Applying Technology for Sustainable Livestock Farming

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - On the morning of July 18, the 2024 International Exhibition on Livestock, Feed, Aquaculture, and Meat Processing (Vietstock Exhibition) in collaboration with the Dong Nai Livestock Association organized a workshop titled "Enhancing Livestock Productivity by Improving Farm Management Methods and Efficient Use of Nutrients." The workshop saw the participation of over 300 delegates, experts, and investors in the livestock sector, both from within and outside the province. 

The workshop scene 

According to experts in the livestock sector, the industry is facing numerous difficulties and challenges. Specifically, regarding breeding stock, the productivity of Viet Nam's herds is only 70-80% compared to developed countries and still relies on imported breeds. The domestic livestock industry has not focused on developing local breeds in line with market demands. Additionally, the effectiveness of state management in breeding is not high. Regarding the livestock environment, small-scale farms that do not treat waste account for a high proportion; management and use of livestock waste as a resource remain inefficient. In terms of production organization, small-scale farming still accounts for a high percentage, and biosecure farming practices are not yet synchronized.

At the workshop, businesses and experts in the livestock sector shared experiences and knowledge, especially in the application of science and technology to enhance the efficiency of pig farming. The topics introduced at the workshop included: opportunities and challenges in pig farming; breeding stock and breeding development programs in Dong Nai and the Southeast provinces; improving the efficiency of pig farming through nutritional solutions; and various other solutions for businesses and livestock households to explore, resolve difficulties, and develop sustainable livestock farming. An important solution is to have allocated land for livestock farming and to form linkages in livestock chains, especially in small-scale farming. 

Delegates visiting booths showcasing techniques and technology in pig farming at the workshop. Photo by: Song Le 

The workshop also provided an opportunity for local livestock households and farms to learn and experience advanced products and technologies applied in the livestock sector. Additionally, the program opened opportunities for networking, expanding business relationships, and introducing products and services to enterprises in the livestock industry.​

Dong Nai is a leading locality in the application of science in the livestock field. Currently, the total number of livestock in the province is over 2.3 million, and the total poultry population is 25.7 million. Among these, the total pig population is approximately 2.2 million, with farm-based raising accounting for over 90% of the total.