A decision support system for evaluating mastitis information.

A data-driven decision support system, MAST, was developed to summarize systematically the DHI data related to mastitis. MAST determines weaknesses and problems of a mastitis control strategy by pinpointing problem areas, highlighting the scope of the mastitis problem, providing reference values for comparison, offering potential solutions to problem areas, and monitoring changes in the control strategy. Advantages of a DHI data-driven system include accuracy of input data, fast execution speeds, access to untapped information available in DHI data, and a consistent analysis of data. An on-farm decision support system allows the evaluation of the mastitis control strategy at any time, which in turn increases the value of DHI information. The sequence of the graphical results allows users to understand intuitively the overall mastitis problems, find the potential origins, and assess their impact on the herd. Color-coded graphs with supplementary text allow for a rapid analysis of level and trends over time, as well as comparisons among parities, lactation stages, and active and culled cows.