Sub-optimal economic behaviour with respect to mastitis management

This study analyses sub-optimal economic behaviour in decision-making of Dutch dairy farmers regarding measures to improve udder health. A low adoption rate and a low level of compliance with advice given to the dairy industry suggest the presence of inertia. Farmers who already had implemented a specific management measure were more likely to continue doing this than farmers who applied a different management regime, regardless of the availability of more effective or lower cost alternatives. Additionally, the results showed that farmers were more sensitive to penalties rather than bonuses aimed at stimulating desired behaviour. Oxford University Press and Foundation for the European Review of Agricultural Economics 2010; all rights reserved. For permissions, please email journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.