Some results of study of beef and dairy cattle in Vietnam

Yellow cattle, the native cattle of Vietnam are numerous and mainly used for draught power. However the demand for draught power is declining and higher productivity in meat and milk from these small yellow cattle is increasingly required. Cross-breeding is the method being studied and implemented to achieve this objective, Red Sindhi bulls have lifted milk yield and growth in their crossbred progeny. More recently Holstein Friesians have been imported for dairy improvement through their crossbreds whilst the use of Charolais and Santa Gertrudis bulls has also effected an increase in growth rate of progeny. Experience so far indicates that a three-breed rotational breeding (two tropical and one temperate breed) is strongly recommended for improvement in body size and productivity of native cattle.