EFFECTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON DAIRY FARMS IN THE NETHERLANDS -AN EMPIRICAL-ANALYSIS OF MILK-PRODUCTION RECORDS

This study empirically quantified the effects of the adoption of an au tomated concentrate feeder, on-line measurement of milk. production, a nd activity measurement on milk production and reproduction. The data comprised annual results of Dutch farms operating in a milk quota syst em. from 1987 to 1996; data included both adopters and nonadopters as well as farm results before and after adoption. The use of an automate d concentrate feeder improved the annual carrier production of milk, m ilk protein, and milk fat (102, 4.95, and 5.52 kg per cow, respectivel y). In contrast, on-line measurement of milk production did not signif icantly 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.