Mapm. Van Asseldonk et al., Potential economic benefits from changes in management via information technology applications on Dutch dairy farms: a simulation study, LIVEST PROD, 60(1), 1999, pp. 33-44
dEconomic benefits of information technologies were assessed at farm level
by means of a dynamic probabilistic simulation model. The model included bi
ological performances with respect to oestrus detection and concentrate fee
ding. In this way, main benefits of activity meters, automated concentrate
feeders and on-line automated parlour systems for recording of milk product
ion and milk temperature could be estimated. In comparison with the default
situation, improvement in oestrus detection from 50% to 90% increased gros
s margin by Dfl. 1.28 per 100 kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) per
year under Dutch production conditions. This equals 8.0% of a farmer's typi
cal net return to labour and management. Using an individual feeding system
increased gross margin by Dfl. 0.77 per 100 kg FPCM per year and the net r
eturn to labour and management by 4.8%. Feeders increased the frequency of
concentrate provision from two to four times a day. Moreover, a more accura
te performance-related concentrate provision was achieved from total daily
amount in portions of 1-0.1 kg. In addition feeders enabled the possibility
of overcoming the limited concentrate intake for high-producing animals in
the milking parlour in the beginning of the lactation. A more accurate mil
k production estimation increased gross margin and the net return to labour
and management by Dfl. 0.17 per 100 kg FPCM and 1.1% respectively. In the
latter case equilibrium feeding was compared with a feeding method in which
concentrate supply was based on an standard deviation of 5% in the estimat
ed energy requirements for milk production. The results of this study will
be used to evaluate theoretically the economic viability of the investigate
d IT applications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.