Data management

Two sets of animal numbers were recorded for each animal. These corresponded to a small metal tag and a larger plastic tag attached to the animal's ear. It was important for an animal to be given two ear tags since sometimes an animal loses one. The importance of double experimental unit identification is also addressed in Case Study 5 in relation to Napier grass experimentation.

An animal's weight, PCV and trypansomal (or parasitaemic) status (negative or positive) was then written alongside. When microscopic examination found the blood sample to be infected the species of trypanasome was also recorded (see Video 1).

An animal was treated when it was infected and had a PCV below 26% or when the farmer requested treatment because the animal was sick. Details of the treatment were recorded on the data sheet.

Records of any calvings or births and disposals were recorded on a separate data sheet.