A review of animal science research in Vietnam

Livestock forms 25% of the agricultural output value in Vietnam, and is almost entirely in the hands of small farmers, much as part of a system integrated with crops and fish. Animal and poultry breeds are described and their productive characteristics discussed. There is a shortage of areas of natural pasture and overgrazing has led to serious soil erosion. Efforts to introduce cultivated grasses are described and some progress reported. The importance of agricultural by-products in feeding animals is stressed and although nutritional quality of many such by-products is low, a huge quantity is available and its potential in aiding ruminant development is high. The use of feed-processing mills is much below their capacity. Veterinary services are still lacking and recently the government introduced 'The Veterinary Code'. National research projects for the 1991-95 period are summarised whilst the orientation of research work in animal production from 1995-2000 is recorded. This research will include: production marketing links; systems development; crossbreeding in pigs and cattle; improved feeding systems for intensive poultry production; further importation of good strains of chicken and ducks for both meat and egg purposes; improved dietary composition and efficiency of feed conversion; and prevention and control of animal diseases.