1. Purpose:

   Herd and Cow Profiles are a new addition to DHIA and users of DHIA information. There are two information products currently associated with Profiles. Two standard electronic formats are available, one for individual cow profile, one for herd profile. The Herd Profile also has a printed output generated from a PC based software package developed exclusively for the DHIA System. This proposed policy represents an effort to establish guidelines for distribution of Profile information from the DHI system and the dairy industry.

2. Guidelines for Electronic File Distribution:

   2.1 - Effective January 1, 1997 all DHIA Dairy Record Processing Centers will have profile data available in standard electronic formats. Distribution of Profile data will be made consistent with the National DHIA Records Disclosure Policy. A copy of this policy is available via internet www.dhia.org, or from the National DHIA office 614-890-3630 (e-mail 71501.53@compuserve.com).

   2.2 - DRPCs should be contacted directly for costs associated with obtaining electronic data files.

3. Guidelines for Herd Profile Software Distribution:

   3.1 - Effective January 1, 1997 all DHIA Dairy Record Processing Centers and DHIA Service Affiliates will receive from National DHIA a licensed copy of software to generate printed Herd Profiles. Initial distribution of software will be limited to these groups until March 1997. A second version of software is expected to be released in March 1997.

   3.2 - There will be no charge for a single copy of Herd Profile software distributed and licensed to DRPCs and DHIA Service Affiliates. If needed, additional licenses for DHI local associations will be made available through DRPCs or Affiliates for a nominal cost.

   3.3 - Distribution of printed Herd Profiles is through the DRPCs and/or Affiliates and is consistent with the National DHIA Records Disclosure Policy. A copy of this policy is available via internet www.dhia.org, or from the National DHIA office 614-890-3630 (e-mail 71501.53@compuserve.com).

   3.4 - DRPCs and/or DHIA Service Affiliates should be contacted directly for costs associated with obtaining copies of printed Herd Profiles.

4. Expanded Software Distribution:
   After March 1997 copies of Herd Profile Software are expected to be made available through National DHIA to any interested customer beyond DRPCs and DHI Service Affiliates for a fee.

Policy is subject to change when experience is gained using and handling this new product.

Background: This policy was written with the intent of phasing a new product into the DHI System prior to releasing software into a broad distribution. This allows the DHI system to immediately gather input from users and produce a software upgrade along with appropriate changes to electronic formats. In addition, each Affiliate can determine needs for their operating market including software support and time needed for education. Availability of profile information is consistent with current distribution patterns found in DHI System today.

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