A comparison of discriminant analysis and logistic regression for the prediction of coliform mastitis in dairy cows

Results from discriminant analysis and logistic regression were compared using two data sets from a study on predictors of coliform mastitis in dairy cows. Both techniques selected the same set of variables as important predictors and were of nearly equal value in classifying cows as having, or not having mastitis. The logistic regression model made fewer classification errors. The magnitudes of the effects were considerably different for some variables. Given the failure to meet the underlying assumptions of discriminant analysis, the coefficients from logistic regression are preferable.