Importing CSV Files

How do I import CSV files with infomation such as EID's, weights, etc into my Stockbook?

NOTE: Always create a copy of a .csv file before you open it to avoid loss of data or file corruption.

NOTE: When saving a new file as a .csv, always choose CSV(Comma delimited) (*.csv)

NOTE: Always do a backup of your Stockbook data before importing the csv file incase you need to go back and start again.

PART A

Browsing for the File and Selecting the File Type

Step 1.

In Stockbook go to File > Import Options > Details From Data File

Step 2.

Select the CSV file you wish to import.

For Step 1 of the Import  click on the yellow folder.

Select the CSV file and click Open.

Step 3.

Once the file has been opened in the Import window the type/format/layout of the file needs to be selected. In this case it is a <Standard CSV file>.

Most files will be of standard CSV format and so the program will default to this option. Standard format simply means that the data is separated by commas and the header row is on the first line of the file. 

If your file is in a custom format you need to select Custom File and then click on Define Custom Layout. This takes you to the next screen which allows you to select the header (green) and first line of data (blue) as shown below. The data is usually separated by a comma, so Comma is ticked below as the data separator.

 

Note: You have the option to save the layout you have created to import this file; this function is useful if you intend to import files with the same layout in the future. Once you have saved a template layout it will also be listed in the drop down list where you selected the type/format/layout of the file. 

If you are importing a file from a Tru-test indicator you will need to select <XR3000 file>

PART B

Setting Your Import Options (Understanding the Tabs)

This section allows you to customise how your data is imported.

As a part of Step 3 on the import you will have to set your import options; to do this you will have to go through the tab headings that are relevant for the file you are bringing in. Below you can see what each of the Tabs is for:

General Tab

Enter the Default Obs. Date 

This tab gives you the ability to set a default Obs. Date, Obs. Code and Performance Management Group (Default Perf.Mgt.Grp) that will apply to every animal in the file. However, if in your .csv file you have a column for date or observation code, and you link them in step four then it is not necessary to use the default option.

This tab is also used to set the Date  Format and  Add New Tags for new animals being imported onto a user list.

NOTE: It is recommended that if you are importing weight or trait data that you include an observation code (Obs.Code) so that all records will have the same codes unless otherwise specified.

NOTE: If the Add New Tags box is not ticked and the animal being imported is not on file then an error will be generated and the new tags will not be added to your Stockbook.

NOTE: You can add the animal's tag prefix if the .csv file you are bringing in doesn’t have the correct prefix by adding it to the Tag Prefix box.

Life Data Tab

This tab is to be used when new animals are being added into Stockbook. Default Sex, Default Breed and Default Birth Date can be added here.

NOTE: If you have sex, breed or birth date linked in the General tab and a default value is chosen as well, the default will apply only to the animals that do not already have a value assigned to them in the file that you are importing.

Induction Tab

This tab allows you to select if animals were Purchased, Agisted or Bred. If new animals are bred then you will not see items such as the option to add Q.A. (Quality Assurance) details or Vendor details. However if animals are agisted, you will see owner instead of vendor and you will not be able to add a price.

EBV Tab

This tab allows you to choose the type of EBV's you are importing as well as selecting if you are Replacing  Existing or Updating  Existing EBV's.

Location Tab

This tab allows you to select a Default Mob, Default Group or Default Paddock for new animals.

FEC Tab

This tab allows you to select or add a Laboratory for FEC results€

Contacts Tab

This tab allows you to add new contacts

Joining/Preg Test Tab

This tab allows you to set defaults on data relating to pregnancy tests and joinings.  

You will need to set AI Join =, Pregnant=, and Backup= to equal what they are set as in your CSV. For example if in your .CSV file you have used YES to signify that a female is pregnant, you are then required to set Pregnant = YES in this tab. Please note that these fields are case and space sensitive. For example, yes is not read the same as YES.

Traits Tab

This tab gives the option to Calculate (Calc) Frame Score on each animal if you are bringing in the Hip Height trait.

Carcase Tab

This tab allows you to select or add the abattoir from the drop down box. Tick the correct fields for Electrical Stimulation (Elec. Stim), Fat Trim, Rib Site and Prices; add a Marbling Score Method, Dentition Category and Assessor.

NOTE: Carcase data can only be imported if the status is sold or disposed.

NOTE: Breedplan users only need to select:
- The Dentition Category from the drop-down list and the Marbling Score from the drop-down list

Multi-Treat Tab

This tab allows you to add multiple treatments for each animal in the .CSV file. Select a treatment in the drop down box OR click Treatment Details> Select a treatment > Apply. 

To add a new treatment click here. 

ET Details Tab

This tab allows you to select or add an embryo Default Program for embryo details that are being imported; it also allows you to check the box that will Auto-create embryo id's for flushed embryos that have been imported.

PART C

Linking the Source Fields to the Correct Link Types in Stockbook

Here you need to select the Data Type then the Stockbook Field for the fields that you want to import.

NOTE: You do not have to import all the fields contained in the CSV File Heading column. 

See Data Types for what you can import and what it can then be linked to. 

Here is an example of a CSV import and how to link some of the fields:

 Step 1. 

• Choose which CSV File Heading you want to be imported. Visual Id or EID must be selected to enable data to be matched to the correct animal)
• Click on the drop down arrow in the Data Type column against the CSV File Heading
• Select the Data Type from the drop down list. This example shows Visual Tag being linked to Life Data.

Step 2. 

• Select the Stockbook Field from the drop down list in the same row. This shows the ID and EID being linked to Life Data previously selected. 

 Step 3. 

• Repeat Steps 1 & 2 for each CSV File Heading that you wish to import. 

 Step 4.

• Click on the Save this Layout button.
• Enter the template name e.g. Adding new calves/Preg Test Results 
• Click on the OK button

This will save all the linked fields for the next time you import data. This layout can be found in Step 2 on the import screen in the drop down box under Select the type/format/layout of this file...

Step 5.

Click on OK. 

Click Yes to proceed with importing the file.

If any errors occur with the import you will be provided with a file that contains all of those errors if you cannot fix these errors please contact the Practical Systems support team for assistance.