Interpretation and visualisation of data from dairy herds. Issue 5 (31st May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hermans, Kristof; Opsomer, Geert; Waegeman, Willem; Moerman, Sander; De Koster, Jenne; Van Eetvelde, Mieke; Van Ranst, Bonifacius; Hostens, Miel
• Is Part Of: In practice. Volume 40:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2018-05-31
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Periodicals; Periodical; Electronic journals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1136/inp.k2166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-841X

Abstract

Abstract : Vets often use key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the actual performance status of a dairy herd. Basic knowledge of data analysis is necessary to interpret these KPIs correctly, but unfortunately vets often lack the training and knowledge required to do this. This article aims to make vets aware of common data interpretation errors and discusses four data misinterpretation pitfalls – variation, momentum, lag and bias – as well as introduces the concept of data visualisation, such as the use of graphs and charts, to help vets avoid these pitfalls.