals
Number,
Animal
Birth date
Sex
Where is animal
Season
Etc.
Weights
Fibre data
Remarks
Linear scores
Ram sales
Matings
Breeding
Births
Sub menu (right)
Animal (See existing
animals)
Growth traits
Fibre traits
Animal remarks
Linear scores
Animal sales
Matings
Birth registrations
41
REGISTRASIE VORM / REGISTRATION FORM
NAAM / NAME:
ADRES / ADDRESS:
E-POS / E MAIL:
TELEFOON / TELEPHONE:
SEL / CELL:
Is u lid van die Intergis? JA / NEE
Are you a member of the Intergis? YES / NO
Indien JA/ If Yes: INTENRGIS NR:……………………………………………………
NAAM VIR BELASTINGS FAKTUUR?
NAME FOR INCOME TAX INVOICE?
HANDTEKENING / SIGNATURE
DATUM / DATE
Elektroniese bank besonderhede / Electronic banking details
Rekening houer / Account holder: LNR:DVI
Naam / Name: STANDARD BANK
Tak / Branch: CENTURION
Takkode / Branch code: 012546
Rekening nommer / Account number: 410261610
VERWYSING / REFERENCE:
Shepherd
STUUR AFSKRIFTE VAN ELEKTRONISE INBETALINGS AAN:
SEND A COPY OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS TO:
LNR:DVI
Privaatsak X 529
Middelburg
5900
TELEFOON / TELEPHONE:
049 842 2563
FAKS / FAX:
049 842 1343
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