A data-driven decision support system, MAST, was developed to summariz
e systematically the DHI data related to mastitis. MAST determines wea
knesses and problems of a mastitis control Strategy by pinpointing pro
blem areas, highlighting the scope of the mastitis problem, providing
reference values for comparison, offering potential solutions to probl
em areas, and monitoring changes in the control strategy. Advantages o
f a DHI data-driven system include accuracy of input data, fast execut
ion speeds, access to untapped information available in DHI data, and
a consistent analysis of data. An on-farm decision support system allo
ws the evaluation of the mastitis control strategy at any time, which
in turn increases the value of DHI information. The sequence of the gr
aphical results allows users to understand intuitively the overall mas
titis problems, find the potential origins, and assess their impact on
the herd. Color-coded graphs with supplementary text allow for a rapi
d analysis of level and trends over time, as well as comparisons among
parities, lactation stages, and active and culled cows.