Quantifying the level of productivity and economic benefits of different farm systems, management strategies and the health status of herds by panel data from sow herds

Traditionally cost-benefit analysis of different farm systems and management strategies, or losses due to diseases, are based on rough estimates made by experts. The purpose of this study is to use panel data to quantify the differences experienced in real life between farmand management systems (fixed sow versus loose sows, one site versus two or multi sites, etc.) and the actual loss due to diseases like PRRS, mycoplasma etc. The advantage of using panel data is the possibility of eliminating farm and herd-specific effects like the skills of running the herd. This study combines data from quarterly technical efficiency reports since 1990, annual account figures such as gross margin per sow since 1990, and an interview covering the history of the herd. Data will be collected from 50 sow herds in South Jutland. Eventually, this analysis will lead to some conclusions pointing out the competitiveness of farm systems, health status, management strategies etc. measured by technical and economic efficiency.