Effects of Information Technology on Dairy Farms in The Netherlands: An Empirical Analysis of Milk Production Records

¹ Department of Economics and Management, Wageningen Agricultural University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands and Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Systems Technology, Wageningen Agricultural University, Dreijenplein 2, 6703 HB Wageningen, The Netherlands
² Department of Economics and Management, Wageningen Agricultural University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands
³ Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2471
⁴ Royal Dutch Cattle Syndicate, PO Box 454, 6800 AL Arnhem, The Netherlands

This study empirically quantified the effects of the adoption of an automated concentrate feeder, on-line measurement of milk production, and activity measurement on milk production and reproduction. The data comprised annual results of Dutch farms operating in a milk quota system from 1987 to 1996; data included both adopters and nonadopters as well as farm results before and after adoption. The use of an automated concentrate feeder improved the annual carrier production of milk, milk protein, and milk fat (102, 4.95, and 5.52 kg per cow, respectively). In contrast, on-line measurement of milk production did not significantly affect milk production records. Calving interval was shortened by 5.7 d after the adoption of an activity measurement system but was not affected by the adoption of an automated concentrate feeder or by the measurement of on-line milk production.

Key Words: information technology • data analysis • economics • cows

Submitted on January 9, 1998
Accepted on June 1, 1998