READ THIS FIRST

CHAPS 2000 is a complete cow herd analysis program.  It is recommended that the user enters data once, after all necessary data has been collected for the year.  The cow herd information is summarized in cow and calf reports which can help guide decision making to improve the productivity of the beef cow herd.  It is highly recommended that the steps for Getting Started be read and followed closely when entering any data.

DO NOT USE MADE UP DATA!  Wait for a complete year of cow information before entering data.  Made up data tends to create hidden errors in the data files.  Use the demonstration herd for any exploration into the CHAPS 2000 program.

FIELD, RECORD, FILE:

• A FIELD is one piece of information on any entry screen (ie. Calf ID, Cow ID, and Cow Age are the names of different fields).

• There are usually several FIELDS that make up one RECORD. 

• RECORD is all the information (or fields) entered on a particular calf or cow.  RECORDS are identified and can be edited by selecting the appropriate ID.  

• All similar RECORDS go together to make up a FILE.  The calf FILE stores all the calves of one herd.