In WP5 an adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA) has been developed and was carried out during the first farm visits in WP2. Data have been analysed and the utilities derived from the ACA have been related to farm specific socio-demographic data. Furthermore, a sociological questionnaire and an economical tool to be used during the second farm visits were elaborated.

Farmers’ perception towards animal health problems have been analysed and summarised in a report (D5.1). Also the intention and motivation of farmers to implement recommendations have been evaluated.

It was found that dairy farmers across the four study countries were positive about taking additional preventative measures to improve the health status of their herds. They believed that this would result not only in improved herd physical performance, but also in greater cost effectiveness and improved job satisfaction for them. Furthermore, farmers will be most likely to take-up additional health promoting activities if they are compatible with their everyday farming activities and if they have strong business performance goals aimed at maximising the physical performance of the herd.

Furthermore, a generic partial budgeting calculation model has been developed based on the calculation of the so-called failure costs of production diseases on organic dairy farms and providing country specific default values, which can be changed by the farmer and/or his/her advisors.

Deliverables D5.1, D5.2, D5.3, D5.4 and D5.5 are available for download.