How many cattle are in the world? The global live cattle population amounted to about 1.57 billion heads in 2023, up from approximately 1.51 billion in 2021. Cows as livestock The domestication of cattle began as early as 10,000 to 5,000 years ago. From ancient times up to the present, cattle are bred to provide meat and dairy. Cattle are also employed as draft animals to plow the fields or transport heavy objects. Cattle hide is used for the production of leather, and dung for fuel and agricultural fertilizer. In 2022, India was home to the highest number of milk cows in the world. Cattle farming in the United States Cattle meat such as beef and veal is one of the most widely consumed types of meat across the globe, and is particularly popular in the United States. The United States is the top producer of beef and veal of any country worldwide. In 2021, beef production in the United States reached 12.6 million metric tons. Beef production appears to be following a positive trend in the United States. More than 33.07 million cattle were slaughtered both commercially and in farms annually in the United States in 2019, up from 33 million in the previous year.

India's cattle inventory amounted to about *** million in 2023. In comparison, the global cattle population stood at over ***********, India had the highest cattle population followed by Brazil, China and the United States that year. Where are cattle bred in India? As one of the leading dairy producers and consumers worldwide, cattle in the south Asian country were bred mainly in the rural areas. However, its population was spread unevenly across the vast land. Uttar Pradesh ranked first in terms of milk production, followed by Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in 2023. Contextualizing the holiness of the Indian cow Considered a sacred animal by Hindus in India, the cow is associated with several gods and goddesses. This deep religious and cultural significance has led to communal tensions. In 2014, the government established the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to conserve and develop indigenous breeds of cows and buffaloes. While the general goal was well-received, it aligns with the underlying Hindu nationalist narrative of the current government.

How many cows are in the world? India is home to the highest number of milk cows of any country, at over ** million heads as of 2024. That year, the European Union had the second most milk cows worldwide, at about ** million heads. Raising milk cows In the United States, the cost of feeding, housing, and caring for a single cow is around ***** U.S. dollars per 24 months. Though this price might seem high, when one considers that the average milk cow in the United States produces around **** thousand pounds of milk per year, the investment might be worth it. Dairy production worldwide Although India is by far the largest producer of milk cows, the 27 member states of the European Union collectively produce nearly twice the amount of cow milk of India. The United States came in second place with just under *** million metric tons of milk, followed by India with about *** million metric tons. The European Union is also the leading producer of cheese worldwide.

Global Whole Fresh Cow Milk Producing Population by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

In the U.S., there have been approximately three times more beef cows than dairy cows each year since 2001. As of 2025, it was estimated that there were about 28 million beef cows and only about 9.3 million dairy cows. Beef vs. dairy cows Both beef and dairy cows are bred for their respective purposes and farmers often look for different qualities in each. Dairy cows are often bigger, as they can produce a larger volume of milk. Beef cows, on the other hand, are generally shorter, and there is more emphasis on their muscle growth, among other qualities. In 2024, over 26 billion pounds of beef were produced in the United States. U.S. milk production and consumption The United States is among the top consumers of milk worldwide, surpassed only by India and the European Union. The annual consumption of milk in the U.S. that year was about 20 million metric tons in 2024. To keep up with this level of consumption, milk production in the U.S. has increased by over 60 billion pounds since 1999 and is expected to exceed 227 billion pounds by 2025. California and Wisconsin were the top producing states as of 2024, producing about 42 and 32 billion pounds of milk, respectively.

Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data was reported at 5,555.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,447.000 Unit th for 2021. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data is updated yearly, averaging 4,713.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,555.000 Unit th in 2022 and a record low of 4,513.000 Unit th in 2012. Livestock: Number: Beef Cattle: Tibet data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

Global Whole Fresh Cow Milk Producing Population Share by Country (Units (Heads)), 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow data was reported at 11,601.000 Unit th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,943.000 Unit th for 2021. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow data is updated yearly, averaging 12,603.000 Unit th from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2022, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15,072.000 Unit th in 2015 and a record low of 10,377.000 Unit th in 2018. China Livestock: Number: Cow: Dairy Cow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Number of Livestock: Large Animals: Cow .

Previous archeological and genetic research has shown that modern cattle breeds are descended from multiple independent domestication events of the wild aurochs (Bos primigenius) about ten thousand years ago. Two primary areas of domestication in the Middle East/Europe and the Indian subcontinent resulted in taurine and indicine lines of cattle, respectively. American descendants of cattle brought by European explorers to the New World beginning in 1493 generally have been considered to belong to the taurine lineage. Our analyses of 54,609 single nucleotide polymorphisms show that these New World cattle breeds, as well as the many related breeds of cattle in southern Europe, actually exhibit ancestry from both the taurine and indicine lineages. In this study we show that although European cattle are largely descended from the taurine lineage, gene flow from the indicine lineage has contributed substantial genomic components to both southern European cattle breeds and their New World descendants. New World cattle breeds, such as Texas Longhorns, provide an opportunity to study global population structure and domestication in cattle. Following their introduction into the Americas in the late 1400s, semi-feral herds of cattle underwent between 80 and 200 generations of predominantly natural selection, as opposed to the human-mediated artificial selection of Old World breeding programs. Our analyses of global cattle breed population history show that the hybrid ancestry of New World breeds contributed genetic variation that likely facilitated the adaptation of these breeds to a novel environment.

Background: Two separate domestication events gave rise to humped zebu cattle in India and humpless taurine cattle in the Fertile Crescent of the Near and Middle East. Iran covers the Eastern side of the Fertile Crescent and exhibits a variety of native cattle breeds, however, only little is known about the admixture patterns of Iranian cattle and their contribution to the formation of modern cattle breeds. Results: Genome-wide data (700k chip) of eight Iranian cattle breeds (Sarabi N=19, Kurdi N=7, Taleshi N=7, Mazandarani N=10, Najdi N=7, Pars N=7, Kermani N=9, and Sistani N=9) were collected from across Iran. For a local assessment, taurine (Holstein and Jersey) and indicine (Brahman) outgroup samples were used. For the global perspective, 134 world-wide cattle breeds were included. Between breed variation amongst Iranian cattle explained 60% (p<0.001) of the total molecular variation and 82.88% (p<0.001) when outgroups were included. Several migration edges were observed within the Iranian cattle breeds. The highest indicine proportion was found in Sistani. All Iranian breeds with higher indicine ancestry were more admixed with a complex migration pattern. Nineteen founder populations most accurately explained the admixture of 44 selected representative cattle breeds (standard error 0.4617). Low levels of African ancestry were identified in Iranian cattle breeds (on average 7.5%); however, the signal did not persist through all analyses. Admixture and migration analyses revealed minimal introgression from Iranian cattle into other taurine cattle (Holstein, Hanwoo, Anatolian breeds). Conclusion: The eight Iranian cattle breeds feature a discrete genetic composition which should be considered in conservation programs aimed at preserving unique species and genetic diversity. Despite a complex admixture pattern among Iranian cattle breeds, there was no strong introgression from other world-wide cattle breeds into Iranian cattle and vice versa. Considering Iran’s central location of cattle domestication, Iranian cattle might represent a local domestication event that remained contained and did not contribute to the formation of modern breeds, or genetics of the ancestral population that gave rise to modern cattle is too diluted to be linked directly to any current cattle breeds.

Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data was reported at 41,868.000 Head in Mar 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 37,406.000 Head for Feb 2019. Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data is updated monthly, averaging 30,904.000 Head from Jan 1997 (Median) to Mar 2019, with 267 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49,641.000 Head in Jun 2005 and a record low of 10,432.000 Head in Feb 2001. Brazil Number of Livestock: Slaughtered Cattle: Cow: Paraná data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table BR.RIK005: Number of Livestock: Cattle.

Cattle Vaccines Market Size And Forecast

Cattle Vaccines Market size was valued at USD 13.07 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.33 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.32% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Global Cattle Vaccines Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Cattle Vaccines Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

Growing Rate Of Diseases In Cattle: Effective vaccines are in high demand in order to protect cattle from infectious diseases such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease, and viral diarrhoea in cows.

Growing Requirement For Animal-Based Protein: The growing number of people on the planet has increased demand for dairy and meat products, which calls for robust herds of cattle. In order to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain constant production, this demand drives the need for vaccines.

Technological Developments In Vaccines: The creation of more potent and effective vaccinations, particularly those that provide extended immunity and broad-spectrum protection, has been facilitated by advancements in immunology and biotechnology. These developments support market expansion.

Governmental Proposals And Assistance: Worldwide, a large number of governments carry out immunisation campaigns and offer financial assistance or subsidies for veterinary services, which includes vaccinations for cattle. These programmes aid in the prevention of livestock illnesses and promote market expansion.

Raising Preventive Healthcare Awareness And Adoption: Vaccination rates are rising as a result of farmers and livestock owners' growing awareness of the advantages of preventive care for cattle. This is largely due to the education and outreach initiatives that veterinary businesses and organisations run.

Growth Of The Meat And Dairy Industries: The need for cow vaccinations is driven by the expansion of the meat and dairy industries, particularly in emerging economies. The necessity of keeping sizable, healthy herds grows as these sectors develop.

Livestock Diseases' Effects On The Economy: Cattle disease outbreaks can have serious economic repercussions, such as reduced production, trade restrictions, and animal losses. Vaccination is a reasonably priced way to reduce these dangers, which is fueling demand.

Creation Of Novel And Better Vaccines: New vaccinations with improved protection, fewer side effects, and simpler administration are introduced as a result of ongoing research and development efforts, which has a favourable effect on market expansion.

Standards And Regulations: Vaccine usage is encouraged by strict laws and guidelines pertaining to the health and safety of animals. Adherence to these standards is crucial for the commerce and export of livestock, hence promoting the implementation of vaccination campaigns.

Growing The Population Of Livestock: The number of animals worldwide is increasing, especially in emerging nations where raising cattle is a major source of income. More vaccinations are required to prevent and manage diseases in a greater population of cattle.

The US beef cattle production industry is currently marked by tight supply conditions and elevated prices. Over recent years, persistent drought conditions have led to significant herd liquidation, with beef cow numbers falling to historic lows. This contraction has created a bottleneck in calf production and feeder cattle availability, sustaining high cattle prices. In tandem, elevated feed costs have pressured prices upwards and profit down, driving revenue as cattle producers seek to pass on costs and prevent further profit declines. As herd rebuilding has remained slow, cattle supplies have remained low and kept prices high even as feed, energy and other key agricultural input costs have declined from their highs in 2022. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 6.0% during the current period to reach an estimated $95.9 billion after declining by 2.4% in 2025 as reduced consumption and supplies limit sales. Consumer preferences are shifting in the beef cattle production industry. There is an increasing awareness of environmental and health-related concerns associated with beef consumption. Consequently, many consumers are reducing their intake of conventional beef, turning instead towards more sustainable options and alternatives that are perceived as healthier or higher quality, such as grass-fed and organic beef. This shift has spurred growth in these segments as consumers look for transparency and ethical farming practices. Retailers and restaurants have responded accordingly by offering more options that align with these consumer preferences. However, these trends also pose challenges, especially for smaller producers who face significant costs associated with transitioning to sustainable practices or achieving certifications like organic or "sustainably raised." Though opportunities for growth will continue to present themselves, the outlook for the industry as a whole does not look as positive in the next five years. Poultry, pork and plant-based proteins will threaten beef demand as they appeal to health-conscious customers, particularly as cattle prices are elevated. Climate change will also continue to introduce environmental pressures, demanding resilience and adaptability from producers. Periods of stable weather could facilitate herd rebuilding, leading to increased cattle supplies and dropping prices, but continued climatic fluctuations and extreme weather events could reduce the consistency of production and increase revenue volatility. Advancements in technology, such as drones and wearable sensors, promise to help optimize cattle management, improving operational efficiencies and animal welfare. These innovations, however, require investment and broader accessibility through government support to ensure equitable adoption across the industry. Additionally, while global trade disruptions remain a concern due to disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions, US producers will have opportunities in niche market segments to differentiate themselves, counterbalancing some of these pressures. Overall, revenue for cattle producers is forecast to decline through 2030 at a CAGR of 0.4% to $94.0 billion.

How many cows are in the U.S.? The United States is home to approximately **** million cattle and calves as of 2025, dropping slightly from the 2024 value. Cattle farming in the United States There are over ***** times more beef cows than milk cows living in the United States. Raising cattle is notoriously expensive, not only in terms of land, feed, and equipment, but also in terms of the environmental impact of consuming beef. Beef and milk have the highest carbon footprints of any type of food in the United States. U.S. milk market The volume of milk produced in the United States has been steadily increasing over the last several years. In 2024, total milk production in the U.S. was about ***** billion pounds, up from ***** billion pounds in 2010. ********** is the leading producer of milk of any U.S. state, generating approximately ** billion pounds of milk in 2023. Wisconsin came in second, producing about **** billion pounds of milk in that year.

Crossbreeding has been employed to address environmental challenges. One successful example is the Siboney de Cuba, developed in response to economic challenges in the 1960s. The aim of this study was to perform the first genomic characterization of the Siboney de Cuba breed, a successful hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of Cuban Zebu and Holstein, using SNP array chip. For this purpose, 48 Siboney de Cuba cattle samples were collected and genotyped with the GGP Bovine 100k BeadChip, resulting in 83,314 SNPs after quality control. The genetic diversity was investigated using observed and expected heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficient, and minor allele frequency. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis provided insights into molecular inbreeding. Additionally, the study investigated copy number variants (CNV), identifying CNV regions and their distribution. The genetic relationship and population structure of Siboney de Cuba were analyzed in comparison with worldwide cattle populations using ADMIXTURE, multidimensional scaling, and phylogenetic analysis. Six ROH islands containing a total of 50 genes were discovered, some of which were uncharacterized loci. Furthermore, 792 CNV with higher occurrence of genetic material loss were observed. The overall genome coverage for CNV regions was 2.16%. The Siboney de Cuba exhibited a good level of genetic variability with high heterozygosity and low inbreeding when compared with other cattle breeds worldwide. Also, the breed shared genetic similarity to hybrids from America and Bos indicus from Africa and highlighted a moderate level of genetic isolation with some overlaps with Bos taurus from America. The breed showed a complex genetic composition, influenced by historical factors. Overall, findings of the present study contribute to the understanding of genomic structure of Siboney de Cuba cattle breed.

The first records of smallpox and rabies date back thousands of years and foot-and-mouth disease in cattle was described in the 16th century. These diseases stood out by their distinct signs, dramatic way of transmission from rabid dogs to humans, and sudden appearance in cattle herds. By contrast, infectious diseases that show variable signs and affect few individuals were identified only much later. Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), endemic in cattle worldwide, was first described in 1946, together with the eponymous RNA virus as its cause. There is general agreement that BVD was not newly emerging at that time, but its history remains unknown. A search for associations between the nucleotide sequences of over 7,000 BVD viral strains obtained during a national campaign to eradicate BVD and features common to the hosts of these strains enabled us to trace back in time the presence of BVD in the Swiss cattle population. We found that animals of the two major traditional cattle breeds, Fleckvieh and Swiss Brown, were infected with strains of only four different subgenotypes of BVDV-1. The history of these cattle breeds and the events that determined the current distribution of the two populations are well documented. Specifically, Fleckvieh originates from the Bernese and Swiss Brown from the central Alps. The spread to their current geographic distribution was determined by historic events during a major expansion of the Swiss Confederation during the 15th and 16th centuries. The association of the two cattle populations with different BVD viral subgenotypes may have been preserved by a lack of cattle imports, trade barriers within the country, and unique virus-host interactions. The congruent traces of history in the distribution of the two cattle breeds and distinct viral subgenotypes suggests that BVD may have been endemic in Switzerland for at least 600 years.

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Cattle Healthcare Market Size 2024-2028

The cattle healthcare market size is forecast to increase by USD 4.47 billion at a CAGR of 8.91% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The increasing burden of cattle diseases is a major driver for market expansion, as farmers seek effective solutions to maintaIn the health and productivity of their herds. Additionally, the rising shift towards animal farming, particularly in developing countries, is creating new opportunities for market participants. However, challenges remain In the form of problematic disease management practices, which necessitate the development of advanced healthcare solutions. These trends and growth factors are shaping the future of the market, offering potential for innovation and growth.

What will be the Size of the Cattle Healthcare Market During the Forecast Period?

Request Free SampleThe market encompasses a range of products and services aimed at maintaining the health and productivity of bovine livestock. Animal husbandry practices prioritize preventative measures against diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, anthrax, brucellosis, rabies, milk fever, and chronic conditions like mastitis and inflammation of the mammary gland. Clinical mastitis, a common ailment causing inflammation and infection In the mammary gland, significantly impacts milk production and necessitates timely intervention. Drug consumption and medical devices are integral components of cattle healthcare, with a focus on enhancing immunity and mitigating the spread of diseases. The adoption of advanced technologies, including vaccine development, is driving market revenues in this sector.The market is a critical aspect of livestock production, with implications for both milk and meat production industries, as well as poultry production.

How is this Cattle Healthcare Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The cattle healthcare industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. TypeBeef cattleDairy cattle ProductPharmaceuticalsFeed additivesVaccinesOthers GeographyNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanyFranceAsiaChinaIndiaRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The beef cattle segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Beef cattle healthcare is a critical component of animal farming, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, as well as the promotion of productivity and animal welfare. Disease prevention is achieved through vaccination programs targeting illnesses like bovine tuberculosis, milk fever, and chronic diseases, ensuring herd health and reducing drug consumption. Proper nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining cattle health and productivity, with balanced diets tailored to various life stages. Regular health monitoring, including parasite control and hoof care, is essential to address potential health issues. Medical devices, such as diagnostic imaging tools like CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging, are used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mammary gland, such as clinical mastitis and inflammation.Veterinary services and medications, including vaccines and medicines naturally derived, are crucial in maintaining the well-being of the cattle population. Livestock production, including milk production, poultry production, and dairy industry, relies on effective cattle healthcare practices, with emerging economies investing in initiatives to improve infrastructure, funding, and awareness. Disease control and monitoring are essential for sustainable livestock production, addressing zoonotic diseases like Salmonellosis and ensuring animal welfare.

Get a glance at the Cattle Healthcare Industry report of share of various segments Request Free Sample

The Beef cattle segment was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 37% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American the market is experiencing significant growth due to several factors. The region's increasing cattle population and heightened focus on animal welfare have fueled the demand for advanced cattle healthcare solutions. Approximately 60% to 65% of US households own cattle, with around 85 million to 87 million homes housing them. To enhance cattle health, veterinary clinics and hospitals are adopting innovative healthcare products and services. Chronic diseases in aging cat

Table shows maximum infected fractions of cows, peak infection time, and rate at which that maximum is attained for a heterogeneous network and a single infected cow in the Kabale municipality.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Vaccines Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market size was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust industry demand driven by increasing awareness and preventive healthcare measures in the livestock sector. The market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated USD 2.08 billion by 2033. The primary growth factor for this market is the rising prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) among cattle populations worldwide, which has compelled veterinary authorities and livestock owners to adopt vaccination as a critical disease management strategy. As per our comprehensive analysis, the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market is experiencing steady expansion due to both technological advancements in vaccine development and the growing emphasis on animal health and food safety.

One of the key growth drivers for the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market is the significant economic burden imposed by BVD outbreaks on the global cattle industry. BVD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both dairy and beef cattle, leading to substantial losses in productivity, reproductive issues, and increased mortality rates. As a result, livestock producers are increasingly investing in preventive vaccination programs to mitigate the financial risks associated with BVD. Furthermore, governmental and non-governmental organizations are actively promoting vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance initiatives, particularly in regions with large cattle populations. These efforts are fostering greater vaccine adoption, thereby propelling market growth.

Technological advancements in vaccine formulation and delivery systems are also contributing to the positive trajectory of the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market. The development of novel vaccine types, such as subunit and recombinant vaccines, is offering improved safety profiles and enhanced efficacy compared to traditional options. Additionally, research collaborations between academic institutions, veterinary pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies are accelerating the introduction of next-generation vaccines that provide broader protection and longer-lasting immunity. These innovations are not only expanding the market’s product portfolio but are also attracting new entrants and fostering competitive dynamics within the industry.

Another crucial factor supporting the growth of the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market is the heightened focus on food safety and the sustainability of livestock production systems. With the global demand for animal-derived food products on the rise, ensuring the health and productivity of cattle herds has become a top priority for stakeholders across the value chain. Vaccination against BVD is recognized as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to reducing disease transmission, improving herd health, and maintaining the quality and safety of meat and dairy products. This growing awareness among producers, coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks, is expected to sustain the momentum of market growth in the coming years.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market, driven by advanced veterinary healthcare infrastructure, high cattle population density, and proactive disease management programs. Europe follows closely, with stringent regulatory standards and widespread vaccination policies contributing to significant market share. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, supported by rapid expansion of the livestock sector, increasing investments in animal health, and rising awareness about BVD prevention. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, although challenges such as limited access to veterinary services and lower vaccination rates persist in some areas. Overall, the global outlook for the bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market remains highly favorable, with strong growth prospects across both developed and emerging regions.

Vaccine Type Analysis

The bovine viral diarrhea vaccines market is segmented by vaccine type into live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines, and others. Live attenuated vaccines have historically been the cornerstone of BVD prevention due to their ability to induce strong and long-lasting immune responses. These vaccines contain weakened forms of the vir

Table shows maximum infected fractions of cows, peak infection time, and rate at which that maximum is attained for a homogeneous network.