Method for optimizing health and productivity of milk producing animals

[A method product and apparatus are disclosed for calculating a transition monitor value for one or more dairy cows so as to direct dairy transition management practices toward optimizing its future value and thereby the health and productivity (i.e., the transition performance) of the one or more dairy cows . An expected milk production is calculated (300) for a given time period of a current lactation based both on the individual's performance in her previous lactation and on her current state. Transition monitor values are calculated (350, 500) as the difference between actual and expected milk production values. The transition monitor values can then be used (700) to evaluate and to optimize the health and productivity of both individuals and herds of individuals and to make comparisons of transition monitor programs both within and between herds.