Thesis (M.S.)--Pennsylvania State University, 2008. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2004. / Includes bibliography.

The Canadian supply managed dairy sector is likely to face more competitive pressure from challenges through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the changing global trade environment. Therefore, it is highly prudent for Canadian dairy producers to focus their concern on their level of competitiveness and how to improve it. This study investigated the competitiveness of Ontario dairy sector based on a sample of farm level data with a Box-Cox transformed econometric cost model. The data were gathered by the Ontario Dairy Farm Accounting Project, for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The impacts of output, yield per cow and several farm-specific characteristics on the average cost of milk production were examined. Results support the presence of significant size economies and yield economies within Ontario milk production. Minimum costs were achieved for farms with approximately 125 cows. The results also indicated that some farm-specific characteristics, breed and region, also had significant impacts on the cost of Ontario milk production. However, it appears that Ontario farms may find it difficult to survive if they are forced to face international competition. Even at their minimum, average costs were above an indicator international dairy price.

This thesis examines determinants of the adoption of total mixed ration (TMR), and the effects of the adoption of TMR on the farm level productivity and profitability of Ontario dairy farms. A sample of 320 farm level data from 2004-2008 is taken from the Ontario Dairy Farm Accounting Project (ODFAP). A probit model is estimated to examine the factors affecting the adoption of TMR; and the propensity score matching analysis is used to explore the influence of the use of TMR on sample farm’s productivity and profitability. Results from the probit model show that farmer’s age, herd size, region, breed type and feeding system have significant effect on the adoption of TMR. In turn, the adoption of TMR feeding practice has positive influence on both farm productivity and profitability. Under the propensity score matching method, the use of the TMR feeding practice has an economically significant effect on farm profits (i.e., for average farm with approximately 73 cows, the use of TMR feeding practice increases farm profits by CAD$37,091.30/year approximately) and a statistically significant increase in milk production by 1075.41 hl/cow per year.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Melbourne, 1990. / Spine title: The effects of management on dairy herd profitability. Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (v. 1, p. 288-306).

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 28, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-108). Also issued in print.

The kinds of agricultural commodities grown in an area result largely from the physical, economic, and institutional setting of the area. Seldom does one factor alone determine the kind of production. The nature of the soil, the amount and the distribution of the precipitation, the topography of the area, and the length of the frost-free growing period are all important. Likewise, location with respect to markets and means of transportation is important, as are also the ownership of the land, the size of the farms, and the balance among the factors of production. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the organization, the rates of production, the receipts and expenses, and the profits involved in operating dairy farms in Duchesne county; and to determine some of the factors affecting profits.

No description available.

An expert system for dairy herd reproductive management for microcomputer was developed using an expert system shell and Turbo Pascal. A dairy extension reproductive specialist provided information for the system and empirical support was provided by research. The expert system initially examines days open, days to first insemination, percent of possible estruses observed, and number of breedings per conception to determine whether a problem exists. Interpretations ranging from “excellent” to “severe” were established for each parameter. “Excellent” and “adequate” interpretations correspond to a 12 to 13 mo calving interval. The system then selects for evaluation one of three areas that influences days open; days to first insemination, efficiency of detection of estrus, or conception percentage. Once an area has been selected for further evaluation, the expert system utilizes information from the user and from DHIA reproductive management reports developed by the Dairy Records Processing Center in Raleigh, NC. The reproductive reports are captured in a computer file and read by the expert system to identify problems of conception categorized by production, parity, service, days in milk, breed, and service sire. In addition, questions are asked by the expert system to isolate problems in data accuracy, semen handling, AI technique, detection of estrus, signs of estrus, and other management areas. Recommendations and suggestions are given. The expert system was designed to be used by extension personnel who may not have extensive knowledge of computers or reproductive management. The compiled program runs on an IBM compatible personal computer with 640K memory. Ten Virginia DHIA herds with conception problems were evaluated by the expert system and the extension specialist. Of 100 potential problem areas, the expert system and extension specialist identified 47, agreeing on 85% of them. Most discrepancies resulted from the expert applying a more restrictive standard when values were close to a preselected threshold. / Master of Science

The use of cleaned-in-place milk pipe lines has been increasing for the past several years, particularly in conjunction with the farm bulk tank. It offers an opportunity for increasing operating efficiency by reducing the amount of labor needed for the milking operations. For many dairymen who have either outgrown or worn out existing facilities it is the least expensive and most efficient way of improving their milk handling facilities. The use of pressure in circulation cleaning of permanent milk pipe lines has been developed to give satisfactory results in the dairy plant. This method involves the use of considerable extra equipment which may be used for other purposes. Pipe line milker installations on most dairy farms are cleaned by the use of vacuum circulation rather than by pressure circulation cleaning. This enables the dairy farmer to utilize the same vacuum pump for circulation cleaning of the pipe line that is used for the milking operation. This eliminates the purchase of extra equipment that would be of no value except in the cleaning operation. Our present knowledge of the factors involved in the installation, the maintenance, and the care of cleaned-in-place milk pipe lines on the farm is limited. Dairymen who are now using such a system, and those considering its use, need more scientific information on the cleaning and sanitizing aspects of the farm milk pipe line installations. Cleaning compounds which have been designed for hand cleaning operations are commonly used for pipe line cleaning. It is impossible to obtain maximum cleaning efficiency of pipe lines with these compounds because they are milder in their alkaline action than compounds designed for in-place cleaning. The chemical activity of compounds designed for in-place cleaning is increased by the maintenance of a temperature of 140 °F. or higher. The circulation temperature range of 140 to 160 °F. as recommended by the several detergent manufacturers is difficult to maintain in actual practice. Many detergents recommended for circulation cleaning are not suitable for use in all types of farm-in-place installations due to the excessive foaming of the detergents in solution when placed under vacuum. This excessive foaming causes considerable difficulty in circulation operations and prevents proper solution contact with the pipe line surface. The problem of cleaning and sanitizing cleaned-in-place pipe lines on dairy farms is confounded by the absence of standardization in the engineering aspects of cleaned-in-place systems. The introduction of shortcuts or laxity in following the proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures may result in the lowering of milk quality. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the cleaning and sanitizing ability of a number of cleaning compounds used in the vacuum circulation cleaning of a pipe line milker in a stanchion type dairy barn. A second objective was to evaluate the effect of circulation temperature ranges on the cleaning efficiency of the detergents. / Master of Science