Do vaccination interventions have effects? A study on how poultry vaccination interventions change smallholder farmer knowledge, attitudes, and practice in villages in Kenya and Tanzania

Effectiveness of a community-centered Newcastle disease vaccine delivery model under paid and free vaccination frameworks in southeastern Kenya

In the absence of effective drugs, vaccines constitute the cornerstone for the prevention of Newcastle disease (ND). Different strategies have been implemented to increase vaccination, but uptake remains low, underscoring the need for novel vaccine delivery methods. We designed and assessed the effectiveness of a community-centered ND vaccine delivery model in southeastern Kenya. Under the model, we sensitized smallholder chicken farmers (SCFs) through structured training on chicken husbandry, biosecurity, ND, and its vaccination, among other aspects. We subsequently engaged trained community vaccinators (CVs) to deliver vaccines and/or provide vaccination services to SCFs at a cost on one hand and, at no cost on the other, in selected sites to address challenges of inadequate service providers, vaccine unavailability, and inaccessibility. We tested this model under paid and free vaccination frameworks over one year and assessed the model's effect on vaccine uptake, ND-related deaths, and vaccine accessibility, among other aspects. Overall, we vaccinated more chickens at free sites compared to paid sites. However, we vaccinated a significantly higher mean number of chickens per household at paid (49.4±38.5) compared to free (28.4±25.9) sites (t = 8.4, p<0.0001). We recorded a significant increase in the proportion of SCFs who vaccinated their chickens from 31.3% to 68.4% (χ2(1, N = 399) = 58.3, p<0.0001) in paid and from 19.9% to 74.9% (χ2(1, N = 403) = 115.7, p<0.0001) in free sites pre- and post-intervention, respectively. The mean number of ND-related deaths reported per household decreased from 18.1±31.6 pre-intervention to 7.5±22.3 post-intervention (t = 5.4, p = 0.000), with higher reductions recorded in paid sites (20.9±37.7 to 4.5±11.2) compared to free sites (15.0±22.6 to 10.7±29.7) pre- and post-intervention, respectively. Farmers with access to vaccines increased significantly from 61.1% to 85.4% (χ2(1, N = 399) = 31.7, p<0.0001) in paid and 43.6% to 74.9% (χ2(1, N = 403) = 38.4, p = 0.0001) in free sites pre- and post-intervention, respectively. We established that type of intervention framework, gender of household head, if the household head attended training on chicken production in the last 12 months, access to information on ND vaccination, and the number of chickens lost to the previous ND outbreak were significant predictors of ND vaccine uptake. Our findings indicate the model has a broader reach and benefits for SCFs. However, policies should be enacted to regulate the integration of CVs into the formal animal health sector.

Management factors associated with the survival and market weight of broiler chickens among small-scale farmers in the Dodoma City of Tanzania

Broiler chickens have the genetic potential for significant weight gain over a very short period of time. As a result, they account for over 92 % of the world's poultry meat production in different parts of the world. Yet, to fully realise their growth potential, effective management practices are crucial, encompassing aspects like nutritious feeds, disease control, optimal temperature, and adequate housing. The purpose of the study was to determine the management practices associated with the survival and market weight of broiler chickens in small-scale production. Small-scale poultry production plays a significant role in poverty reduction and household nutrition in developing countries. One hundred and forty small-scale broiler farmers were visited for interviews in the Dodoma City. Employing a structured questionnaire, data on management practices was gathered, while past production records determined market weight and survival rates. Most chickens weighed 1.8-2.3 kg at the end of the production cycle, with a mean live weight of 2.0 kg. Heat provision to chick housing in the early growth stages increased both survival and market weight. Conversely, chicken vaccination and the farmer's experiences were correlated with an increased survival rate. Furthermore, higher feed quantities offered to growers and finishers were linked to greater market weight. It was concluded that enhancing knowledge among small-scale farmers through training and extension services has the potential to increase broiler productivity.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on vaccine usage among small ruminant farmers in the Northern Region of Bangladesh

Background and Aim

Small ruminants require vaccines to prevent and manage diseases. Unfortunately, no studies have been conducted in Bangladesh to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of small ruminant farmers (SRF) regarding vaccine use against infectious diseases, affecting the success of vaccination campaigns. The present study aims to assess SRF's KAP regarding vaccines, revealing gaps and barriers to efficient vaccination.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and twenty-eight SRF in northern Bangladesh were surveyed in a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from random participants through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. KAP levels were categorized as "good" or "poor" and "positive" or "negative" using a scoring method with a 60% cutoff. The analysis comprised the utilization of descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression models.

Results

Results showed that most participants were female (60.5%), aged 31-40 (34.2%), with secondary education (28.1%), and vaccination training (22.8%). While 75% knew about vaccines, only 37.3% understood their role in preventing infectious diseases, and 63.6% in reducing antibiotic use 68.4% of farmers were aware of negative drawbacks, and 61.8% reported vaccinating their herds. About 42.1% of the farmers had good knowledge, 52.6% had a positive attitude, and 22.8% followed good practices. Female farmers with graduate degrees and 6-10 years of goat farming experience, but not those with vaccination training, demonstrated stronger knowledge. Female farmers with a graduate degree and 6-10 years of goat farming experience displayed positive attitudes. Female goat farmers from Thakurgaon had a higher likelihood of following good vaccination practices than those with vaccination training.

Conclusion

The study unearths disparities in KAP scores among farmers. To effectively address KAP gaps concerning vaccine usage and prevent potential infectious diseases, it is essential to design focused educational and training programs. About 52.6% of SRF hold a positive view toward vaccines.

Genomic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Newcastle Disease Virus Genotypes in Africa: Implications for Diagnosis, Vaccination, and Regional Collaboration

The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously evolving in different geographic locations across the globe, including throughout Africa, where NDV is an important veterinary pathogen. Expanding the genomic diversity of NDV increases the possibility of diagnostic and vaccine failures. In this review, we systematically analyzed the genetic diversity of NDV genotypes in Africa using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information published between 1999 and 2022 were used to obtain the genetic background of different genotypes of NDV and their geographic distributions in Africa. The following genotypes were reported in Africa: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, XX, and XXI. A new putative genotype has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, of 54 African countries, only 26 countries regularly report information on NDV outbreaks, suggesting that this number may be vastly underestimated. With eight different genotypes, Nigeria is the country with the greatest genotypic diversity of NDV among African countries. Genotype VII is the most prevalent group of NDV in Africa, which was reported in 15 countries. A phylogeographic analysis of NDV sequences revealed transboundary transmission of the virus in Eastern Africa, Western and Central Africa, and in Southern Africa. A regional and continental collaboration is recommended for improved NDV risk management in Africa.

The impact of management practices on the disease and mortality rates of broilers and layers kept by small-scale farmers in Dodoma urban district, Tanzania

The demand for chicken products in Tanzania has increased due to population growth and rising incomes. As a result, the production of broilers and layers has been promoted to fill the gap due to their high productivity. However, exotic breeds of chicken are susceptible to diseases, thus requiring good disease management practices. The current study aimed to increase production of exotic breeds of chicken in the Dodoma region, which is growing rapidly, by identifying management factors associated with disease and chicken mortality. One hundred and four households that keep broilers or layers were selected randomly from the Dodoma urban district. The households were interviewed to gather information about chicken diseases, mortality, and management practices. The proportion of sick and dead chickens per farm was determined and used in beta regression to test its association with management practices and chicken breed. The proportion of sick chickens in a flock was low when stocking density was low and in large households, but it was higher when the farmer lacked knowledge of disease management. Further, mortality rates were high when farmers lacked disease knowledge and cleaning frequency was low, and low when farmers had extensive experience in chicken production. Improvement of extension services and education programmes for poultry farmers on good disease management practices is necessary to increase the production of layers and broilers in the region.

The Public Health Importance and Management of Infectious Poultry Diseases in Smallholder Systems in Africa

Poultry diseases pose major constraints on smallholder production in Africa, causing high flock mortality and economic hardship. Infectious diseases, especially viral diseases like Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and bacterial diseases, especially colibacillosis and salmonellosis, are responsible for most chicken losses, with downstream effects on human nutrition and health. Beyond production impacts, poultry diseases directly harm public health if zoonotic, can give rise to epidemics and pandemics, and facilitate antimicrobial resistance through treatment attempts. HPAI, campylobacteriosis, and salmonellosis are the priority zoonoses. Sustainable solutions for poultry health remain elusive despite recognition of the problem. This review summarises current knowledge on major poultry diseases in smallholder systems, their impacts, and options for prevention and control. We find biosecurity, vaccination, good husbandry, and disease-resistant breeds can reduce disease burden, but practical limitations exist in implementing these measures across smallholder systems. Treatment is often inefficient for viral diseases, and treatment for bacterial diseases risks antimicrobial resistance. Ethnoveterinary practices offer accessible alternatives but require more rigorous evaluation. Multisectoral collaboration and policies that reach smallholder poultry keepers are essential to alleviate disease constraints. Successful control will improve livelihoods, nutrition, and gender equity for millions of rural families. This review concludes that sustainable, scalable solutions for smallholder poultry disease control remain a critical unmet need in Africa.

The role of feeds in the transmission of chicken pathogens in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania

Chicken production is an important economic activity in Tanzania. Indigenous chickens are kept in rural areas, while exotic breeds are kept in urban areas. Due to their high productivity, exotic breeds are becoming important sources of protein in fast-growing cities. Dodoma is one of the cities growing very fast in Tanzania. As a result, production of layers and broilers has increased dramatically. However, diseases remain the major challenge to chicken production despite the efforts of livestock officers to educate people on good management practices. This has made farmers think that feeds may be the source of pathogens. The study's objectives were thus to identify the major diseases affecting broiler and layer chickens in the Dodoma urban district, as well as the potential role of feeds in pathogen transmission to chickens. A household survey was conducted to identify common diseases affecting chickens in the study area. Thereafter, locally prepared feed samples were collected from twenty shops available in the district to determine the presence of Salmonella and Eimeria parasites. The presence of Eimeria parasites in the feeds was determined by raising day-old chicks in a sterile environment for 3 wk while feeding them the feed samples collected. Fecal samples from the chicks were analyzed for the presence of Eimeria parasites. Salmonella contamination of the feed samples was determined in the laboratory through the culture method. The study found that coccidiosis, Newcastle disease, fowl typhoid, infectious bursal disease, and colibacillosis are the main diseases affecting chickens in the district. After 3 wk of rearing, 3 out of 15 chicks developed coccidiosis. In addition, about 31.1% of the feed samples showed the presence of Salmonella spp. The prevalence of Salmonella was highest in limestone (53.3%), followed by fishmeal (26.7%), and maize bran (13.3%). It has been concluded that feeds are potential carriers of pathogens. To reduce economic losses and the continuous use of drugs in chicken production, health authorities should assess the microbial quality of poultry feeds.

Socio-economic and structural barriers in Newcastle disease vaccines uptake by smallholder women farmers in Southeastern Kenya

The exploitation of the full benefits of chicken rearing by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan (SSA) Africa is often impeded by poultry diseases which is compounded by limited uptake of vaccination. We interrogate the structural and socioeconomic factors associated with vaccine uptake by women farmers in Southeastern Kenya. A mixed methods design with a convergent approach for comparison of quantitative and qualitative findings was adopted. This involved the administration of a cross section survey to 1274 households, conduct of 23 Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs) and 7 Key informant Interviews (KIIs). Chi Square and t-tests were used to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake. Logistics regression analysis was used to identify the influence of the structural and socioeconomic barriers to vaccine uptake. Findings indicate that having knowledge of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine increases the likelihood of farmers vaccinating their chicken by up to 32.5 times (95% CI [8.46-124.53]) with a 1 unit increase in vaccine knowledge. A farmer's distance away from the nearest ND vaccine vendor was found to reduce the likelihood of farmers vaccinating their chicken by up to 4% (95% CI ([0.93-1.00]) for every 1-kilometre increase in distance away from the vaccine vendors. Farmers who considered vaccines to be effective in preventing ND were 39 times (95% CI [6.23-239.8]) more likely to use ND vaccines than those that did not consider ND vaccine to effective. We surmise that a comprehensive approach that addresses increased ND vaccine knowledge among smallholder women chicken farmers, proximity of ND vendors, as well as cost holds the potential for regular and increased ND vaccine uptake.

Barriers to vaccine use in small ruminants and poultry in Tanzania

Vaccination is an important disease prevention and control measure; however, vaccine adoption by livestock farmers in Tanzania is still low. This cross-sectional study examined the challenges to vaccine use faced by livestock owners and animal health professionals (AHPs) in Tanzania. A questionnaire was administered to 216 households that kept small ruminants and poultry and 19 AHPs’ data were collected electronically via the survey platform Qualtrics, and descriptive statistics were performed. Households with poultry reported vaccinating mostly against Newcastle disease (91.7%), fowl pox (48.1%) and Gumboro disease (37.0%), whilst households with small ruminants reported contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (62.2%), sheep and goat pox (17.1%), foot-and-mouth disease (7.3%) and peste des petits ruminants (7.3%). The households’ decision to vaccinate was mostly influenced by knowledge of diseases (82.4%), disease history on the farm (69.4%) and vaccine price (63.4%). Most households (54.6%) experienced challenges when purchasing vaccines, including high vaccine cost (78.0%), long distance from vaccine source (61.0%) and vaccine unavailability (21.2%). The findings suggest that improving the knowledge of livestock owners regarding the priority diseases and the benefits of vaccination, establishing more vaccine suppliers, improving vaccine distribution and access and training AHPs and households on appropriate vaccine storage and handling are necessary to improve vaccine adoption and ensure vaccine quality and effectiveness.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Vietnamese Fish Farmers

(1) Background: Antibiotic (AB) usage in food animals is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Vaccination can reduce the over-use of AB treatment. Little is known about farmers’ attitudes and beliefs about AB and vaccine usage in developing countries, especially in aquaculture. (2) Methods: We used the necessity/concerns framework to guide our research, where vaccine hesitancy is viewed as a function of the perceived necessity versus the perceived concerns about treatment. We measured disease and treatment perceptions in 400 Vietnamese farmers of Pangasius catfish, specifically regarding (a) chemical treatment of water, (b) antibiotic usage, and (c) vaccination of fish. (3) Results: Although farmers’ concerns about AB usage outweighed necessity beliefs, 86.5% reported having used ABs on their farm. Knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination were positive, with views of its necessity outweighing concerns. However, if available, only 67.6% said they would definitely use vaccines in the future. Farmers were more likely to use vaccines if they reported having fewer problems with fish disease, felt that any concerns about vaccines were outweighed by their perceived benefits, had less mistrust of vaccination, and had fewer concerns about commercial profiteering. (4) Conclusion: Interventions that highlight concerns about continued antibiotic use, reduce concerns, and mistrust and increase the perceived necessity of vaccines combined with greater availability of vaccines may be the most effective way of overcoming vaccine hesitancy and increase appropriate use of vaccines by Vietnamese fish farmers.

A mixed methods study of stakeholders' practices and attitudes on avian influenza H7N9 vaccination for the yellow broiler industry in Guangxi, China

In response to a sudden increase in H7N9 human infections, China introduced an H5/H7 bivalent inactivated vaccine for poultry in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces in July 2017, which subsequently became integrated into the existing compulsory national H5N1 vaccination programme from September 2017. Although the vaccination programme effectively reduced H7N9 infections in humans and poultry, there are ongoing arguments against continuing this long-term vaccination. These discussions have drawn policymakers to think about the possibility of stopping routine vaccination for H7N9 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in China; however, they have not considered the poultry industry stakeholders' practices on and attitudes towards this vaccination. This study investigated H7N9 vaccination practices in the yellow broiler industry in Guangxi and stakeholders' attitudes on H7N9 vaccination, using a mixed methods design. The study found H7N9 vaccination was well adopted in the yellow broiler industry in Guangxi regardless of the source of the vaccines. Most stakeholders believed vaccination was the best measure to control H7N9 and H5N1 AIVs, and they showed a strong willingness to continue with vaccination even without government subsidies or freely provided vaccines. The motivations by stakeholders for using vaccines to control H7N9 and H5N1 were different due to the epidemiological differences between the two strains. Understanding poultry industry stakeholders' practices and attitudes on H7N9 vaccination has important practical implications in planning vaccination policies, particularly when considering the possibility of vaccination withdrawal.

Cost-Effectiveness of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal in Diets for Layer Chicks and Growers

The acceptance of eco-friendly black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as sustainable alternative protein ingredient in poultry feeds continues to gain momentum worldwide. This study evaluates the impact of BSFLM in layer chick and grower diets on the growth, carcass quality and economic returns. Mean weekly weight gain and total live weight per chick and grower varied significantly. The highest final weight gain was achieved when birds were provided diet with 25.6% BSFLM. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG) and overall weight gain of the chick varied significantly, except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR). For grower birds, ADFI, ADG, FCR and overall weight gain did not vary significantly across the various feeding regimes. The weight of the wings and drumsticks had a quadratic response with a maximum weight obtained at 33% inclusion of BSFLM. The weight of the internal organs were not significantly affected by dietary types. Positive cost–benefit ratio and return on investment was recorded for diet types with higher BSFLM inclusion levels (>75%). Diets with 25% and 100% BSFLM inclusion were the most suitable and cost-effective, respectively. Thus, BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used in the poultry industries.

Prioritizing smallholder animal health needs in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia using three approaches: Literature review, expert workshops, and practitioner surveys

Managing the health needs of livestock contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder and pastoralist livestock keepers globally. Animal health practitioners, producers, policymakers, and researchers all must prioritize how to mobilize limited resources. This study employed three approaches to prioritize animal health needs in East and West Africa and South Asia to identify diseases and syndromes that impact livestock keepers. The approaches were a) systematic literature review, b) a series of expert workshops, and c) a practitioner survey of veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals. The top constraints that emerged from all three approaches include endo/ ectoparasites, foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza. Expert workshops additionally identified contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, mastitis, and reproductive disorders as constraints not emphasized in the literature review. Practitioner survey results additionally identified nutrition as a constraint for smallholder dairy and pastoralist small ruminant production. Experts attending the workshops agreed most constraints can be managed using existing veterinary technologies and best husbandry practices, which supports a shift away from focusing on individual diseases and new technologies towards addressing systemic challenges that limit access to veterinary services and inputs. Few research studies focused on incidence/ prevalence of disease and impact, suggesting better incorporation of socio-economic impact measures in future research would better represent the interests of livestock keepers.

Isolation and Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus from Live Bird Markets in Tanzania

Chickens in live bird markets (LBMs) from six different regions of Tanzania were surveyed for Newcastle disease (ND) virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus in 2012. ELISA-based serology, virus isolation, and characterization, including pathotyping was conducted. Virulent NDV was isolated from almost 10% of the tested samples, with two distinct genotypes being detected. One genotype was similar to recent viruses circulating in Kenya and Uganda, which share a northern border with Tanzania. Several viruses of this genotype were also isolated from Tanzania in 1995, the last time surveillance for NDV was conducted in the country. The second genotype of virus from Tanzania was closely related to viruses from Mozambique, a southern neighbor, and more distantly to viruses from South Africa, Botswana, and several European countries. Partial fusion gene sequence from the isolated viruses showed identical fusion cleavage sites that were compatible with virulent viruses. Selected viruses were tested by the intracerebral pathogenicity index, and all viruses tested had scores of >1.78, indicating highly virulent viruses. Serology showed only a third of the chickens had detectable antibody to NDV, suggesting that vaccination is not being commonly used in the country, despite the availability of vaccines in agricultural-related markets. All samples were taken from clinically healthy birds, and it is believed that the birds were sold or slaughtered before showing ND clinical signs. LBMs remain a biosecurity risk for farmers through the return of live infected birds to the farm or village or the movement of virus on fomites, such as uncleaned wooden cages.

Mortality as the primary constraint to enhancing nutritional and financial gains from poultry: A multi-year longitudinal study of smallholder farmers in western Kenya

BACKGROUND

Chickens are a widely held economic and nutritional asset in rural Africa and are frequently managed by women. Despite potential benefits of larger flock sizes, the average number of chickens kept at the household level is reported to be low. Whether this reflects decision-making to maximize benefits per unit labor by voluntary reduction of chicken numbers by consumption or sale versus involuntary losses due to mortality is a significant gap in knowledge relevant to improving smallholder household welfare.

METHODS

In a 4-year longitudinal study of 1,908 smallholder households in rural western Kenya, the number of chickens owned by quarterly census at each household was determined. Households reported gains and losses of chicken over the immediate previous quarter. Gains were classified as on-farm or off-farm; losses were classified as voluntary (sales, gifts, consumption) or involuntary (mortality, unclassified loss).

RESULTS

The mean number of chickens owned over the 16 quarters was 10, consistent with prior cross-sectional data. Involuntary losses represented 70% of total off-take, while voluntary off-take represented the remaining 30%. Mortality composed 60% of total reported off-take and accounted for most of the involuntary losses. Household consumption, sales, and gifts represented 18%, 9%, and 3% of off-take, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The overwhelming majority of off-take can be classified as involuntary off-take, principally due to mortality, that does not reflect the owner's decision to maximize value through nutritional gain, income, or social capital. This strongly suggests that there is substantial opportunity to enhance the value of chickens as an asset, both nutritional and income generating, for smallholder households living at poverty level. Our findings suggest that programs emphasizing community level poultry vaccination and feed supplementation are much more likely to be effective than those solely focused on providing chickens.

Risk Factors for Brucella Seroprevalence in Peri-Urban Dairy Farms in Five Indian Cities

Brucellosis is endemic among dairy animals in India, contributing to production losses and posing a health risk to people, especially farmers and others in close contact with dairy animals or their products. Growing urban populations demand increased milk supplies, resulting in intensifying dairy production at the peri-urban fringe. Peri-urban dairying is under-studied but has implications for disease transmission, both positive and negative. In this cross-sectional study, five Indian cities were selected to represent different geographies and urbanization extent. Around each, we randomly selected 34 peri-urban villages, and in each village three smallholder dairy farms (defined as having a maximum of 10 dairy animals) were randomly selected. The farmers were interviewed, and milk samples were taken from up to three animals. These were tested using a commercial ELISA for antibodies against Brucella abortus, and factors associated with herd seroprevalence were identified. In all, 164 out of 1163 cows (14.1%, 95% CI 12.2-16.2%) were seropositive for Brucella. In total, 91 out of 510 farms (17.8%, 95% CI 14.6-21.4%) had at least one positive animal, and out of these, just seven farmers stated that they had vaccinated against brucellosis. In four cities, the farm-level seroprevalence ranged between 1.4-5.2%, while the fifth city had a seroprevalence of 72.5%. This city had larger, zero-grazing herds, used artificial insemination to a much higher degree, replaced their animals by purchasing from their neighbors, were less likely to contact a veterinarian in case of sick animals, and were also judged to be less clean. Within the high-prevalence city, farms were at higher risk of being infected if they had a young owner and if they were judged less clean. In the low-prevalence cities, no risk factors could be identified. In conclusion, this study has identified that a city can have a high burden of infected animals in the peri-urban areas, but that seroprevalence is strongly influenced by the husbandry system. Increased intensification can be associated with increased risk, and thus the practices associated with this, such as artificial insemination, are also associated with increased risk. These results may be important to identify high-risk areas for prioritizing interventions and for policy decisions influencing the structure and development of the dairy industry.