In order to perform a data backup for your device, you need a dual USB flash drive (2-in-1 USB stick) Type-C/USB 3.0 with a USB C connector and a USB A connector. Such a dual USB flash drive is delivered together with your device. You may also purchase such an USB flash drive from different vendors.

Dual USB flash drive (USB A / USB C)

Perform data backup

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Data management and select the submenu item Data backup afterwards. Now select the menu item Create backup and confirm with OK. You are now asked to insert an USB flash drive:
Insert the USB flash drive (C plug) into the connector at the bottom of the device.

Figure 2: Inserting the USB stick into the VitalControl
Once the device detected insertion of the USB stick, the data backup is automatically started. Collecting, compressing and writing the backup data may take a minute or longer. When the backup is done, a success message is displayed:
The data backup is now created. You will find the created file backup.vcu in the directory backup on your USB flash drive. The backup file requires approx. 1 MB of storage space on the flash drive.
Hint
If a file backup.vcu already exists in the backup directory of your USB flash drive, this file will be renamed. The new name of the file is composed of the leading string backup and the date and time when the backup file was created (e.g. backup_2023-07-17_12-50-37.vcb). The newly written backup file is always named backup.vcu.
The created backup file can be used to restore the stored data to any VitalControl device if needed.

2.2 - Restoring a data backup

Via a data restore, the entire data of a VitalControl device can be restored on a different device using a backup file.

Required accessory

In order to restore a data backup to you VitalControl device, you need a dual USB flash drive (2-in-1 USB stick) Type-C/USB 3.0 with a USB C connector and a USB A connector. Such a dual USB flash drive is delivered together with your device. You may also purchase such an USB flash drive from different vendors.

Dual USB flash drive (USB A / USB C)

On this USB flash drive, a directory backup must exist, which must held a valid data backup file backup.vcu.

USB-flash drive with backup file VitalControl

Note

Inside the directory backup of your USB flash drive, you may find several backup files with extension .vcu. The VitalControl device always restores the backup data form the file named backup.vcu, which is always the newest file. If you want to restore data from an older backup file (which contains the backup date in the file name), you have to rename this older backup file to backup.vcu before performing data restore!

Data restoration to VitalControl device

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of the VitalControl device to which you want to restore the data.
Invoke the submenu Data management and select the submenu item Data backup afterwards. Now select the menu item Restore backup and confirm with OK. You are now asked to insert an USB flash drive:
Insert the USB flash drive (C plug) into the connector at the bottom of the device.
Once the device detected insertion of the USB stick, a confirmation window appears. Acknowledge this popup with Yes to start the data restore. Decompressing and restoring the backup may take a minute or longer. When the data restore is complete, a success message is displayed:
Backup data were successfully restored to VitalControl device.

3 - Chain of actions: setup and usage

Perform multiple animal actions subsequently

Chain of actions

The action chain allows you to automatically carry out several actions for an animal one after the other. For example, you can select the actions Temperature and Rating. If you then carry out the chain of actions, you can take your animal’s temperature first and record the rating immediately afterwards.

Use chain of actions

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Chain of actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or confirm with OK and use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to enter the desired animal ID.
The chain of actions is now executed. As soon as all actions in the action chain have been carried out, the next animal can be selected directly.

VitalControl: Menu chain of actions

Set chain of actions

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Chain of actions and press the OK button.
Use the button F2 (Settings).
An overlay screen pops up. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to choose between the listed actions 1 - 4 (you can perform up to four actions in a row). Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired action for the respective action. Save the settings with the F1 key .
If you want to reset the entire action chain, select the option Reset chain of actions in the submenu using the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK.

Hint

Within the individual actions you have the same setting options as described in the chapter Actions for each individual action.

Hint

The symbols in the start screen of the action chain show which actions you have set and in which order.

4 - Data exchange with automatic calf feeder, farm PC and third-party software products

Several coupling options exist for the VitalControl device for efficient data exchange with other hardware and software solutions.

4.1 - VCSynchronizer: base software for data synchronisation

Application to synchronize data between VitalControl and third-party applications.

VCSynchronizer version 0.9.12, released 2025-17-04

Download VCSynchronizer

4.1.1 - Installation

How to install VCSynchronizer software on your Windows PC

Download the installation file for VC Synchronizer software.
Note
The downloaded installer can be used for a new installation as well as for an updating an already existing VC-Synchronizer installation to a newer version. In both cases the installation process is identical.
Start the installation of the program by double-clicking the downloaded file SetupVitalControlSynchronizer.exe.
New installation only: a language selection window opens, leave the selection English as is and click OK to start the installation.
Click Next on the welcome screen of the installer. Then accept the given license terms.
In the screen for component selection, leave options unchanged and press Next. On the next screen, leave the suggested destination folder unchanged and press Install.
Click Next on the screen that informs you about installation success. On the final screen, press Complete without selecting any of the options offered`.
VCSynchronizer software is now installed on your computer.

4.1.2 - Importing animals from the official national animal database

Import the animals of your herd from the national animal database of your country into VitalControl.

Attention

Importing animals from the national animal database is currently available for German farmers only. With future firmware versions of VitalControl, we plan to make animal import function available for other countries, too.

4.1.3 - Export of birth notifications to national animal identification service

Export births recorded with VitalControl to a CSV file, which can be used for mass reporting of recorded births to national animal identification service.

4.1.4 - Maintenance and troubleshooting

Maintenance related topics and functions that are helpful for troubleshooting.

4.2 - Export of animal and measurement data to the farm management PC

Export animal data and measurement values from VitalControl device into several CVS files

Proceed as follows to export data from VitalControl to a mass storage device of your PC:

Connect VitalControl to PC

Connect the VitalControl device to your computer or laptop via the supplied USB cable.
Make sure your VitalControl device is turned on.

Perform data export

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu
Windows 11 only: Click the All Apps button
In the list of your installed applications, scroll down to the letter U. There you should find a menu entry Urban VitalControl. If necessary, expand this entry so that all submenu entries are displayed.
Attention
If you cannot find the entry Urban VitalControl in your applications list, you may have to install the software VCSynchronizer on your PC first.
Click on the menu item Data export (CVS).
The export process is started. Once data export is finished, an Explorer window opens which displays the local data directory with the four newly created export files.
Note
You can open each of these four export files in a spreadsheet program of your choice (such as Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc) and perform advanced analysis of the data there. As an example, the view of the table animals.csv in a spreadsheet program is shown below:

4.3 - Synchronisation with automatic calf feeder Alma Pro

Import all animals from the feeder to the VitalControl device and transfer recorded temperatures, weights and animal ratings to the feeder.

4.3.1 - One-time activation and configuration of VitalControl device in the settings of the automatic feeder

Before using the VitalControl for the first time, you must activate and properly configure it once in the settings of Alma Pro feeder.

To activate and set up the VitalControl device, proceed as follows:

Navigation to settings menu `VitalControl`

Attention

To be able to activate and set up the VitalControl device, you must be logged in to the feeder in the user role Site Manager. Otherwise, some of the buttons shown and described below will not be visible to you.

In the left-hand side icon list of the touchscreen terminal, click on the bottom button Settings ➀ . If you are in the main menu where no sidebar is visible, press the button Feeder to display the sidebar.
In the bottom icon bar of the touchscreen terminal, click on the second button from the left Settings Touchscreen terminal ➁.
A list of menu items now appears in the left half of the centre screen. Click on the bottom button Accessories ➂.
One (or more) menu item(s) will now appear in the right-hand half of the centre screen. Click on the top button VitalControl ➃. The button now changes position and is shown in the left half of the centre screen.
The button Open settings ➄ is now displayed in the bottom of the right-hand side of the centre screen. Click on this button to open a pop-up window in which page 1 of the settings menu VitalControl is shown.

Settings menu VitalControl: callup — Screenshot 1: Calling up the settings menu VitalControl

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 1

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 2

4.3.2 - Data synchronisation between VitalControl and Alma Pro

Synchronise the animals stored on VitalControl device with animals registered on the automatic feeder and transfer measured values recorded with VitalControl device to the feeder for evaluation purposes and better visualisation.

To carry out synchronisation between the Alma Pro automatic feeder and the VitalControl device, proceed as follows:

Open USB port

Use a small screwdriver to loosen the locking screw on the flap of the USB port and fold it down:
Figure 1: Open USB port

Connect VitalControl

Switch on the VitalControl device by pressing the top centre On/Off button .
Connect the USB-C socket of the VitalControl device using the USB cable supplied with the USB-A socket of the touchscreen .
Figure 2: Connecting VitalControl to Alma Pro

Start synchronization

Attention
In order to start the synchronization of the VitalControl device, you must be logged on to the machine in the user role Site Manager. Otherwise, the Synchronize button in the Synchronization menu is disabled.

In the left side bar of the touch terminal, click the second button from the top Feeder . If you are in the main menu where no sidebar is visible, press the button Feeder to open the feeder menu.
In the right sidebar of the touchscreen terminal, below the symbol(s) for the connected feeder(s), the symbol for the VitalControl device is now displayed. Click on this symbol.
Attention
If the symbol for the VitalControl device in the right sidebar not displayed, the device is still deactivated in the settings. In this case, follow the instructions for one-time activation of the device.
The synchronization screen will now appear. Click on the button Synchronize in the middle at the bottom to start synchronization with the VitalControl device.
Figure 3: Synchronization of VitalControl with Alma Pro automatic feeder
Attention
If many animals need to be transferred, synchronization can take some time. You can see the synchronization progress on the display of the VitalControl device.
Figure 4: Synchronization VitalControl Alma Pro, progress indicator

Close USB port

After successful synchronization, unplug the USB cable from the USB port on the touchscreen. Fold the protective cover of the port back up and secure it by tightening the locking screw using a small screwdriver.
Figure 5: Close USB port again
Note
Make sure to close the flap of the USB port after each synchronization to prevent moisture from entering the port and to protect the port from the corrosive air present in your barn!
Figure 6: Mandatory closing of USB port

4.4 - Data linkage with management software DSP Herde Plus or Beef

Record temperatures, weights and health data easily with VitalControl device and import the recorded data into the Herde software.

4.4.1 - Setup of Technology VitalControl:

Define the synchronisation parameters for data exchange between the software Herde and the VitalControl device.

Prior to the first data exchange, the technology coupling to the VitalControl device must be created and set up once.

Attention

Before setting up the technology coupling, check whether the ‘VCSynchronizer’ software is installed on your PC; this software is mandatory for data exchange. To do so, open the Windows Start menu and search the in list of your applications in for an entry named ‘Urban VitalControl’ there. If you can’t find such an entry, install the VCSynchronizer software on your PC.

To set up the technology, proceed as follows:

Create new parameter set for data exchange with VitalControl device

Within the software Herde, open the Settings window. Depending on the configuration of your user interface, you can open this window via the menu item Organization in the main menu (top level item Settings), in the sidebar menu or in your customized toolbox (horizontal or vertical).
A pop-up window Settings opens, in whose left sidebar numerous setting categories are listed. Open the category Service ➊ and select the subcategory Technology ➋.
In the header of the right-hand main area, a dropdown now appears in which all defined technology parameter sets are listed. The number of set up technologies is shown to the right. Click on the button Create new technology parameter set ➌.
Another pop-up window opens. Enter VitalControl as Name of the connection and Urban VitalControl (Gen 2) as Type of Technology and then click the Accept button.
.
The parameter set for technology VitalControl is now created and must be configured in the next steps.

Configuration: Basic settings

Initially, the tab Basic settings is selected in the screen displayed, as shown in the figure below. Make adjustments there in the categories External program ➊, Animal data ➋, Locations ➌ and Leaving ➍ according to your farm-specific conditions.

Software Herde: Configuration of basic settings .

Category `External program` ➊

In order to perform data exchange between VitalControl and Herde Plus, basic software VitalControl Synchronizer is needed as external helper program. For the correct function of this program, some adjustments have to be made in the category External program ➊.

Device name for data exchange:
By default this field is empty. However, it is recommended to enter the name of your computer here. To do so, press the icon Arrow down at the right end of the drop-down field. Your computer name will now be determined and displayed for selection inside the drop down list. Once the field is filled with your computer name and this setting is stored, data exchange can only be triggered from your computer from now on.
Execute in path: Please enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\Urban\VitalControl\Synchronizer into this input field. This is the absolute path to the program VitalControl Synchronizer (or more specifically to the file vcsynchronizer.exe). If the target directory for this program has been changed during the installation of the VCSynchronizer, please enter the selected target directory here.
Program HerdePlus 🡒 Technology:
This input field needs to be filled with the value vc_imp.bat. The correspondingly named batch file specifies the sequence of operations during data import.
Technology 🡒 Program HerdePlus:
This input field needs to be filled with the value vc_exp.bat. The correspondingly named batch file specifies the sequence of operations during data export.

Category `Animal Data` ➋

Further adjustments have to be made in the category ‘Animal data’ ➋ in order to get data exchange fully functional.

Animal number:
This setting determines which ID animals receive for display on VitalControl device:
- If you have assigned short IDs (Barn no., 2 to 6 digits) to your animals, you should select the value ‘Barn number’ here: the displayed ID of an animal on the VitalControl will then correspond to the barn number assigned to the animal.
- If you do not have assigned short ID numbers to your animals - this is common in the fattening sector, for example - then you should select the value Tag no. (5 digits) here. The displayed ID of an animal on VitalControl device will then correspond to the last 5 digits of the ID printed on the yellow ear tag of the animal.

Transmitter no.:
This setting determines the number expected for an animal during RFID scan:
- If you put a collar with a transponder on your animals or put an ear transponder on your animals -for example for identification at the automatic feeder-, you should select the value ‘Transponder’ here.
- If your animals or calves carry electronic ear tags encoded with the official national 15-digit identification number of your animal which will serve for the identification of the animal throughout its whole life, you should select the value ‘Tag no. (15 digits)` here.

Minimum age for transfer:
If 0 is entered as value for this input field, all animals will be transferred to the VitalControl device, regardless of their age. A value greater than 0 defines the minimum age (in days) for the animals to be transferred. For example, if only cows are to be transferred to the device, a value of 600 days (= 20 months) must be entered here as the minimum age.

Category `Locations` ➌

Use this category to exclude animals at certain locations from data transfer to the device. To do so, remove the checkmark from the location(s) for which you do not want to transfer the animals housed there to the device.

Category `Leaving` ➍

Tick the ‘Leaving in HERDEplus’ option here. This way you specify that animals that left the herd are also deleted from VitalControl device during synchronisation. Also tick the ‘Does not exist in stock’ option. This way you specify that animals on the VitalControl that are not known to Herde software are deleted from the VitalControl during synchronisation.

Configuration: Technology-specific settings

Next, click on the Technology-specific settings tab to determine the scope of the data exchange. It is recommended to check all check boxes listed there except for the checkbox Save import file after processing. The latter checkbox is meant for diagnostic purposes and should be selected only if demanded by service personnel.

Maximum age for transfer:
If 0 is entered here as the value, all animals will be transferred to the VitalControl device, regardless of their age. A value greater than 0 defines the maximum age (in days) for the animals to be transferred. If, for example, only calves are to be transferred to the device, a value of 90 days (= 3 months) must be entered here as the maximum age.
.

Save data exchange settings

Press the Save (F2) key after you have configured all configuration parameters appropriately. The parameter set for data exchange to VitalControl device is now saved and ready for use.
Perform a data exchange now to check whether the stipulated settings are valid so that you successfully can exchange data to and from VitalControl device.

4.4.2 - Data exchange between VitalControl and herd management software Herde

Synchronize the animals stored on VitalControl device with animals managed by Herde software and transfer measured values recorded with VitalControl device to Herde software.

Follow the steps below to synchronize data between the software Herde and VitalControl device:

Connect VitalControl to PC

Connect the VitalControl device to your computer or laptop via the supplied USB cable.
Make sure your VitalControl device is turned on.

Perform data exchange

Within the software Herde, perform a full data exchange. Depending on the configuration of your user interface, you can invoke this exchange via the menu item Full data exchange in the main menu (top level item Technology), in the sidebar menu or in your customized toolbox (horizontal or vertical).
A pop-up opens, listing the stipulated technology couplings in the sidebar to the left. Click on the button labeled VitalControl in order to start the data exchange:
On first time data exchange a warning appears, indicating that there are no animals registered on the VitalControl device yet. Acknowledge this notice with Yes. Data exchange is started then.
Data exchange is a two-step process: In the first step ➊ the animal data are transferred from software Herde to the VitalControl. In the second step ➋, measurement data collected with the VitalControl are transferred into software Herde. The number of imported data sets (animals, calvings, alerts and weights) is listed in the pop-up:
Successful completion of data exchange is signalled via a pop-up with a success message.
Attention
If many animals are registered on the VitalControl device, data exchange may take some time. The progress of the data transfer can be seen on the display of the device.

5 - Animal

View important information related to individual animals.

Animal

The individual animal function allows you to view important information about weight, temperature and rating for each individual animal. You always have the option of displaying the information as a graphic or as a list. To use the single animal function, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Animal and press the OK button.
An overview of the most important animal information opens. The upper edge of the screen shows you which animal you are currently viewing. Use the F3 key to choose between animal information , temperature , weight and rating .

VitalControl: Menu Animal

Hint

Within each information display you have the option of searching for an animal, setting a filter and switching to a graphical view. You can also switch between the individual animals at any time using the arrow keys ◁ ▷.

Set graphical view

Press the middle upper On/Off button in order to open a pop up menu. In this menu, you may choose between the functions Set filter, Search animal, or Graphical view.
Select Graphical view with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK.

VitalControl: Menu Animal

Search animal

Press the middle upper On/Off button in order to open a pop up menu. In this menu, you may choose between the functions Set filter, Search animal, or Graphical view.
Select Search animal with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to select the desired animal number and confirm with OK

Set filter

Press the middle upper On/Off button in order to open a pop up menu. In this menu, you may choose between the functions Set filter, Search animal, or Graphical view.
Select Set filter with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK. You can get instructions on how to use the filter here.

VitalControl: Menu Animal

6 - Export of animal data and measurement values

Export animal data and measurement values on the VitalControl to CVS data files.

6.1 - Data export to USB flash drive

Export CVS data files containing animal data and measurement values stored on the VitalControl device to a USB flash drive.

Required accessory

In order to perform an export of your device data, you need a dual USB flash drive (2-in-1 USB stick) Type-C/USB 3.0 with a USB C connector and a USB A connector. Such a dual USB flash drive is delivered together with your device. You may also purchase such an USB flash drive from different vendors.

Dual USB flash drive (USB A / USB C)

Perform data export

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Data management, select the menu item Animal data and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Select the menu item Export animal data (csv) and confirm with OK.
You are now asked to insert an USB flash drive:
Insert the USB flash drive (C plug) into the connector at the bottom of the device.
Once the device detected insertion of the USB stick, data export is automatically started. Writing the backup data may take a few seconds. When the data export finished, a success message is displayed:
Data export is now complete. You will find the four created export files inside the directory export-csv on your USB flash drive.
Notes
- To prevent accidental overwriting of export files, the file name of each export file always includes the date and time when the file was created. Be sure to use the latest version of the export files if you have exported animal data multiple times.
- The file size of the export files depends on the number of animals on the VitalControl and on the number of measurements performed. In general, the export files only occupy a few kB of storage space on the USB stick.

6.2 - Data export to a mass storage device of your PC using the VCSynchronizer software

Export CVS files with animal data and measured values of the VitalControl device to the mass storage of a computer.

6.3 - Structure and content of the exported CSV data files

Description of the structure and content of the four data files created during the export.

General information

When exporting animal data, regardless of whether to the USB flash drive or to a local mass storage device on the PC, four export files are generated in each case:

Animal data (animals.csv)
Body temperature data (temperatures.csv)
Weight data (weights.csv)
Animal ratings (ratings.csv)

All four files are human readable CSV text files. The files are encoded in UTF-8 format, semicolons (;) are used as column separators. The individual data fields are not enclosed in quotation marks. Each row of the respective table represents an animal data set or a measurement or assessment performed on an animal.

Further processing of exported data

You can open each of these four export files in a spreadsheet program of your choice (such as Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc) and perform advanced analysis of the data there. As an example, the view of the table animals.csv in a spreadsheet program is shown below:

Exported animal data, opened in a spreadsheet program

Description of data files

The following four sections describe each of the exported data files in detail:

Animal data (`animals.csv`)

File name animals.csv
Description General animal data
Number of columns 6

Each row of the animal data table represents one animal stored on the VitalControl. An exemplary animal data table thus has the following appearance:

National-ID-Animal;Farm-ID-Animal;Transponder-ID;DateOfBirth;Sex;BirthWeight-Kg
276000312341001;1001;276000312341001;2023-07-03;F;
276000312341002;1002;276000312341002;2023-07-04;F;40.8
276000312341003;1003;276000312341003;2023-07-05;F;38.3
…

The following table lists and describes each column of the animal data table:

Column	Name of column	Description	Comments
1	`National-ID-Animal`	Official national animal number	15 digits according to ISO1174/85, maybe not recorded
2	`Farm-ID-Animal`	Management number	2- to 6 digits, often equal to number at collar
3	`Transponder-ID`	Transponder number	may be missing , may be identical with national animal ID
4	`DateOfBirth`	Date of birth	Format: `YYYY-MM-TT` (`Year-Month-Day`)
5	`Sex`	Sex	Values: `M`: male, `F`: female, `?`: unknown
6	`BirthWeight-Kg`	Birth weight	Unit: `kilogram`, maybe not recorded / missing

If needed, you can also download the provided sample file animals.csv.

Body temperature data (`temperatures.csv`)

File name temperatures.csv
Description Temperature values, obtained by taking the rectal body temperature of animals.
Number of columns 5

Each line of the temperature data table represents a body temperature measurement performed on an animal with VitalControl device. An exemplary temperature table thus has the following appearance:

National-ID-Animal;Farm-ID-Animal;Date;Time;Temperature-Celsius
276000312341001;1001;276000312341001;2023-07-24;38.03
276000312341002;1002;276000312341002;2023-07-24;40.12
276000312341003;1003;276000312341003;2023-07-24;39.97
…

a The following table lists and describes each column of the export file containing the body temperature values:

Column	Name of column	Description	Comments
1	`National-ID-Animal`	15-digit number of measured animal	according to ISO1174/85, maybe not recorded
2	`Farm-ID-Animal`	Management number of measured animal	2- to 6 digits, often equal to collar number
3	`Date`	Date of temperature measurement	Format: `YYYY-MM-TT` (`Year-Month-Day`)
4	`Time`	Uhrzeit der Temperaturmessung	Format: `hh-mm-ss` (`hour:minute:second`)
5	`Temperature-Celsius`	Measured temperature value	Unit: `Grad Celsius`

If needed, you can also download the provided sample file temperatures.csv. The figure below shows this data file opened in a spreadsheet program.

Export file with body temperature values, opened in spreadsheet program

Weight data (`weights.csv`)

File name weights.csv
Description Weight values obtained by weighing animals
Number of columns 5

Each line of the weight table represents one weighing of an animal using the VitalControl device for recording the weight value. An exemplary weight table thus has the following appearance:

National-ID-Animal;Farm-ID-Animal;Date;Time;Weight-Kg
276000312341001;1001;276000312341001;2023-07-24;67.8
276000312341002;1002;276000312341002;2023-07-24;F;40.4
276000312341003;1003;276000312341003;2023-07-24;F;104.2
…

The following table lists and describes the individual columns of the table containing the animal weights:

Column	Name of column	Description	Comments
1	`National-ID-Animal`	15-digit number of weighed animal	according to ISO1174/85, maybe not recorded
2	`Farm-ID-Animal`	Management number of weighed animal	2- to 6 digits, often equal to collar number
3	`Date`	Date of weighing	Format: `YYYY-MM-TT` (`Year-Month-Day`)
4	`Time`	Time of weighing	Format: `hh-mm-ss` (`hour:minute:second`)
5	`Weight-Kg`	Weight value	Unit: `Kilogram`

If needed, you can also download the provided sample file weights.csv. The figure below shows this export file opened in a spreadsheet program.

Export file with animal weight values, opened in spreadsheet program

Animal ratings (`ratings.csv`)

File name ratings.csv
Description Animal ratings obtained by visually inspecting the animals
Number of columns 8

Each row of the animal ratings table represents the visual rating of an an animal evaluation performed with VitalControl. An exemplary table with animal rating has the following appearance:

National-ID-Animal;Farm-ID-Animal;Date;Time;ScoreCondition;ScoreFeedIntake;ScoreScours;ScoreRespiratory
276000312341001;1001;276000312341001;2023-07-24;Green;Yellow;Yellow;Green
276000312341002;1002;276000312341002;2023-07-24;Yellow;Yellow;Yellow;Red
276000312341003;1003;276000312341003;2023-07-24;Green;None;None;None
…

The following table lists and describes each column of the animal ratings table:

Column	Name of column	Description	Comments
1	`National-ID-Animal`	15-digit number of rated animal	according to ISO1174/85, maybe not recorded
2	`Farm-ID-Animal`	Management number of rated animal	2- to 6 digits, often equal to collar number
3	`Date`	Date of rating	Format: `YYYY-MM-TT` (`Year-Month-Day`)
4	`Time`	Time of rating	Format: `hh-mm-ss` (`hour:minute:second`)
5	`ScoreCondition`	Rating of general condition	Ratings: `Red`, `Yellow`, `Green`, `None`
6	`ScoreFeedIntake`	Rating of feed intake	Ratings: `Red`, `Yellow`, `Green`, `None`
7	`ScoreScours`	Rating of status concerning `Scours`	Ratings: `Red`, `Yellow`, `Green`, `None`
8	`ScoreRespiratory`	Rating of status `Respiratory diseases`	Ratings: `Red`, `Yellow`, `Green`, `None`

If necessary, you can also download the provided sample file ratings.csv. The figure below shows this file opened in a spreadsheet program.

Export file with animal ratings, opened in spreadsheet program

7 - Reset VitalControl device

Reset settings on VitalControl device and/or delete all animal data.

7.1 - Reset VitalControl device to factory settings

Restoring default values on your VitalControl device by performing a factory reset.

Performing a factory reset

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Data management, navigate to the menu entry Factory reset. Leave the suggested option All device and animal data unchanged.
Press the OK button to trigger the factory reset. Now a pop-up with a security question appears. Confirm with Yes here.
Settings are reset to factory defaults and a success message appears. A start-up menu appears, enter your language, date and time there.
Your VitalControl device is successfully reset to factory settings now.

7.2 - Erasing all animal data

Learn how to delete all animals and their data from your VitalControl device.

Erasing all animal data from device

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Data management, navigate to the menu entry Factory reset. Select the option Animal data only in this menu.
Press the OK button to trigger erasure of animals. Now a pop-up with a security question appears. Confirm with [i18n] Ja here.
Animal data are erased and a success message appears.
All animal data are now erased from VitalControl device. You can check the success of the erasure via the menu item Herd in the main menu:

7.3 - Reset of device data

Learn how to reset all device settings of the VitalControl device.

Resetting all device data

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Data management, navigate to the menu entry Factory reset. Select the option Device data only in this menu.
Press the OK button to trigger reset of all device data. Now a pop-up with a security question appears. Confirm with [i18n] Ja here.
Device data are reset and a success message appears. A start-up menu appears, enter your language, date and time there.
All device data of your VitalControl device are reset to factory settings now.

8 - Diagnosis of your device hardware

Diagnose the hardware components of your VitalControl device, especially your RFID scanner.

8.1 - Checking the hardware components of your VitalControl device

Check the hardware components of your VitalControl device, especially if you suspect a hardware defect.

If there is a malfunction on your device, you should first perform a hardware check to clarify whether any of the hardware components is defective.

Check the hardware of your device

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Service, select the menu item Check device drivers and confirm with OK.

The device now lists all hardware components of the device, together with their status. Ideally, all components listed should show a green dot on the far right; this signals a functioning component. If a red dot is shown for a component, this indicates that the corresponding component is defective. In this case, the device must be returned to the manufacturer for service.

VitalControl: Menu path Check of hardware components

NOTE

If the status of all components is shown as as intact (green dots) and there is still a malfunction of the device, it may be a software defect. In this case, contact your local dealer or the manufacturer’s service hotline.

8.2 - RFID scan: range test and diagnosis of transponders

Check the range of your RFID scanner or show the reading protocol and the numbers stored on unknown transponders.

Using the menu ‘Range test’ you can determine whether VitalControl device can read transponders you have at hand. Besides checking compatibility, you can also conveniently determine the transmission protocol used by these transponders and display the number stored on the transponder.

Perform range test

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Service, select the menu item Range test and confirm with OK. An animated scan screen is displayed now.
Slowly approach your transponder to the reading head of the VitalControl device. To achieve a good reading result, the transponder must be aligned horizontally to the reading head of the VitalControl device.
As soon as the RFID scanner detects the transponder, a vibration alarm is triggered and the background color of the transponder image displayed on the screen changes to green:
Move the transponder back and forth several times at the border of the reading field. This way, you can determine the reading range of the RFID scanner in combination with the transponders you are using.

Transponder check

Performing the range test described above, you can obtain information on transponders from different origin, too:

Official transponder ear tags

If you use transponder ear tags for your animals, on which the officially assigned 15-digit ear tag number of the animal is encoded, the following information is displayed on the screen once the transponder was read:
- 15-digit ID official assigned to your animal from your national animal identification service.
- Country in which the business is located
- Country in which the business is located (German farms only)
- Transmission protocol used (FDX or HDX)

Transponders from third-party vendors

If you use transponders from third-party suppliers, such as Urban, for the electronic identification of your animals, the following information will be displayed on the screen once the transponder was read:
- ID encoded on transponder, number of digits varies depending on the manufacturer
- Manufacturer of the transponder (if stored on the transponder)
- Transmission protocol used (FDX or HDX)

9 - Applying a filter on an animal list

How to apply a filter on an animal list in order to display only a subset of the animals present on the device.

Applying filters

NOTE

The filter helps you to carry out a selection using filter criteria within the menu items Herd, Lists and Evaluation of the VitalControl device. As soon as you apply a filter, symbols for the various filter criteria appear at the top of the screen. These symbols are used to help you find out whether and which filter criteria are activated. For example, if you set the Sex filter to male, the device will only use male animals. For example, if you also activate the On watch filter, the device only uses male animals that are on the observation list.

To create a filter in the evaluations, proceed as follows:

In the submenu belonging to the top menu item Evaluation press the F3 key once. Inside the submenu belonging to the top menu items Lists and Herd, you have to press the key twice.
A submenu opens in which you can set all filter options. You can filter by Animal ID, Age, Sex, Transponder, National animal ID, Fever, On watch, Type of animal and Alarm.
For the filters Type of animal, Sex, Transponder and National animal ID navigate to the corresponding area and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to specify the desired setting. Use F3 key Apply to put the selected setting in place. To discard your filter changes, press F1 key .
For the filters Animal ID and Age select the corresponding criterion and confirm with OK. You will now be shown a lower and upper limit. Navigate to the desired limit using the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm by pressing OK twice. Now you can set the desired number using the arrow keys ◁ ▷ and arrow keys △ ▽. Once all settings are correct press OK again to leave the setting mode and apply the selected filter(s) with F3 key Apply. Using the F1 key , you can discard your changes if desired.
For the filters Fever, On watch and Alarm there is a possibility to disable or enable their application. To do this, select the corresponding filter and confirm with OK. The filter is now active. Confirm again with OK to deactivate the filter.
Once you have set all the filters, use the F3 key Apply to put the defined filters in place or press F1 key to discard your changes to the filter(s).

10 - Perform actions on the animal

Perform different animal actions.

Available actions

Depending on the animal type, you can perform up to 16 different actions for an animal.

Hint

Each action is identified by a symbol. Move the mouse pointer over a symbol in the graphic below and let it rest for a moment. A tooltip appears, presenting information about the respective action. If you click on one of the symbols, you will be forwarded to a description of the respective action.

General procedure

Within the menu Actions Actions you can select the next animal at any time without having to leave the menu item Actions. To select the next animal, proceed as follows:

Select the menu item Actions on the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm by pressing OK and select an animal using the arrow buttons △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu opens in which you will find icons for numerous animal actions. Use the arrow buttons to select the desired action and start the action by pressing the OK button. Depending on the action selected, one or more screens or a pop-up window will appear.
If desired, you can now select and execute another action for the current animal.
After you have carried out the desired action(s) for the animal, return to step 2 ‘Animal selection’. To do this, press the left-hand button F1 below the `Back symbol in the bottom left-hand corner of the footer.
The window from step two will open again automatically and you can select the next animal or return to the main menu by pressing the F1 button below the `Back symbol.

VitalControl: Menu Actions General procedure

10.1 - Measure temperature

Measure fever in your animals.

Measure fever

Use the temperature action to measure the temperature of your animals. Insert the measuring tip rectally to the specified measuring depth (for large animals the entire length up to the bulge, for small ruminants approx. 6 cm or 2/3 of the measuring tip). The measuring process runs automatically. As soon as the measurement process is complete, the device displays the measured temperature. The color coding indicates whether the temperature is in the green, yellow or red range. You have a number of options during the Take a temperature campaign:

Save the result to document the measurement animal-specifically
Put the animal on the Watch List. This makes it easier for you to check the repetitions, as you can call up these animals using the ‘observation list’ and thus find the conspicuous animals more easily.
Turn the Measurement Site Illumination on and off
The Repeat measurement
The Cancel Action

Hint

If the temperature is in the yellow area (“elevated”) or red area (“fever”), VitalControl automatically puts the selected animal on the alarm list. By correlating with other data, you can continuously monitor the health of the individual animal.

Preliminary steps

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. The action Temperature is automatically selected. Confirm with OK.
Now carry out the measurement. As soon as the measurement is completed, the temperature is highlighted in blue, green, yellow or red, depending on the threshold set.

VitalControl: Menu Actions Preliminary steps

Save result

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key or confirm with OK to save the result.

Put on the watch list

Complete the preliminary steps.
Press the middle upper On/Off button .
A popup menu opens in which you can select from the menu items Repeat measurement, Add to watch list or Flashlight. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Add to watch list and press the central OK key or the F3 key OK.

Lighting of the measurement location on and off

Complete the preliminary steps.
Press the middle upper On/Off button .
A popup menu opens in which you can select from the menu items Repeat measurement, Add to watch list or Flashlight. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Flashlight and press the central OK key or the F3 key OK.

Repeat the measurement

Complete the preliminary steps.
Press the middle upper On/Off button .
A popup menu opens in which you can select from the menu items Repeat measurement, Add to watch list or Flashlight. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Repeat measurement and press the central OK key or the F3 key OK.

Cancel the action

Complete the preliminary steps.
Press the F1 key to cancel the action.

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.2 - Record weight

Record the weight of your animals.

Record weight

Use the Weighing action to save the weight of your animal individually. To do this, weigh your animals or estimate their weight and enter this value in the VitalControl device. This allows you to check the weight development of your animals and evaluate them individually.

Hint

If the average weight deviates very strongly in one direction (too high/too low), the value for the daily increase should be adjusted.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the action Weighing and confirm with OK.
A menu opens with a weight specification. Increase or decrease this with the arrow keys △ ▽ and save the result with the F3 key or with the OK key.

VitalControl: Menu Action Weighing

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.3 - Rating

Rate your animals.

Rate your animals

When rating the animal, you document the condition of the individual animal. The condition is determined visually and recorded with the help of the traffic light system. In the basic assessment, only the general condition is recorded. In the extended evaluation you record the general condition, feed intake, consistency of faeces and respiratory diseases. You can either change the rating mode directly in the Rating action or you can define it in the settings.

Hint

A yellow or red evaluation means that VitalControl classifies the animal as conspicuous and puts it on the alarm list.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the action Rating and confirm with OK.
The rating menu opens. If you want to switch the rating mode, use the On/Off button and the arrow keys ◁ ▷. With the F1 key you get back to the evaluation menu.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select a state and save it with the F3 key or the OK key.
In advanced mode, use the F1 and F3 keys to switch between the rating parameters.

Hint

If you do not make a selection using the arrow keys ◁ ▷ but save directly using the F3 or OK key, VitalControl saves a neutral assessment, represented by a gray color.

Basic rating

VitalControl: Menu Actions Rating

Extended Rating

VitalControl: Menu Actions Rating

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.4 - Apply the chain of action

Applying and setting the chain of action.

10.5 - Alarm

Add and remove animals from the alarm list.

Alert

With the action Alarm you put animals on the alarm list or remove them from it. The alarm list helps you to find conspicuous animals more quickly and easily, making your daily routine checks easier. To apply the Alarm action, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the Alarm action and confirm with OK.
A notification appears that the animal was successfully added to the alarm list and the display for the animal in the header changes. The symbol indicates that this animal is on the alarm list.
You can remove the animal from the alarm list again by applying the Alarm action again. Whether you add or remove the animal from the alarm list by using the Alarm action is indicated with a small + or - sign.

VitalControl: Menu Actions Alarm

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.6 - On watch

Put animals on the on-watch list or remove them.

On watch

With the action On watch you put animals on the on-watch list or remove them from it. The on-watch list helps you to find conspicuous animals more quickly and easily, making your daily routine checks easier. To apply the On watch action, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the On watch action and confirm with OK.
A notification appears that the animal was successfully added to the on-watch list.
You can remove the animal from the on-watch list again by applying the On watch action again. Whether you add or remove the animal from the on-watch list by using the On watch action is indicated with a small ⊕ or ⊖ sign.

VitalControl: Menu Actions On watch

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.7 - Animal history

View an animal’s history.

Animal History

The animal history gives you an overview of the data recorded so far and the development of the selected animal. You are free to choose the information displayed. You can also choose whether the history should be displayed as a table or as a diagram. The animal history helps you to see if and when these animals were conspicuous the last time. It also helps to create transparency if several people carry out the animal inspection.

To view the animal history, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Animal’s history and confirm with OK.
The information that was set last is now displayed. Use the F3 key to open the selection menu for the information pages.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired information page. Confirm with the F3 key or with the OK key.
The selected information page will be presented to you.
Use the middle On/Off button to switch between the list and graph display .

VitalControl: Menu Action Animal history

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.8 - Edit animal data

Edit data of the selected animal.

Edit animal data

The action Edit Edit allows you to change the animal data of the selected animal directly. This function makes it easier to correct the animal data if, for example, it becomes apparent during the animal inspection that the gender has been saved incorrectly. You can change the following data:

Type of animal
Sex
Birth weight
Breed
Whereabouts
National animal ID
ID
Multiples
Date of birth
Calving ease

To change the animal data, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Edit and confirm with OK.
A list with the animal data opens. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired change option.
For the data Type of animal, Sex, Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts, Multiples and Calving ease use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to make the desired change.
For the data ID and Date of birth select them with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the corresponding number and the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to navigate within the number fields.
Save the change with the F3 key.

VitalControl: Menu Action Edit animal data

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.9 - Unregister animal

Unregister an animal

Warning

As soon as you delete the animal data record, it is no longer available for evaluation purposes! If you deregister an animal, but want for example evaluate the animal’s development again afterwards, you must retain the animal data record!

Unregister

The action Unregister allows you to deregister an animal as soon as it is moved out. To deregister an animal, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Unregister and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can save various settings. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
Use the key F3 Unregister to deregister the animal with the specified settings.

VitalControl: Menu Action Unregister

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.10 - Link transponder

Assign a transponder to an animal

Warning

This action is not enabled by default! Activate this as described in action settings.

Link transponder

With this action you can assign a transponder to an animal that hasn’t yet been assigned a transponder.

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Select the desired animal from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Link transponder and confirm with OK.
Now scan the transponder that you want to assign to the animal.
The transponder was successfully assigned to the animal.

VitalControl: Menu Action Link transponder

10.11 - Animal loss

Animal loss

The action Animal loss allows you to register an animal loss. To register an animal loss, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan an animal using the transponder or select an animal from the list. Confirm with OK and select an animal with the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Animal loss and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can save various settings. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
Use the F3 key to deregister the animal with the specified settings.

VitalControl: Menu Action Animal loss

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.12 - Unlink transponder

Remove the transponder link to an animal

Warning

This action is not enabled by default! Activate this as described in action setting.

Unlink transponder

With this action you can detach a transponder that has already been assigned to an animal from this animal.

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan the animal with the desired transponder or select the animal with the transponder from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Unlink transponder and confirm with OK.
The transponder was successfully detached from the animal.

VitalControl: Menu Action Unlink transponder

10.13 - Calving

Hint

This function is only displayed for cows, but not for calves or lambs. If you don’t need this function, you can deactivate it in the action settings menu.

Register a calving

As soon as you have entered the action menu, select the menu item Calving Calving and confirm with OK. Proceed as described in the instructions Registration of a calving.

VitalControl: Menu Actions Calving

10.14 - Dry off

Dry off a cow or add her to the fresh cows list

Dry off

Hint

Depending on the initial status of the cow, you can either dry the animal and add it to the dryer list, or you can mark the animal as a fresh milker and thus add it to the fresh milker list. The distinction between the functions is made clear by a plus symbol or a minus symbol.

Dry off a cow

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan the transponder of the animal without the national animal ID or select the animal from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Dry off and confirm with OK.
The animal was successfully marked as dry.

VitalControl: Menu Actions Dry off

Mark as lactated

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan the transponder of the animal without the national animal ID or select the animal from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Dry off and confirm with OK.
The animal was successfully marked as lactated.

VitalControl: Menu Actions Mark as lactated

Hint

If this action is not available, the action has probably been deactivated! Activate the action in the action settings menu. Alternatively, resetting all actions will bring that action back up.

10.15 - Link animal ID

Assign a national animal ID to an animal that does not have a national animal ID

Warning

This action is not enabled by default! Activate this as described in action settings.

Link animal ID

To assign a national animal ID to an animal that does not have a national animal ID, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan the transponder of the animal without the national animal ID or select the animal from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Link animal ID and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens with all the setting options for the animal data. The setting option National animal ID is automatically selected. Confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to set the national animal ID. Confirm again with OK.
Save the settings and return to the main menu Actions using the F3 key.

VitalControl: Menu Action Link animal ID

Link animal ID with electronic ear tag scan

To assign a national animal ID to an animal that has an electronic ear tag, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Either scan the transponder of the animal without the national animal ID or select the animal from the list. To do this, confirm with OK and select the animal ID using the arrow keys △ ▽. Confirm with OK.
A submenu with the animal actions opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the action Link animal ID and confirm with OK.
Now scan the electronic ear tag.
The animal has been successfully assigned an national animal ID.

VitalControl: Menu Action Link animal ID

10.16 - Action settings

Set the menu items for the Action menu and set the chain of actions

In this settings menu you determine which actions are displayed to you within the Actions Actions menu.

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Use the On/Off button either directly or scan an animal beforehand.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Menu items and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens with all the actions you can display. Select the desired action using the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK. The action will now be displayed or no longer displayed to you, depending on its initial status. A yellow circle marks actions that are shown, a gray circle marks actions that aren’t shown.
If you would like to Enable all + reset order, select the corresponding menu item using the arrow keys and confirm with OK.
Save the settings and use the F1 key to return to the Actions menu.

Chain of actions

In this settings menu you set the Chain of actions.

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Actions and press the OK button.
Use the On/Off button either directly or scan an animal beforehand.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Chain of actions and confirm with OK.
Further instructions can be found here.

11 - Device

Device and process settings for your VitalControl device

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

11.1 - Data management

Run data backups, export your data and reset the device

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

11.1.1 - Data backup

Run data backups

11.1.1.1 - Create backup

The instructions for creating a backup can be found here

11.1.1.2 - Restore backup

The instructions for restore a backup can be found here

11.1.2 - Animal data

Export your animal data

11.1.2.1 - Export animal data

All information and instructions for exporting animal data can be found here

11.1.2.2 - Unregister animal

Deregister animals from your VitalControl.

Unregister animals

Deregister animals from your VitalControl that have either exceeded an age limit or have not been assigned a transponder. Proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, open the menu Device.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the Data management item and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the Animal data item and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the item Unregister animals.
Use the arrow buttons ◁ ▷ to select whether you want to deregister the animals Older than {1} days or No transponder assigned. The “Count” item shows you how many animals will be deregistered. Confirm your selection with OK.
Confirm the security pop-up with the F3 button.
The animals were successfully deregistered.

VitalControl: Menu Device Data-management Animal-data

11.1.3 - Factory reset

All information and instructions for resetting the device and the animal data can be found here

11.2 - Info

View important software and hardware information

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

11.2.1 - Serial number

To retrieve the serial number of your device click here

Get serial number

To retrieve the serial number of your device, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens with several menu items. Select Info and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Select Serial number and confirm with OK.
The serial number will now be displayed.

11.2.2 - Software

The instructions for viewing your software version can be found here

11.2.3 - Hardware information

To access the hardware information of your device click here

Get hardware information

To retrieve the hardware information of your device, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens with several menu items. Select Info and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Select Hardware and confirm with OK.
The hardware information will now be displayed.

11.2.4 - Menu "About"

Call up vendor information

To retrieve the hardware information of your device, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens with several menu items. Select Info and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens. Select About and confirm with OK.
The vendor information will now be displayed.

11.3 - Service

Check your device drivers, update your firmware and perform a range test

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

11.3.1 - Check device drivers

The instructions for checking your device drivers can be found here

11.3.2 - Update your firmware

The instructions for updating your firmware can be found here

11.3.3 - Range test

The instructions for carrying out a range test can be found here

11.4 - Temperature measurement

Test your device’s temperature measurement

Test temperature measurement

Here you can test the temperature measurement of your device without saving the measurement for an animal. To carry out the test, proceed as follows:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens with several menu items. Select Temp. measurements and confirm with OK.
Now carry out the measurement.

11.5 - Turn flashlight on or off

Turn the light on your VitalControl device on or off

Activate and deactivate light

Here you can activate or deactivate the light on your VitalControl device. If you activate the light, it lights up permanently.

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens with several menu items. Select Flashlight and confirm with OK or use the F3 (On) key.
The light is now activated. This setting is symbolized by a yellow circle. Confirm again with OK or use the F3 (Off) key to deactivate the light.

12 - Lists

Check the lists of your animals

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

12.1 - Alarm list

Check out your alarm list.

Alarm list

On the alarm list you will find all animals that you have either manually added to the list or all animals that were in the yellow or red range when the temperature was measured. The list helps you to keep an overview of all conspicuous animals. Also, for each animal on the list, you can do the following:

The alarm list is structured as follows:

VitalControl Lists Alarm list

Symbol	Description
	Shows how many animals are on the list
	Shows whether the selected animal is a calf or a cow. The clinical thermometer shows whether the animal was in the yellow or red zone at the last measurement. The animal ID is displayed below the symbol.
	The last recorded rating is shown below the symbol with the colors of the traffic light system
	The last fever measurement recorded is shown below the symbol with the colors of the traffic light system
	The circle mark below the symbol shows that the animal is on the watch list

Preliminary Steps

Select the Lists menu item in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various list icons are displayed. Highlight the icon Alarm and confirm with OK.
The alarm list is now open.

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Full action menu and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The Actions menu will open automatically. The handling of the actions can be found here.

Animal data

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Animal data and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal data will now be displayed.

Take temperature

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Take temperature and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The Measure temperature function is now started automatically.

Rate animal

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Rate animal and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The Rate animal function is now started automatically.

Clear alarm

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Clear alarm and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now removed from the alarm list.

Toggle watch status

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Toggle watch status and select the action by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Within the alarm list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now added or removed from the watch list depending on its initial status.

Search animal

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the function Search animal and invoke the search function by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to select the desired animal ID. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.

Set filter

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the function Set filter and invoke the filter function by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
Set the desired filter. You can find how to use the filter here.

12.2 - On watch list

Check out your on watch list.

On watch list

On the watch list you will find all animals that you have manually added to the list. The list helps you to keep an overview of the animals you have rated as conspicuous. Also, for each animal on the list, you can do the following:

Hint

Some actions are to be carried out in the same way as in the Alarm list. These are not explained here. Carry out the preliminary steps and use the link of the respective action to get to the instructions.

The alarm list is structured as follows:

VitalControl Lists On watch list

Symbol	Description
	Shows how many animals are on the list
	Shows whether the selected animal is a calf or a cow
	The last recorded rating is shown below the symbol with the colors of the traffic light system
	The last fever measurement recorded is shown below the symbol with the colors of the traffic light system
	A circle mark below the symbol indicates that the animal is on the alarm list

Preliminary Steps

Select the Lists menu item in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various lists are displayed. Select the list On watch. Confirm with OK.
The list On watch is now open.

Remove from watch list

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Remove from watch list and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the on watch list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now removed from the watch list.

Toggle alarm status

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Toggle alarm status and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the on watch list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now added or removed from the alarm list depending on its initial status.

12.3 - Action list

Check out your on action list.

Action list

Within the action list you can see the animals for which no action has been taken for six hours. The following setting options are also available:

Hint

Some actions are to be carried out in the same way as in the alarm list. These are not explained here. Carry out the preliminary steps and use the link of the respective action to get to the instructions.

Preliminary Steps

Select the Lists menu item in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various list icons are displayed. Highlight the icon Action list and confirm with OK.
The action list is now open.

Weigh animals

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Weigh animal and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the action list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The weigh animals menu will open automatically.

Chain of action

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Chain of actions and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the action list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The action chain function will open automatically.

Link transponder

This function is used to add a transponder to the data record of animals that have not been assigned a transponder yet.

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Link transponder and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the action list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
Now scan in the transponder of the corresponding animal.

Hide after action

If this function is activated, the animals for which an action has been performed will be hidden from the action list. If this function is deactivated, animals worked off will remain visible in the list.

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the option Hide after action and toggle this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
The Hide after action function is now enabled/disabled. Activation is indicated via a check mark inside the box.

12.4 - Fresh cows list

Facilitate the control of your fresh cows.

Fresh cows list

Explanation

When managing fresh cows, checking the animals daily for several days after birth is considered a best practices routine. The fresh cows list supports facilitates this fresh cow control, especially in terms of temperature recording. For each animal, a column chart over all days of the control period is shown, each day of the control period is represented by a vertical bar. Depending on the colour of the bar (green, yellow or red), you can see whether a normal, elevated or critically elevated temperature was measured on that day for the respective animal.

Cows are put on the fresh cows list immediately after their calving has been registered. They remain on that list for a certain period of time, the length of this period (in days) can be adjusted in the settings. The following actions are available for this list:

Hint

Preliminary Steps

Select the Lists menu item in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various lists are displayed. Select the Fresh cows list . Confirm with OK.
The fresh cows list is now open.

Toggle alarm status

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Toggle alarm status and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the fresh cows list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now added or removed from the alert list depending on its initial status.

Toggle watch status

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Toggle watch status and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the fresh cows list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The animal is now added or removed from the on watch list depending on its initial status.

Hide measured cows

If this function is activated, the animals for which a temperature measurement has been carried out are hidden on the dry cow list. If this function is not activated, the animals remain visible on the list.

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the option Hide measured cows and toggle this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the fresh cows list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
The function Hide measured cows is now activated. Activation is indicated by ticking the box.

12.5 - Dry cows list

Check out your dry cows list.

Dry cows list

On the list of dry animals you will find all animals that you have saved as dry animals. This list will help you keep track of your dry cows and carry out necessary actions on the animals. You can perform the following actions:

Hint

Preliminary Steps

Select the Lists menu item in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various lists are displayed. Highlight the icon Dry cows. Confirm with OK.
The dry cows list is now open.

Calving

Complete the preliminary steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the possible actions when pressing OK key. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the action Calving and select this option by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Within the action list, use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
You will now be asked to scan the mother animal’s transponder. Alternatively, you can also confirm with OK and enter the animal ID with the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷.
Now scan the calf’s transponder or skip this step with the F3 key ESC if the calf does not yet have a transponder. You can later assign this to the animal using the action Link transponder.
Another settings menu opens in which you can save various details about the new calf. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the appropriate setting option. For the setting options Type of animal, Sex, Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts, Multiples and Calving ease use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting. For the setting options National animal ID, ID and Date of birth select the corresponding setting option and confirm with OK. Now use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to select the desired numbers.
Save the settings with the F3 key .

13 - Registration of calvings and purchased animals

How to register new animals on VitalControl device.

Via the main menu item New animal New you get to a submenu, where 5 subitems are presented for selection:

Hint

Each submenu carries its own icon. Move the mouse pointer over an icon in the graphic above and let it rest for a moment. A tooltip appears, showing information for the selected submenu. If you click on one of the icons, you will be forwarded to a description of the selected sub-menu item.

13.1 - Registration of an animal loss

How to register the loss of an animal using the VitalControl device.

Record the loss of an animal

Hint

The animal loss function in this menu item is primarily used to record dead calves/lambs. The setting options are adapted accordingly and are not identical to the setting items in the menu Actions -> Unregister or Animal loss.

To record the loss of an animal, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New and press the OK button.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item Animal loss and confirm with OK.
Either scan the mother animal’s transponder or use the OK button. Enter the ID of the mother animal using the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can save the information about the animal. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting item.
For the settings Type of animal,Sex ,Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts, Multiples and Calving ease, use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
For the setting Date of birth use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽◁ ▷ to select the desired numbers. Finally, confirm with OK.
Save the settings and create the new animal with the F3 key .

Hint

Further information and setting options for creating new animals can be found here.

VitalControl: Menu path New animal loss

13.2 - Mass registration of a group of purchased animals

Use the barcode scanner to record a variety of animals.

Bulk-recording

With the help of mass registration, you can capture a large number of animals in a short time and save them to your device. Use the barcode scanner to scan the barcodes for the ear tag number and date of birth on the cattle passports. The animal is saved automatically and you can scan the next passport straight away. To perform mass registration of animals, proceed as follows:

Connect the barcode scanner to the VitalControl using the cable.
On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New and press the OK button.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item Bulk recording and confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens, which contains one field for the animal’ s ear tag number and another field for the animal’s date of birth. First scan the barcode for the ear tag number. The border of the field changes from red to green. Then scan the date of birth. The border briefly turns green before both borders appear red again. The counter beneath the passport symbol at the top of the screen is increased from 0 to 1. The first animal has been saved. Continue and scan the other cattle passports. After each passport scanned, the counter beneath on the passport symbol increases by one. The counter beneath the herd symbol also increases by one.

Hint

The counter beneath the passport symbol Animal passports

shows how many passes you have scanned in one go without leaving the Bulk recording screen. The counter beneath the herd symbol New animal

shows how many passports you have scanned in total. This counter does not reset to zero if you leave the Bulk recording screen. The number is equivalent to your entries in the menu item ‘Purchases’.

VitalControl: Menu ‘New - Bulk recording’

Hint

You have further setting options within the Bulk recording menu item. These are explained below. As preparatory steps, always first access the menu item Bulk recording and then proceed as in the instructions.

Hint

Error messages may appear during the scanning process. In this case, the barcode scanner emits a sound and further scanning is not possible. Acknowledge the corresponding error message on the VitalControl display and continue scanning.

Birth date mandatory

With this setting option you can determine whether the date of birth must be specified when creating the animals. If you deactivate this option, you only have to scan the barcode to save an animal. For these animals, however, the current date is then stored as the date of birth! This feature is enabled by default. To deactivate it, do the following:

Use the On/Off button to open the settings menu.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the setting option Birth date mandatory and confirm with OK.
The yellow circle symbolizes that the function is activated. A gray circle symbolizes that the function is deactivated.
Save the settings and use the F1 key to return to the menu item Bulk recording.

Default values

Within the Default values settings menu you set standards that apply to each animal you create. The process of creating with the barcode scanner remains unchanged as described above. You have the option of setting the type of livestock, gender, breed and whereabouts. To set the Default values, proceed as follows:

Use the On/Off button to open the settings menu.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Default values and confirm with OK.
A submenu opens with the different setting options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
Save the settings and use the F1 key to return to the menu item Bulk recording .

Recorded values

Within the Recorded values settings menu, you can specify which values should be captured in addition to the ear tag number and date of birth. You can choose between Breed, Sex, Whereabouts, Current weight, Birth weight and Type of animal. As soon as you set at least one value, the process changes during scanning. First scan the ear tag number and the date of birth. Then use the direction keys △ ▽ to select the values to be set and set the values. Then save your entries with the F3 key. Only then is the animal created! To set the values to be recorded, proceed as follows:

Use the On/Off button to open the settings menu.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Recorded values and confirm with OK.
Select the desired value to be recorded with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK. A yellow circle appears. If you want to deactivate the value to be recorded, confirm again with OK. The yellow circle disappears.
Save the settings and use the F1 key to return to the menu item Bulk recording.
If you would like to deactivate all the values to be recorded again, select the Enable all + reset order setting option in the menu item Recorded values and confirm with OK.

13.3 - Registration of a calving

How to register a new calving using VitalControl device.

Register a calving

To register a calving, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New and press the OK button.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item Calving and confirm with OK.
Give the ID of the dam, either via scan of the dam’s transponder or by pressing the OK button and entering the ID of the dam using the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ and confirming with OK. Now either scan the transponder of the newborn calf or use the F3 key ESC to continue without scanning. Use this function if the calf does not yet have a transponder. You can scan a transponder later on once it was attached to the animal.
Another submenu opens in which you can save information about the calf. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting item.
For the settings Type of animal,Sex ,Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts, Multiples and Calving ease, use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
For the settings National animal ID, ID and Date of birth use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽◁ ▷ to select the desired numbers. Finally, confirm with OK.
Save the settings and create the new animal with the F3 key .

Hint

Further information and setting options for creating new animals can be found here.

VitalControl: Menu path New Calving

13.4 - Registration of a new animal

How to register a new animal using the VitalControl device.

Create a new animal

To create a new animal, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New and press the OK button.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item New animal and confirm with OK.
Either scan the animal’s transponder or use the F3 ESC key to continue without a scanned transponder. You can use this function if the animal does not yet have a transponder. You can scan this later and assign it to the animal.
Another submenu opens in which you can save the information about the animal. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting item.
For the settings Type of animal,Sex ,Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts, Multiples and Calving ease, use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
For the settings National animal ID, ID and Date of birth use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽◁ ▷ to select the desired numbers. Finally, confirm with OK.
Save the settings and create the new animal with the F3 key .

Hint

Further information and setting options for creating new animals can be found here.

VitalControl: Menüfolge New New animals

13.5 - Registration of new animals

How to create multiple new animals on the VitalControl device using one single action.

Create several new animals

In this menu item you can register several new animals at once. In doing so, you set a basic setting that applies to all animals during this creation.

Warning

You can use this function if you want to register animals with a consecutive transponder and a consecutive ear tag number. Use the animal with the highest or lowest transponder and ear tag number to scan. Depending on your settings, VitalControl then continuously counts up or down the transponder and ear tag numbers of the next animals to be created.

To create several new animals, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New and press the OK button.
A submenu opens. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item New animals and confirm with OK.
Either scan the animal’s transponder or use the F3 ESC key to continue without a scanned transponder. You can use this function if the animal does not yet have a transponder. You can scan this later and assign it to the animal.
Another submenu opens in which you can save the information about the animals. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting item.
For the settings Type of animal,Sex ,Birth weight, Breed, Whereabouts and Number to be created use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting. With the Number to be created you determine how many new animals you want to create at once.
For the settings National animal IDand ID of first animal use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired setting option and confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽◁ ▷ to select the desired numbers. Finally, confirm with OK.
Save the settings and create the new animal with the F3 key .

Hint

Further information and setting options for creating new animals can be found here.

VitalControl: Menüfolge New New animals

14 - New on farm

Manage your new animals.

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

14.1 - New on farm, no transponder

Here you assign a transponder to new animals without a transponder.

New on farm, no transponder

In this list you will find all newly created animals with a maximum age of X days that have not yet been assigned a transponder. You can set the maximum age here. Once you have collected a transponder from these animals, you can search for the corresponding animal ID within the list and scan the associated transponder. The transponder is then automatically assigned to the animal and the animal is deleted from the list. To assign a transponder, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item New on farm, no transponder and confirm with OK.
A list opens with all animals that have been newly created but to which no transponder has yet been assigned. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. Use the On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
Now scan the animal’s transponder.
A transponder has been successfully added to the animal.

VitalControl: Menu New on farm, no transponder

Hint

As soon as you have assigned all animals, you have the option of being redirected to the menu item Purchased animals via the OK button. There you can create a CSV file for the access report in HI-Tier or HERDE-Mast.

VitalControl: Menu New on farm, no transponder

VitalControl: Menu New on farm, no transponder

Previous additional actions

You can use the previous additional actions to set which actions you want to perform before assigning the transponder. You can choose between measuring the temperature, assessing the animal and weighing the animal. The respective action is saved directly for the animal that you subsequently assign. Proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item New on farm, no transponder and confirm with OK.
Use the OK key to call up a popup. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to navigate to the F3 item.
Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to choose between Previous additional actions, Take temperature and Rate animal. Confirm with OK to activate the checkbox. A tick appears inside the checkbox to confirm that the action is activated. Confirm again with OK to deactivate the action. You can activate any number of actions at the same time.

Hint

The menu item OK informs you that assigning a transponder will always be the last action to be carried out as soon as you confirm an animal selection with OK in the menu item OK.

VitalControl: Menu New on farm, no transponder

You also have the option of selecting between New on farm, no transponder, Settings and Set filter in the pop-up. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the respective menu item and confirm with OK. The information for the menu item New on farm, no transponder can be found here, for Set filter here and for Settings proceed as in OK step 3.

14.2 - Purchased animals

Here you can view your current purchases and export the data.

Purchased animals

In this list you will find all the animals that you have created via bulk recording. You can export this list and thus register your additions directly in the herd management program DSP-Herde and in HI-Tier. Alternatively, you can delete all purchase notices.

Hint

To export data you need the included UBS stick. Connect the USB stick with the USB-C adapter to your VitalControl device before following the instructions.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item Purchased animals and confirm with OK.
A list opens with your purchases that you have registered via the bulk recording menu item.
Use the F2 key CSV export.
The CSV message list is now saved on your USB stick.

Options: Delete all notices after export

With this option, you can set whether all messages within the Purchased animals list should be deleted after the CSV file has been exported. Only use this option if you are sure that you no longer need the messages!

Use the F3 key. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Delete all notices after export and confirm with OK.
The box is now marked with a tick. The option is activated. Confirm again with OK to deactivate the option.

Direct function calls

In addition to creating the export file, you have the following options:

Hint

Always open the Purchased animals list first as described in the instructions above.

Unlink transponder

You can use this function to remove the transponder from an animal.

Use the F3 key. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Unlink transponder and confirm with OK.
The transponder has been successfully unlinked.

Clear all purchase notices

With this function you can delete all animals from the Purchased animals list without having to create an export file first.

Use the F3 key. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Clear all purchase notices and confirm with OK.
The purchase notices have been successfully deleted.

Delete animal + purchase notice

To delete an animal and its corresponding purchase notice, proceed as follows:

Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the animal you want to delete.
Use the F3 key. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Delete animal + notice and confirm with OK.
The animal and the access message have been successfully deleted.

Clear notice of purchase

To delete an animal’s notice of purchase from the list, proceed as follows:

Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the animal whose purchase notice you want to delete.
Use the F3 key. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Clear notice of purchase and confirm with OK.
The notice of purchase of the selected animal has been successfully deleted.

Edit data of purchased animal

To edit the data of an animal in the list of purchases, proceed as follows:

Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the animal you want to edit.
Use the OK button. A submenu with the animal data opens. You can find out how to edit these here.

14.3 - No national animal ID assigned

Here you can view all animals that have not yet been assigned an national animal ID and assign an national animal ID.

No national animal ID assigned

In this list you will find all animals that have not yet been assigned an animal ID. You can assign an animal ID to the animals in this list.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item No national animal ID assigned and confirm with OK.
A list opens with your animals that have not yet been assigned an national animal ID.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired animal and confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can search for an animal. To do so, press the middle On/Off button and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the desired digits. Finally confirm with OK.
A submenu opens in which you can edit all data for the animal. The menu item National animal ID is automatically selected.
Confirm with OK or press the On/Off button. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to set the desired national animal ID. Finally confirm with OK.
Save the setting with the F3 key . The animal was successfully assigned an national animal ID and removed from the list.

Hint

Under last actions on OK you can set whether you want to enter the ear tag number manually or by scan. Select the example screen according to your setting.

VitalControl: Menu New No national animal ID assigned

Last action on OK

You can use the additional actions to set which actions you want to perform before assigning the national animal ID. You can choose between measuring the temperature, assessing the animal and weighing the animal. The respective action is saved directly for the animal that you subsequently assign. Proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item No national animal ID assigned and confirm with OK.
A list opens with your animals that have not yet been assigned an national animal ID.
Use the key F3 . A submenu opens in which you have various setting options. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the menu item Link ID (manual) or Link ID (RFID scan). Confirm with OK. The setting you have selected is now active.

Warning

You can only use the ear tag number assignment by scan if you use electronic ear tags!

Previous additional actions

You can use the previous additional actions to set which actions you want to perform before assigning the ear tag number. You can choose between measuring the temperature, assessing the animal and weighing the animal. The respective action is saved directly for the animal that you subsequently assign. Proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item No national animal ID assigned and confirm with OK.
A list opens with your animals that have not yet been assigned an national animal ID.
Use the F3 key to call up a popup. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to navigate to the Previous additional actions item.
Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to select between Take temperature, Rate animal and Weigh animal. Confirm with OK to activate the checkbox. A tick appears inside the checkbox to confirm that the action is activated. Confirm again with OK to deactivate the action. You can activate any number of actions at the same time.

You also have the option of selecting between Search animal and Set filter in the pop-up. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to navigate to the respective menu item and confirm with OK. The information for Set filter here and for Search animal proceed as in No national animal ID assigned step 4.

14.4 - Births

Here you can see your births and create an export file.

Births

In this list you can view your births, edit them and create an export file to register in HI-Tier. To create an export file, proceed as follows:

Hint

To export data you need the included UBS stick. Connect the USB stick with the USB-C adapter to your VitalControl device before following the instructions.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item Births and confirm with OK.
A list with all your births opens.
Use the F3 key Export csv list of births. A submenu opens.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the menu item Export csv list of births and confirm with OK.
The list is now saved as a CSV file on your USB stick. All animals from the Births list are deleted.

Setting options

In addition to creating the export file, you have the following options:

Change between list view and single animal view
Clear all birth notices
Delete animal + notices
Clear notice of birth
Edit a notice

Hint

Some actions are identical to the actions in the Purchased animals list. Follow the links to the step-by-step instructions. Always open the Births list first as described in the instructions above.

Change between list view and single animal view

Use the On /Off button.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to choose between List view and Single animal view.
Save your setting with the F1 key . Within the list view, use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to switch between the animals.

Edit data of birth notice

Hint

Editing the animal data is only possible in the list view!

Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the animal you want to edit and confirm with OK.
A submenu opens in which you can adjust various settings. For step by step instructions click here.

14.5 - List of animals with no transponder assigned

Here you can view all animals that have not yet been assigned a transponder and assign a transponder to them.

No transponder assigned

The handling within this list is identical to the New on farm, no transponder list. However, in this list you will find all animals that have not yet been assigned a transponder, regardless of their age.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item New on farm and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which you can choose between New on farm, no transponder, Purchased animals, No national animal ID assigned, Births and No transponder assigned. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ △ ▽ to select the menu item No transponder assigned and confirm with OK.
A list opens with all animals that have not yet been assigned a transponder. To assign a transponder, proceed as in New on farm, no transponder from step three.

15 - Firmware

Download the latest firmware version and install it on your VitalControl device.

VitalControl version 0.9.10

Download firmware

15.1 - Firmware update of your device

By performing a firmware update, the firmware of your VitalControl device can be updated to the latest available versions.

First, make sure that a newer firmware version is available for your device and, if needed, update the firmware of your device according to the following instructions.

Required accessory

To install the update on your device, you need a dual USB flash drive (2-in-1 USB stick) Type-C/USB 3.0 with a USB C connector and a USB A connector. Such a dual USB flash drive is delivered together with your device. You may also purchase such an USB flash drive from different vendors.

Dual USB flash drive (USB A / USB C)

Preparation: download latest firmware

Insert your USB flash drive into the USB connector of your computer. Then create a new directory named ‘update’ in the root directory of your flash drive.
Download the firmware file (file name: firmware.vcu) and store it in the previously created directory update of your USB flash drive. The update file requires approx. 2.5 MB of storage space on the flash drive.
Create a data backup on your device.
Info
The data backup is a recommended precautionary measure. All existing animal and device data will be preserved when updating the firmware of the VitalControl device.

Perform firmware update

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Service, select the menu item Firmware update and confirm with OK. You are now asked to insert the USB flash drive you prepared already:
Insert the USB flash drive (C plug) into the connector at the bottom of the device and confirm with OK.
The device performs the update automatically. During the update, the display informs you about the progress of the update. After the update is completed, the device restarts automatically and displays a success message after the restart:
The new firmware is now installed on your device.

15.2 - Latest firmware versions

List of the current firmware versions for the VitalControl device.

Determine firmware versions installed on your device

Open the menu item Device in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Info, select the menu item Software and confirm with OK. A pop-up window opens which lists the software versions currently installed on your device:

VitalControl: determine firmware versions

Latest firmware versions:

The following table lists the current firmware versions:

	GUI-Firmware	Middleware	Bootloader
Version	0.9.10	0.9.10	1.06
Date	2024-05-14	2024-05-14	2024-03-15
Commit Hash	5a9fcc3f	d4f1ceb	344bc50
Commit №	2182	n/a	n/a

Tip

If you miss newer features on your device or face stability problems, you are encouraged to update the firmware on your device to latest released version.

15.3 -

16 - Settings

Device and process settings for your VitalControl device

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

16.1 - Language settings

Set and permanently store the language of the user interface on your VitalControl device.

Setting your language

To set the language of your VitalControl device, proceed as follows:

Select the menu item Settings in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press OK.
A submenu opens up, presenting the current language at the top. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired language. The language of the user guidance changes on the fly as you select another language.
Press the upper left F1 key twice to return to the main menu.

The language on your VitalControl device is now set and permanently stored.

Available languages

VitalControl firmware holds translations for the following languages:

English (EN)
German (DE)
French (FR)
Spanish (ES)
Russian (RU)
Bulgarian (BG)
Bosnian (BS)
Chinese (Taiwan) (ZH-TW)
Estonian (ET)
Finnish (FI)
Greek (EL)
Dutch (NL)
Norwegian (NO)
Czech (CS)
Turkish (TR)
Ukrainian (UK)

16.2 - Date & Time setting

Here, you set the date and time.

To set the date

Warning

Make sure the date and time are set correctly. Otherwise, the timestamps of the measurements and the birth dates of newly added animals will be incorrect!

To set the date on your device, follow these steps:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu option Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Date & Time. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Date and Time. Select the Date settings field.
Press OK key or use F3 key to switch to setting mode. Now you can set the day using the arrow keys △ ▽. The button F3 🡆 takes you to the month setting. Alternatively, you can confirm with OK. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ here as well. Click F3 🡆 again to go to year setting. Now use the arrow keys △ ▽ for adjustment of year. Confirm with OK as soon as the date is set correctly.

To set the time

To set the time on your device, follow these steps:

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu option Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Date & Time. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Date and Time. Select the Date settings field.
Press OK key or use F3 key to switch to setting mode. Now you can set the day using the arrow keys △ ▽. The button F3 🡆 takes you to the minute setting. Alternatively, you can confirm with OK. Now use the arrow keys △ ▽ for adjustment of minutes. Once the time is set correctly, confirm with OK.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.3 - Units

Here you select units for temperature and mass.

Set temperature unit

To set the temperature unit on your device, proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Select the section Units . Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Temperature unit and Mass unit. Select the Temperature unit setting field.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired temperature unit.

Set mass unit

To set the mass unit on your device, proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Select the section Units . Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Temperature unit and Mass unit. Select the Mass unit setting field.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired mass unit.

Save the settings and use the F1 key Save and return to return to the top menu Settings.

16.4 - Temperature

Set the temperature settings for the application of your VitalControl device

Set the threshold & temperature ranges

Hint

Threshold values for the body temperature are stored here individually for the animal species calf, cow and lamb. The yellow and red fields show the threshold value for “elevated temperature” and “fever” respectively. VitalControl places animals in the yellow and red areas on the alarm list, making it easier for you to monitor sick animals. A threshold for under temperature can also be freely defined.

To set the threshold & temperature ranges on your device proceed as follows:

From the main screen of your VitalControl device, select Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Temperature. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Thresholds, Undertemperature and Anus spotlighting. Select the Thresholds settings field.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired threshold.
Use the pen symbol with the F3key to set the threshold value of the yellow and red area. Use the arrows △ ▽ to set the desired “greater than” or “equal to” temperature. Use the keys F2/F3 🡄 🡆 or the ◁ ▷ arrow keys to select between the yellow and red ranges.
Once you have set the desired “greater than” or “equal to” temperature, use the back arrow with the F1 key to jump back to the Thresholds value.

Set undertemperature

Hint

Here you set the measured temperature from which an undertemperature occurs. During the fever measurement, this temperature is displayed with a blue background.

To set the threshold value for the undertemperature, proceed as follows:

From the main screen of your VitalControl device, select Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Temperature. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Thresholds, Undertemperature and Anus spotlighting. Select the Undertemperature settings field.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired threshold value for the undertemperature.

Anus spotlight

Hint

Here you can set whether the light should be automatically activated or deactivated during fever measurement.

To deactivate or activate the anus spotlight during the Temperature action, proceed as follows:

From the main screen of your VitalControl device, select Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Temperature. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the two setting fields for Thresholds, Undertemperature and Anus spotlighting. Select the Anus spotlighting settings field.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to deactivate or activate the anus spotlight.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.5 - Data acquisition

Storing relevant settings for animal data collection

Overview

The following graphic lists the available settings concerning the recording of animal data:

Hint

Move the mouse pointer over a symbol in the graphic below and let it rest for a moment. A tooltip appears, presenting information about the respective setting. If you click on one of the lines, you will be forwarded to a description of the respective setting.

Settings Weight recording

The following graphic lists the available settings concerning the weight recording of animals:

Submenu items settings for weight recording

Assessment of daily weight gain: Threshold values

Hint

The red field shows the “critical too low weight gain” area. The yellow field shows the “suboptimal weight gain” area.

In order to adjust the threshold values for the assessment of the daily weight gain, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Weight recordingand confirm with OK.
The Daily weight gain preference field is automatically selected. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired animal species. Confirm with OK. Alternatively, you can use the pencil icon with the F3 key to jump directly to editing the red and yellow areas.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the desired “greater than” or “equal to” g/day increase in the red and yellow area. Use the keys F2/F3 🡄 🡆 or the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select between the red and yellow areas.
Once you have set the desired “greater than” or “equal to” g/day increase, use the F1 key or confirm with OK to jump back to Daily weight gain.

Birth weight

The device uses the birth weight stored here in the settings as the default value when creating new animals. In order to be able to select the individual birth weight of a newly born animal more quickly, you may need to adjust this default value for your farm. To adjust the value for the Birth weight, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Weight recordingand confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the setting field Birth weight and use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the desired birth weight. The device now uses the birth weight defined here as the standard when creating new animals. The individual birth weight of a newborn animal can then be selected more quickly.

Warning

The standard birth weight is only an approximate value, which must be individually adjusted when creating a new animal. If you do not want to make this adjustment or if you create animals automatically in the background, no birth weight should be queried or saved when creating a new animal. birth weight should not be queried or saved when creating a new animal. This can be defined in the settings for registration of animals.

Default values birth weights:

Kind of new animal	Lamb	Calf
Default value birth weight:	4 kg	40 kg
Value range :	1,0 bis 99 kg	1,0 bis 99 kg

Average daily weight gain

Explanation

When weighing an animal, the defined daily increase is used for the calculation of the suggested weight value during animal weighing. If the suggested weight value is too low or too high for the majority of the animals to be weighed, you should adjust the defined value downwards or upwards, respectively, to shorten the time needed for adjusting the weight value with the arrow keys.

To set the Average daily weight gain used in the calculation of the approximate weight of an animal proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Weight recordingand confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the setting field Average daily weight gain. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the desired average daily increase g/day. The device now uses the average daily gain defined here as the standard for the expected daily gain of the animals.

Precision of weight recording

Explanation

Depending on the use case and animal species (lamb, calf, cow), there are different requirements regarding the resolution of the weight value to be recorded (accuracy of 10 g, 100 g or 1 kg). To meet these requirements one is required to make use of the Maximum accuracy setting.

The table below shows the precision of weight recording depending on the weight range and the setting stipulated for Maximum accuracy:

Setting Maximum precision:	10 g	100 g	1 kg
Precision in the range of 0 to 9,9 kg:	10 g	100 g	1 kg
Precision in the range of 10 to 49,9 kg:	100 g	100 g	1 kg
Precision in the range of 50 to 99,9 kg:	500 g	500 g	1 kg
Precision for values ≥ 100 kg:	1 kg	1 kg	1 kg

To set the maximum accuracy when recording animal weights with your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button..
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Weight recordingand confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the setting field Maximum precision. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the desired maximum precision. Precision of weight recording on the device now follows the stipulated setting.

Save the settings and return to the top menu `Data acquisition` by pressing the `F1` key Save and return

Mode of animal rating

Explanation

In the simple mode, only the general condition is queried during the animal evaluation (green/yellow/red). In the extended evaluation, 4 evaluation categories are queried: general condition, feed consumption, diarrhea and respiratory disease.

To set the Rating of animals on your device proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Rating of animalsand confirm with OK.
Use the ◁ ▷ arrow keys to set the desired rating of animals.

Control period of fresh cows

Explanation

When managing fresh cows, checking the animals daily for several days after birth, including taking their temperature is considered a best practices routine. The duration of this control period varies considerably from farm to farm. For this reason, the length of the control period can be set to a value between 3 and 14 days in the VitalControl settings. The set value for the control period of fresh cows determines the number of columns of the column chart displayed for each animal in the fresh cow list.

To set the length of the Control period for your fresh cows proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Data acquisition. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Weight recording, Rating of animals and Control period fresh cows. Select Control period fresh cowsand confirm with OK.
Use the ◁ ▷ arrow keys to set the desired duration of the control period in days post partum.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.6 - Device settings

Here you can adjust various device settings.

Shutdown device after

To set the period of non-activity until the device is switched off, proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Shutdown device after.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the desired duration in minutes.

Start-up screen

To set the start up screen proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Start-up screen .
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the desired start-up screen.

Demonstration mode

If the presentation mode is selected, the device simulates the temperature measurements and displays a randomly generated temperature as a measured value. This mode is used for device demonstration if no animals are available for a measurement. To deactivate or activate the presentation mode of the device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Demonstration mode.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to activate or deactivate the presentation mode.

Display brightness

To set the display brightness proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Display brightness.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the display brightness.

Vibration on keypress

To deactivate or activate the vibration on keypress of the device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Vibration on keypress.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to activate or deactivate the vibration on keypress.

Resource monitor

To deactivate or activate the vibration resource monitor of the device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Device. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Shutdown device after, Start-up screen , Demonstration mode, Display brightness, Vibration on keypress and Resource monitor. Select Resource monitor.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to activate or deactivate the resource monitor.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.7 - Registration of animals

Here you can adjust several factory-set standards concerning the registration of new animals to the requirements of your farm.

Set default values

Set recorded weight(s)

Here you define which weight is recorded and saved when creating new animals on your farm. To set the recorded weight on your device, proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
The Recorded weight(s) area is automatically selected. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the weight to be captured.

Hint

Select none if: the animals are created automatically in the background (via transponder scan), no scale is available in the farm and no estimated values are wanted, the birth weights are unknown.

Set age at registration

Hint

Based on the age entered here, the device calculates the date of birth that is suggested for a manually created animal or that is used for automatic creation in the background (via tranponder scan). For dairy farms, enter the age in days at which newborn calves are registered in VitalControl. For feeder rearing farms, the average age of the purchased calves is to be entered here. The permissible range of values is from 0 to 99 days.

To set the age at creation on your device proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the Age (new calf/lamb).
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the age at creation.

Set sex

Here you define which sex is suggested (manual creation) or automatically adopted (creation in the background). To define the sex when registering an animal on your device, proceed as follows.

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the Sex.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the sex when creating.

Set type of animal

Here you define which type of animal is recorded when creating new animals in your farm. To define the type of animal when creating it on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the Type of animal.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the type of animal when creating.

Set breed

Here you define which breed of the livestock is recorded when creating new animals on your farm. To define the breed when creating on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Breed.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the breed when creating.

Set Whereabouts

Here you define which whereabouts are assigned to the animals when creating new farm animals. To define the whereabouts of the farm animal when it is created on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Default values and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Whereabouts.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the whereabouts when creating.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

Auto-registration

Here you define the behavior of the device when a new transponder, which is not yet known to the VitalControl device, is scanned. For this case three different behaviors can be defined.

Hint

When the user confirms the creation of animals, an input screen appears in which the user can enter the data of the new animal to be created (gender, date of birth, etc.). With automatic creation, the values defined in “Settings > Create new animals” are used for all automatically created animals for sex, age, etc. Animal-specific settings are not possible here.

In order to define the behavior when the user animal is automatically created on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Auto-registration and confirm with OK.
The preference field Auto-registration is selected automatically. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to determine the behavior of the device when creating new animals.

Assignment animal ID

Here you define which animal ID is proposed (derived from transponder number) or used (consecutive) when creating a new animal in your farm.

Hint

Select the “Consecutive” option if the stall number you use for visual identification of the animal is assigned independently of the transponder number used for electronic identification. The stall or collar numbers are then assigned consecutively within a certain range (e.g. 1 - 40) and are then not directly related to the transponder numbers used. Select the option “Derive from transponder number” if you want to link the animal’s stall number directly to the number of the transponder that was assigned to the animal. This option is especially useful if you use yellow electronic ear tags, the barn number is then identical to the end digits of the ten-digit animal number printed on the yellow ear tag.

To define the assignment of the animal ID when creating the farm animal on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Auto-registration and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Assignment animal ID.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the assignment of the animal ID of the working animal when creating.
If you select the setting Consecutive, you have the option of specifying the Next animal ID. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the Next animal ID area and confirm with OK. Navigate within the area using the arrow keys ◁ ▷. Now you can select a number using the arrow keys △ ▽. The device will now automatically use this number to start the continuous count from there. Furthermore, you can set whether the numbers are to be counted continuously increasing or continuously decreasing. To do this, use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to go to the 9/1 symbol. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to toggle between counting continuously increasing or continuously decreasing. Save the settings using the F1 or OK key .

Hint

Only when using the option Consecutive: if you have set to use separate number ranges for male and female animals when assigning the ear tag number, a next animal number is stored for each of male, female and animals of unknown sex. A symbol placed to the left of the animal number indicates what the next animal number is used for: either for male ♀ or for female ♂ or for animals of unknown sex ♀♂?

Digit of the new ID

Here you define which length a barn number derived from the transponder number has for a new animal in your farm. The possible value range is from 2 to 6 digits. To define the length of the new ID of the farm animal on your device proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Auto-registration and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Assignment animal ID.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the digit of the new ID of the working animal when creating.

Right offset

Here you define whether an offset is also taken into account when deriving a barn number from the transponder number. Without offset the last 2-6 digits of the transponder number will be used as stable number, with an offset of 1 the rightmost digit will be discarded, with an offset of 2 the two rightmost digits, and so on.

Hint

To graphically illustrate the effect of the set parameters, a fifteen-digit transponder number is displayed below the line for setting the offset. A green frame indicates the stall number that would be derived from the transponder number with the current settings. A change of the setting values “Length” and “Offset” leads directly to an update of the derived leads immediately to an update of the derived barn number.

To set the offset to the right of the animal on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Auto-registration and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Right offset.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the right offset area of the working animal when creating.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

Assignment ear tag number

Here you define whether one or two number ranges are used when assigning the ear tag number in the course of the manual re-registration of animals. To define the assignment of the ear tag number of the farm animal on your device, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Settings and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Registration of animals. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ to switch between the setting fields for Default values, Auto-registration and Assignment ear tag number. Select Assignment ear tag number and confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to assign the ear tag number the working animal when creating.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Registration of animals by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.8 - Link transponder

Set the assignment of the transponder on your VitalControl device.

Set maximum age of purchased calves

To set the Purchased calves: maximum age on your device proceed as follows.

Select the menu item Settings in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK button.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Link transponder. Confirm with OK.
The setting field Purchased calves: maximum age is automatically selected. Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the maximum age.

Assignment animal ID

To set the Assignment animal ID on your device, proceed as follows.

Select the menu item Settings in the main screen of your VitalControl device and press the OK key.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select Link transponder. Confirm with OK.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the setting field Assignment animal ID.
Use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to set the assignment of the animal numbers. If you select the setting Derivation from transponder number, you will get the options to set the Digits of new ID and Right offset. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to select the appropriate range and the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to select the desired setting.
Select the option Consecutive or Derivation from transponder number and proceed as described in page Assignment animal ID.

Save the settings and return to the top menu Settings by pressing the F1 key Save and return .

16.9 - Unlink transponder

Specify how the animal ID will be assigned after the transponder was detached.

Unlink Transponder

You can use this setting to specify how the animal ID should be assigned as soon as you remove the transponder from the animal. This setting can be used if, for example, the synchronization with the Urban Alma Pro feeder has been carried out and the animal IDs on the VitalControl now correspond to the collar number of the animals. As soon as you remove the collar and detach the transponder, you can specify that the animal ID is now derived from the ear tag number. This allows you to quickly identify the animal in the barn without a collar.

Open the Settings menu on the main screen of your VitalControl device.
A submenu opens in which various settings are displayed. Use the arrow buttons △ ▽ to select Unlink transponder. Confirm with OK.
Now use the arrow buttons ◁ ▷ to select your desired setting. You can choose between No change or Derivation from eartag number.
The setting option Derivation from eartag number allows you to make further settings. See here.

16.10 - Farm number

Permanently save your official twelve digit national farm ID on VitalControl device.

Attention

Entering the farm number is currently of interest for German farmers only. Farmers from all other nationalities currently do not benefit from entering the farm ID. This may change with future firmware versions of VitalControl.

Set your farm number

To set the company number on your device, proceed as follows:

Open the menu item Settings in the main screen of your VitalControl device.
Invoke the submenu Premises-ID number. An input mask appears in which you can conveniently set your farm number. First, use the arrow keys to navigate to the far left of the input field and select your country. Afterwards, use the arrow keys to enter your twelve-digit farm number.
Confirm with OK as soon as you have entered the 12-digit number sequence correctly. Your farm number is now permanently stored on the device.

16.11 -

17 - Herd

View important information about your herd.

Herd

Within the Herd menu item, you can view your entire herd, search for individual animals and display important information. You have the following possibilities:

Preparatory steps

On the main screen of your VitalControl device, select the menu item Herd and press the OK button.
Your herd overview opens.

View animal data

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the information categories that can be displayed for the herd list. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the line Animal data: sex+type or Animal data: № eartag and select this category by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK. The two selection options differ in the display of the information bar.
Animal data will now be displayed as content of the herd list.
Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to switch between the different display options.

Hint

By default, the animal data is displayed first. Only when you have the weight displayed, for example, do you have to set the display of the animal data again.

Display temperature

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the information categories that can be displayed for the herd list. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the line Temperature and select this category by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Temperature data will now be displayed as content of the herd list.
Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to switch between the different display options.

View rating

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the information categories that can be displayed for the herd list. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the line Rating and select this category by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Rating data will now be displayed as content of the herd list.
Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to switch between the different display options.

Display weight

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists the information categories that can be displayed for the herd list. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the line Weight and select this category by pressing the central OK button or the F3 key OK.
Weight data will now be displayed as content of the herd list.
Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys ◁ ▷ to switch between the different display options.

Search animal

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the function Search animal and invoke the search function by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK. Alternatively, you can use the On/Off button immediately after step one.
Use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to enter the desired animal number and confirm with OK.

Set filter

Complete the preparatory steps.
Use the F3 key to invoke a popup menu that lists various options. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to highlight the function Set filter and invoke the filter function by pressing the central OK key or the F3 key OK.
How to apply the filter can be found here.

You always have the option to call up the action menu for an animal.

Complete the preparatory steps.
Select an animal from the list with the arrow keys △ ▽ and confirm with OK.
The action menu is now open. How to use this can be found here.
Return to the herd list with the F3 key.

18 - Evaluation

Evaluate your stored data.

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

18.1 - Evaluate weight

Evaluate your stored data in the Weight section.

Hint

In the default setting, all animals stored on the VitalControl are included in the evaluation. By using a filter you can restrict the evaluation to a subset of the animals on your device, e.g. only to male animals or to animals up to a certain maximum age.

Hint

If you click on a menu item, you will be redirected to a description of the respective function.

Today’s weighings

In this evaluation you can see the following information related to the weighings of the last 6 hours:

The mean animal weight
The mean daily gain since birth
The average daily increase since the last weighing
The doubling of the birth weight after X days

To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select Weight and confirm with OK.
The evaluation options for the Weight section now appear. Select the evaluation option Today’s weighing and confirm with OK. The device now begins to calculate the success variables.
When the calculation is complete, you can view the above-mentioned success variables. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to navigate through the displayed menu.

Birth weights

In this evaluation you can view the following information:

The average birth weight
The weight classes

To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select Weight and confirm with OK.
Now the evaluation options for the weight section appear. Select Birth weights and confirm with OK. The device now starts to calculate the success variables.
When the calculation is complete, you can view the above-mentioned success variables. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to navigate through the displayed menu.

Weight development

In this evaluation you can see the following information related to all weighings:

The average animal weight
The average daily weight gain since birth
The average daily weight gain since last weighing
The birth weight doubled after

To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select Weight and confirm with OK.
Now the evaluation options for the weight section appear. Select Weight development and confirm with OK. The device now starts to calculate the success variables.
When the calculation is complete, you can view the above-mentioned success variables. Use the arrow keys △ ▽ to navigate through the displayed menu.

18.2 - Evaluate temperature

Evaluate your stored data in the Temperature section.

Hint

Evaluate temperature

In this evaluation you can see the following information:

Currently febrile ill animals
Animals with febrile illnesses during lifetime

To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select Temperature and confirm with OK.
The device now starts to calculate the success variables.

18.3 - Evaluate rating

Evaluate your stored data in the rating section.

Hint

Evaluate rating

In this evaluation you can see the following information as a pie chart:

Evaluation of the condition of the last three days
Evaluation of the overall condition

To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select the icon Rating and confirm with OK.
The device now starts to calculate the success variables.

18.4 - Evaluate mortality

Evaluate your stored data in the mortality section.

Hint

You cannot use animal filters within the loss rate analysis. Calf losses are automatically displayed to you.

In this evaluation you can view your loss rates as a history. The loss rate is given to you as a percentage and divided into the categories green, yellow and red. The stored percentages are factory set, the green area is between 0 and 4 %, the yellow area is between 4 and 8 %, the red area represents a mortality rate above 8 %. To perform the evaluation, proceed as follows:

In the main screen of your device highlight the icon Evaluation. Confirm with OK.
Another submenu opens in which you can use the arrow keys △ ▽ ◁ ▷ to choose between the menu items Weight, Temperature, Rating and Mortality. Select Mortality and confirm with OK.
The device now starts to calculate the success variables.

Documentation

1 - Menu structure of graphical user interface

Note

1.1 - Main menu

Hint

1.1.1 - New

1.1.2 - New on farm

1.1.3 - Actions

1.1.4 - Chain of actions

1.1.5 - Herd

1.1.6 - Animal

1.1.7 - Lists

1.1.8 - Evaluation

1.1.9 - Device

1.1.10 - Settings

2 - Data backup and restore

2.1 - Creating a data backup

Required accessory

Perform data backup

Hint

2.2 - Restoring a data backup

Required accessory

Note

Data restoration to VitalControl device

3 - Chain of actions: setup and usage

Chain of actions

Use chain of actions

Set chain of actions

Hint

Hint

4 - Data exchange with automatic calf feeder, farm PC and third-party software products

4.1 - VCSynchronizer: base software for data synchronisation

VCSynchronizer version 0.9.12, released 2025-17-04

4.1.1 - Installation

Note

4.1.2 - Importing animals from the official national animal database

Attention

4.1.3 - Export of birth notifications to national animal identification service

4.1.4 - Maintenance and troubleshooting

4.2 - Export of animal and measurement data to the farm management PC

Connect VitalControl to PC

Perform data export

Attention

Note

4.3 - Synchronisation with automatic calf feeder Alma Pro

4.3.1 - One-time activation and configuration of VitalControl device in the settings of the automatic feeder

Navigation to settings menu VitalControl

Attention

Settings menu VitalControl - Page 1

Settings menu VitalControl - Page 2

4.3.2 - Data synchronisation between VitalControl and Alma Pro

Open USB port

Connect VitalControl

Start synchronization

Close USB port

4.4 - Data linkage with management software DSP Herde Plus or Beef

4.4.1 - Setup of Technology VitalControl:

Attention

Create new parameter set for data exchange with VitalControl device

Configuration: Basic settings

Category External program ➊

Category Animal Data ➋

Category Locations ➌

Category Leaving ➍

Configuration: Technology-specific settings

Save data exchange settings

4.4.2 - Data exchange between VitalControl and herd management software Herde

Connect VitalControl to PC

Perform data exchange

Attention

5 - Animal

Animal

Hint

Set graphical view

Search animal

Set filter

6 - Export of animal data and measurement values

6.1 - Data export to USB flash drive

Required accessory

Perform data export

Navigation to settings menu `VitalControl`

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 1

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 2

Category `External program` ➊

Category `Animal Data` ➋

Category `Locations` ➌

Category `Leaving` ➍

Animal data (`animals.csv`)

Body temperature data (`temperatures.csv`)

Weight data (`weights.csv`)

Animal ratings (`ratings.csv`)