The program built the capacity of livestock experts and extension officers to enhance sustainable intensification of the sector.
The United States has been supporting Vietnam in an initiative to develop animal husbandry in a sustainable way.
Extension agents receiving hands-on training in July 2019 at a farm near Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: US embassy in Hanoi |
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) have collaborated since 2012 on the “Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) in the Agriculture Sector” project, through funding from the US Department of State.
The program built the capacity of livestock experts and extension officers to enhance sustainable intensification of the sector in line with national agriculture development and environmental policy objectives.
A major challenge the project aimed to tackle was improving efficiency of livestock production through feed improvements and assess associated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk or meat.
The project partnered livestock experts from the University of California (UC) Davis with MARD’s Department of Livestock Production, National Institute for Animal Science, National Agriculture Extension Center, and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture.
Software developed by UC Davis for beef and cattle ration development was translated into Vietnamese and is now available for free through MARD. The software also includes a new greenhouse gas emission calculator, which allows users to track how innovation in livestock feed management can support implementation of greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Improving feed management first requires data on feeds available and a deep understanding of animal husbandry. The project developed the first national feed database for Vietnam, which contains over 1,100 feed forages making it one of the largest consolidated feed databases globally. Feed and forage available through international markets and specific feeds available seasonably and regionally across Vietnam are included.
Roughly 400 extension officers and livestock experts, as well as almost 4,000 students studying animal husbandry, have been trained on how to use the software to develop improved feed rations.
Throughout 2020, the partners will continue to share the project resources with technical experts as well as supporting uptake of the findings into policy planning and implementation.
Other News
- Hanoi to develops craft villages for sustainable growth
- Deputy PM calls for review and improvement of value chain mechanisms
- Hanoi boosts sustainable aquaculture with high-tech farming
- Hanoi craft contest to fosters artisanal preservation
- Hanoi expands safe supply chains
- Farm economy – bright spot of Hanoi agriculture in 2024
- Conservation and promotion of medicinal plants in Hanoi
- More than 100 four-star OCOP products recognized in 2023
- Italy expects to become Vietnam’s leading agricultural partner
- Hanoi cooperatives expect breakthrough in 2024
Trending
-
Where do Vietnamese prefer to go for their next holiday?
-
Vietnam news in brief- April 19
-
Cultural similarities provide basis for Vietnam-Italy cooperation in various fields
-
Colorful stage shows in Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian area
-
It happened as it had to happen
-
Hanoi street where dead appliances come back to life
-
Vietnam’s economy urged to rely on internal strengths to weather global uncertainties: ADB
-
Vietnam, Thailand advance realization of “Three Connections” strategy
-
MICHELIN Guide sets its sights on Vietnam’s central region