---
title: View Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) Values
slug: help/en-us/dairycomp/view-energy-corrected-milk-ecm-values
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-01-26T11:43:17.879Z
---

<font color="#67854E">**Question**</font>: What is Energy Corrected Milk and how can I view it in DairyComp?

<font color="#67854E">**Answer**</font>: Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) is a calculation that factors in three different variables—pounds of milk, fat, and protein—allowing producers to better evaluate their herd's productivity and efficiency. By adding an ECM item to DairyComp, you can view this calculation in lists and reports.

ECM is calculated based on test day information, which is loaded into DairyComp through the `RECEIVE` command (see [Add Test Day Data](docId\:Cz-a7OMnCp08ZkYCbW5dC) to learn more). ECM combines the three variables mentioned above and then uses a formula to account for a 3.5% fat basis and a 3.2% protein basis.

To include this calculation in your reports, you'll need to add the ECM item to your DairyComp installation. You can then use the ECM item in your DairyComp reports. See the topics below to learn more:

::::ExpandableHeading
## Create the ECM Item in DairyComp

If your DairyComp installation does not yet have the ECM item configured, follow these steps to do so:

1. In the command line, enter `ALTER\2` to open the **Item definitions** window.

   ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3h8pSJcGUXEi4HGCCYPTA/C67q5RyD7mbFq2SLhnxV0_ecmitem.png" size="32" width="1232" height="662" position="flex-start" darkWidth="1232" darkHeight="662" showCaption="false"}

:::Paragraph{indent="1"}
If you don't see the ECM item listed in the window, proceed to the next step. But if the ECM item is already configured for your system, you can start using it in reports! See [View ECM in Reports ](docId\:stMnXZejP59PwVf1-Y5Mu) to learn more.
:::

2. Click **Add \[Ins]** to create a new item, then enter the parameters for the ECM item according to the values below. At the end of each sub-step listed below, you'll need to click **Next** at the bottom of the window to advance to the next sub-step:
   1. <font color="#67854E">**Item Name**</font>: Enter **ECM** in this field.
   2. <font color="#67854E">**Item Type**</font>: Select **85 Test Day FCM or ECM or MLM** from the drop-down.
   3. <font color="#67854E">**Value**</font>: Enter **-1** in this field to use data from the last test day for the calculation.
   4. <font color="#67854E">**Value**</font>: Enter **2** in this field for ECM.
   5. <font color="#67854E">**Description**</font>: Enter a description such as **ECM test days**.
3. Click **OK**, then click **Yes** to confirm the item you just created.
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:::ExpandableHeading{customAnchorSlug="ViewECM"}
## View ECM in Reports

The ECM item is used in DairyComp reports in the same manner as other items; all you need to do is add it to your commands, as in the following example:

**LIST** **ID** **PEN** **LACT** **DIM**&#x20;

The system will return results that include the ECM value.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3h8pSJcGUXEi4HGCCYPTA/DTGLZKTc_ZejLkDYcvaIb_ecm-results.png" size="32" width="545" height="535" position="flex-start" darkWidth="545" darkHeight="535" showCaption="false"}

See [Reports](docId\:hTJSQN0TLfIXVwX2CNMrK) to learn more about using items in DairyComp reports.
:::

:::hint{type="info"}
**NOTE:&#x20;**&#x46;or additional information about ECM and how it works, [click here](https://vas-marketing-campaigns.com/p/5I4K-8IC/ecm-webinar) to view an on-demand webinar on the subject!
:::