Determining farm effects attributable to the introduction and use of a dairy management information system in The Netherlands
利用荷兰357个采用管理信息系统的奶牛场和357个对照场1987-1996年的数据，发现该系统使每头奶牛年产奶量增加62公斤、蛋白质产量增加2.36公斤，产犊间隔缩短5天，投资回收期约5年，对农场经济效益有显著提升。
Abstract Yearly production and reproduction data on dairy farms in The Netherlands were obtained to determine whether management information systems significantly improved herd performance variables (management information systems (MIS) effects). The analysis included 357 adopters of a management information system and 357 herds were used as controls. The data comprised years 1987 through 1996, and included for the adopters both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ period. Panel data analysis enabled to estimate MIS effects both within and between farms, allowing for a separation of farm‐specific effects and common (trend) effects. Adoption and use of a management information system resulted in a significant annual increase in rolling herd average milk (carrier) and protein production of 62 and 2.36 kg per cow, respectively. Calving interval was shortened by 5 days. The pay‐back period was approximately 5 years of the system (including the hardware), and therefore, MIS appears to be economically profitable.