Search Results (140)

The market for plant-based alternatives to animal foods has increased rapidly in the past decade, mainly due to consumer demand. Little evidence is available regarding nutritional impacts, drivers, and barriers to using these products as substitutes for animal foods in real-life conditions. This pilot study followed 16 Danish adults (30 ± 11 years old; 11 females) for 4 weeks with substituting milk, cheese, and yogurt with plant-based analogues to dairy (PBADs) and assessed their drivers and barriers to applying the intervention with a mixed-method approach. PBADs are constantly compared to their animal counterparts, both regarding product characteristics, such as price and sensory properties, as well as cultural roles and subjective memories. The mixed methods showed dairy attachment, price, and taste were the main barriers to consuming PBAD, while changes in life and social circles were drivers (qualitative data). As for the liking of PBADs, plant-based yoghurt was the preferred intervention product (73.5/100, p < 0.05), followed by plant-based drinks (65.9/100), while plant-based cheese was the lowest rated (47.9/100, p < 0.05). As for dietary changes, a lower average intake of sugars, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc was observed after the intervention. Additionally, this study describes the attachment of the study population to milk and dairy products. It shows that choosing dairy is beyond nourishment but is connected to tradition, culture, pleasure, memories, and a sense of belonging. In contrast, there is no history or attachment to PBADs. Full article

Global policy narratives on livestock development increasingly emphasize environmental concerns, often overlooking the social dimensions of the sector. In the case of dairy, the world’s most valuable agricultural commodity, its role in social and economic development remains poorly quantified. Our study contributes to a more balanced vision of the UN SDGs thanks to the inclusion of a socio-economic dimension. Here we present a novel empirical approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of dairy development using a new global dataset and non-parametric modelling techniques (local polynomial regressions), with yield as a proxy for sectoral performance. We find that as dairy systems intensify, the number of farm households engaged in production declines, yet household incomes rise. On-farm labour productivity also increases, accompanied by a reduction in employment but higher wages. In dairy processing, employment initially grows, peaks, and then contracts, again with rising wages. The most substantial impact is observed among consumers: an increased milk supply leads to lower prices and improved affordability, expanding the access to dairy products. Additionally, dairy development is associated with greater agricultural value added, an expanding tax base, and the increased formalization of the economy. These findings suggest that dairy development, beyond its environmental footprint, plays a significant and largely positive role in social transformation, yet is having to adapt sustainably while tackling labour force relocation, and that dairy development’s social impacts mimic the general agricultural sector. These results might be of interest for the assessment of policies regarding dairy development. Full article

Milk quality has a growing importance for farmers as component-based pricing becomes more widespread. Food quality and precision manufacturing techniques demand consistent milk composition. Udder health, general cow condition, environmental factors, and especially feed composition all influence milk quality. The large volume of routinely collected milk data can be used to build prediction models that estimate valuable constituents from other measured parameters. In this study, casein was chosen as the target variable because of its high economic value. We developed a multiple linear-regression model and a feed-forward neural network model to estimate casein content from twelve commonly recorded milk traits. Evaluated on an independent test set, the regression model achieved R² = 0.86 and RMSE = 0.018%, with mean bias = +0.003% and slope bias = −0.10, whereas the neural network improved performance to R² = 0.924 and RMSE = 0.084%. In silico microgreen inclusion from 0% to 100% of dietary dry matter raised the predicted casein concentration from 2.662% to 3.398%, a relative increase of 27.6%. To extend practical applicability, a simulation module was created to explore how microgreen supplementation might modify milk casein levels, enabling virtual testing of dietary strategies before in vivo trials. Together, the predictive models and the microgreen simulation form a cost-effective, non-invasive decision-support tool that can accelerate diet optimization and improve casein management in precision dairy production. Full article

Dairy farm profitability in the European Union has become increasingly volatile following market deregulation, complicating farm operations and undermining food security amid geopolitical tensions. To address the need for a streamlined analytical tool, this study develops a simulation model of milk production profitability tailored to small, open economies, using Poland as a case study. The model defines a profitability coefficient as the ratio of sector-level milk revenues to feed costs and decomposes it into three dynamic components: production efficiency (milk yield per feed unit), the price spread between milk and feed, and the net effect of policy interventions on revenues and costs. Exogenous variables (milk prices, feed prices, and policy support indices) are projected under baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios, while endogenous variables (profitability, herd size, and yield) evolve recursively based on estimated lags reflecting biological and economic responses. Simulation results for 2023–2027 indicate that profitability trajectories hinge primarily on price spreads, with policy measures playing a stabilizing but secondary role. Optimistic scenarios yield significant increases in profitability, whereas pessimistic assumptions lead to significant declines. These findings highlight the need to balance key market drivers—such as the relationship between milk prices and feed costs—with appropriately designed support instruments for milk producers. The model provides policymakers with a tool to adjust interventions so that support instruments are effective but do not lead to excessive reliance on public assistance. Full article

There is a growing market for plant-based alternative beverages (PBAs) promoted as alternatives to dairy milk. Part of their popularity is that consumers consider them better for both the environment and human health. These perceptions, however, may not be entirely supported by scientific evidence. A holistic comparison of dairy milk and PBAs is difficult because their prices typically do not reflect their environmental and nutritional health impacts, although PBAs tend to be significantly more expensive than dairy milk. Here, we integrate key results from the scientific literature using a True Cost Accounting (TCA) approach to compare dairy milk and five PBAs based on their market retail price and a quantification—and when possible, monetization—of key environmental, nutritional, and social impacts: Global Warming Potential (GWP), dietary risks, and forced labor, respectively. We compare whole dairy milk with five PBAs: soy, almond, oat, coconut, and pea, which account for 97% of retail market sales in the USA. The results show that while environmental, nutritional, and social benefits attributed to PBAs compared to dairy milk exist and can be significant, they are heterogenous, and for some PBAs, they may not be as significant as commonly perceived, particularly when the price premium they command are considered. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a toxic metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is commonly found in cow’s milk (CM) when dairy cattle consume contaminated feed. Chronic exposure to AFM1 poses serious health risks, particularly for children. This study aimed to quantify AFM1 levels in commercial CM available in Mexico and assess the associated carcinogenic risk across six age groups. A total of 23 milk samples were collected between March and July 2023 from supermarkets and convenience stores. AFM1 was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Estimated daily intake (EDI), carcinogenic risk index (CRI), and Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) to model exposure were employed. AFM1 was detected in all samples, with 80% exceeding the legal limits set by Mexican and European regulations. The highest CRI values were observed in children aged 1–4 years (CRI > 5 × 10³), indicating an elevated risk. There were no statistically significant differences in AFM1 concentration among different milk or thermal treatments. A cluster analysis revealed patterns related to AFM1 content, price, and processing methods. The widespread detection of AFM1 raises a public health concern, especially for vulnerable populations. This underscores the need for targeted regulatory strategies and improved control of aflatoxins in the dairy production chain. Full article

Heat stress is becoming an increasing concern for dairy farmers due to elevated temperatures and wind shadow caused by rural development. Mechanical ventilation helps mitigate heat stress; however, transitioning from natural to mechanical ventilation increases operational costs. In this study, the number of days with no heat stress, as well as mild, moderate, and severe heat stress, was calculated for Madison, Wisconsin, over the past five years. Monthly milk margins were determined using all milk prices and feed costs from the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The goal was to compare the potential reduction in milk margin coverage to the electricity costs of operating ventilation fans. The results indicated that while the five-year average milk margin reduction due to heat stress was USD 20,204 for a 600-head facility, the electricity cost accounted for approximately 42.6% of this amount. However, milk margins fluctuated annually due to volatility in milk and feed markets. For example, in 2021, the reduction in milk margins was estimated at USD 9804, while electricity costs reached USD 8574. It was concluded that in some years, when no severe heat stress occurs, the benefits of ventilation may be close to the expenses. Therefore, adhering to best management practices is critical for minimizing electricity costs while using ventilation fans in dairy operations. Full article

Plant milks are considered to be nutritious, sustainable, and vegetarian food products, and they have been the fastest growing beverages in the past decade in China. However, few studies have investigated consumers’ demands and purchase behaviors with respect to plant milks. Through an online questionnaire (n = 1052 valid responses), this study identified the factors that influenced individuals’ purchase intentions, purchase behaviors, attitudes, and demands with respect to current and future plant milk products. Through descriptive analysis and PCA, this study revealed that nutritional value (63.6%), taste (56.3%), and calories (42.8%) were the top three factors that Chinese consumers most cared about regarding plant milks. In the current Chinese market, coconut milk is the most popular plant milk with the highest purchase rate (61.2%), followed by soymilk (53.9%). Male consumers preferred plant milk with higher protein content and fortified with antioxidants, while female consumers preferred plant milk low in calories and enriched with collagen, dietary fiber, and probiotics. Chinese consumers are willing to pay higher prices for plant milks with enhanced nutritional value, improved product quality, and strengthened safety assurances. Innovative forms of plant milk, such as bean milk, rice milk, and quinoa milk, may be developed to satisfy the diversified needs of consumers. Full article

Extreme climate events are increasing in severity and frequency and affecting the livelihood of pastoralists. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Thus, this study examines the effects of drought on livestock production and market dynamics in semi-arid Ethiopia and explores the adaptation strategies employed by Borana pastoralists. Both the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were used to calculate indicators of drought severity between 1993 and 2022. Surveys were also conducted in 244 selected households. In addition, focus group discussions and field observations were conducted to investigate the adaptation practices of Borana pastoralists to drought. A line graph was used to illustrate the relationship between the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and livestock market prices. The study found extreme drought in 1985, 2000, and 2011, with the most severe to moderate dryness occurring in the Arero, Elwaya, Dubuluk, Guchi, and Yabelo areas. The study found that severe droughts are increasing, affecting pastoralists’ livelihoods. The recurring drought led to a shortage of feed and water, which resulted in the starvation and death of livestock and jeopardized the livelihoods of pastoralists. In addition, the decline in milk production and falling market prices are said to have had a negative impact. Diversification of livelihood sources, mobility of livestock to seek out forage and water resources, and diversification of herd composition to take advantage of varying drought tolerance have been the usual long-term adaptation strategies of Borana pastoralists. Given the multiple negative impacts of climate change, development interventions in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Ethiopia should focus on proactive measures to reduce the impacts of climate change on livestock production. Full article

This study aims to investigate the impact of the market structure and efficiency on firm performance in the meat and milk processing industry in Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia. Using stochastic frontier analysis and a profitability regression model applied to data from 2015 to 2021, the results indicate no evidence of collusive behavior in the examined markets. Instead, profitability is significantly driven by efficiency, supporting the hypothesis of an efficient market structure. Companies with higher market shares do not exploit their market power to set higher prices and increase profitability. The findings highlight efficiency as a critical determinant of performance in unconcentrated markets, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the food processing industry and policymakers. Full article

The war in Ukraine and the related disruptions in its supply chains shook global markets for agricultural and energy commodities, causing their prices to increase to unprecedented levels. At the same time, this situation highlighted the fact that Ukraine is an important global producer and exporter of certain agricultural products. The complete opening of the EU market to duty-free imports from Ukraine showed that Ukrainian products constitute competition for both EU and Polish food producers. This, in turn, caused further disruptions in the food supply chains within the EU. The aim of this article is to assess the competitive position of Polish and Ukrainian food producers in the EU market and the prospects for the evolution of their competitive advantages. The analysis was carried out using selected quantitative indicators of competitive position, namely Balassa’s Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) and the Trade Coverage Index (TC). The calculations were made using statistical data from the World Bank WITS-Comtrade database. The research covered the period from 2018 to 2023, inclusive. The research shows that between 2018 and 2023, the share of products in Polish exports to the EU, in which both countries compete, increased to 37.5%; that is, both countries had comparative advantages in these products on this market. The current competition includes, among others, poultry meat, bakery products, wafers and cookies, chocolate, corn, fruit juices, frozen fruit, water and other non-alcoholic drinks, and wheat. At the same time, more than half of Polish exports consisted of products that may become the subject of such competition in the future (currently, only Poland has comparative advantages in the export of these products). These may include, among others, cigarettes, animal feed, fresh or chilled beef, other food products, smoked fish, canned meat, fish fillets, pork, canned fish, and liquid milk and cream. Therefore, Polish food producers face big challenges; the process of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and its potential integration with the single European market will strengthen the competitive position of Ukrainian food producers in the EU market. The current competitive strategy of Polish producers, based on cost and price advantages, may turn out to be ineffective under these conditions. Therefore, they must look for new sources of competitive advantage that will distinguish Polish products from the cheaper Ukrainian ones. Therefore, a strategy of competing on quality may prove effective. Full article

The rising prevalence of food intolerances and increased health and environmental consciousness has driven the demand for free-from (FF) and organic products. This study aims to analyze consumer needs, motivations, and challenges related to these products in Portugal through an online survey with 2268 eligible responses, with a median age of the participants of 41 years. The sample was predominantly female (76.9%), with male participants comprising 23.1% of the sample. The results show that 97.4% of the respondents were aware of FF products, with 60.0% being regular consumers, particularly of lactose-free milk and gluten-free bread and biscuits. Significant market gaps were identified in the variety of FF bread (62.8%), pastries (49.0%), and cookies (38.4%). The consumers identified high prices (84.9%) and excessive sugar/fat content (52.1%) as the main drawbacks of FF products currently on the market. The women showed greater knowledge and purchase levels compared to the men. The trust in organic certification was low (21.4%), with skepticism higher among the lower-income and male participants. Despite this, 78.1% believed in the health benefits of organic products, and 72.2% agreed that increased demand could lower prices. Overall, this study highlights the need for greater product variety, improved transparency, and consumer education to enhance market trust and accessibility. Full article

Urban vitality is a critical driver of sustainable urban development, significantly contributing to the enhancement of human well-being. A thorough and multidimensional comprehension of urban vitality is essential for shaping future urban planning and policy-making. This study, focused on Chengdu, proposes a framework for assessing various dimensions of UV through the distribution of milk tea and coffee shops. Using random forest and multi-scale geographically weighted regression models, this study investigates the factors influencing urban vitality from both mathematical thresholds and spatial heterogeneity, and develops spatial maps of future vitality to inform targeted urban strategies. The results show that (1) the milk tea index is effective in capturing population vitality, while the coffee index is more closely associated with economic vitality and urban renewal; (2) office buildings (13.46%) and commercial complexes (13.70%) have the most significant impact on both economic and population vitality, while the importance of transportation factors has notably decreased; (3) the influence of these factors demonstrates spatial heterogeneity and nonlinear relationships, with subway station density of 0.5–0.8 stations per kilometer being optimal for stimulating both types of vitality. The minimum threshold for economic vitality in a given unit is a housing price exceeding 6000 RMB/m²; (4) the future vitality map suggests that urban planners should pay greater attention to non-central districts with high development potential. Moreover, spontaneous social interactions and consumer behaviors stimulated by various shops are critical components of urban vitality. In designing the physical environment and urban spatial forms, special attention should be given to enhancing the attractiveness of physical spaces and their capacity to accommodate social interaction. Full article

Labneh is a popular fermented dairy product, which contemporarily has diversified into a varied range of styles, formulated with the inclusion of multiple additives, and is sourced across the globe. This has driven labneh’s emergence as a complex product with varying textural and rheological characteristics. The lack of scientific literature about labneh products available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market and their characterization has prompted this study. A detailed UAE market analysis of labneh for label, formulation, nutrition, and price variability was conducted. Surveyed labneh products were categorized as unpackaged, multinational company (MNC), small and medium enterprise (SME), and specialty products. They differed in manufacturing, such as acid ± enzyme coagulation with/without post-fermentation heat treatment, and contained various stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives, and processing aids. Interestingly, almost equal proportions, 64.7% and 67%, of MNC and SME labneh contained additives, respectively. All MNC labneh were post-heat-treated, in contrast to only 7% of SME labneh. Organic labneh and non-bovine milk-based labneh are not yet widely available. The second part of the study involved the physicochemical characterization of a select number of packaged labneh that were categorized in accordance with fat content as high-fat (17–18%), full-fat (7.1–8%), and lite-fat (3.5–4.5%). High-fat labneh showed a significantly higher complex viscosity, complex modulus, hardness, adhesiveness, stringiness, and fracturability, followed by lite-fat labneh compared to full-fat labneh, especially when it contained pectin. Full-fat labneh with added gums (and starch) and high-fat labneh with gums showed a significantly lower complex modulus compared to their respective control labneh. This study highlights the variety of commercial labneh products available and differences in their formulation, manufacturing, and composition, and provides specific dependencies of materials with their physicochemical characteristics. Full article

Chicken eggs are a staple food widely consumed directly or indirectly (as an ingredient in other food items) in Saudi Arabia. Due to the importance of eggs in Saudi consumers’ diet, this study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors affecting Saudi consumer demand for eggs and how changes in egg prices and consumer income may influence dietary intake derived from eggs. This study analyzes survey data from 466 respondents. We used a double-log demand model to obtain the price and income elasticities of egg demand. The results show that the price elasticity of egg demand is negative and inelastic, indicating that changes in egg price have a small influence on egg demand. Additionally, income elasticity is positive and <1, implying that eggs are a necessary food item. Cross-price elasticities show that cheese and milk complement egg consumption. Meanwhile, cornflakes (a breakfast cereal) were found to be a good substitute for eggs. Furthermore, the results show that consumer demand for eggs is expected to increase as household size increases. Women exhibited a higher demand for eggs, compared with men. Nutrient income elasticity shows that an increase in consumer income increases protein, fat, and calorie intake from eggs. Nutrient price elasticity shows that an increase in egg price has the greatest negative influence on protein intake, resulting from a decrease in egg consumption. This study recommends that decision makers actively monitor egg prices and take all necessary actions to prevent spikes in egg prices, as this will improve nutritional and food security and help consumers maintain a stable protein intake from egg consumption. Full article