Applying technology to improve cattle quality

Project Manager inspects cattle farming model in Phuc Loc commune.

To improve the quality of local livestock, especially improving native breeds, from July 2023, the Institute of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , will implement a project to apply scientific and technical advances to build a closed-loop hybrid cattle breeding farm model ensuring biosafety in two communes: Ha Hieu (now Phuc Loc commune) and Dong Lac (now Nam Cuong commune).

The project selected 5 households to implement the model. The households applied a closed livestock farming process, from selecting breeds, artificial insemination, grass planting, processing agricultural by-products, raising biomass worms, waste treatment... All stages ensure biosafety requirements and sustainable development.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Luong, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said: People are supported with 30% of breeding cows, materials and insemination. We send technical staff to closely follow the model, deploy and transfer artificial insemination techniques to people.

After 2 years of implementing the Project, the breeding herd has produced 38 high-quality crossbred calves, including 26 Brahman crossbred calves and 12 BBB crossbred calves. Newborn calves weigh from 24 to 35 kg, and when weaned they weigh 100-180 kg, significantly superior to traditional cattle breeds.

The implementation of the Project not only brings direct benefits to the 5 households participating in the model but also creates a positive ripple effect to the livestock farming community in the area. Through training courses, many households have access to and are equipped with important knowledge and skills such as: Detecting cows in heat, practicing artificial insemination, mass breeding, treating reproductive diseases and ensuring biosafety in livestock farming.

In addition, households are also instructed on techniques for growing grass, raising earthworms, and utilizing agricultural by-products as feed for cows, contributing to reducing production costs and improving livestock farming efficiency. The process of raising livestock in the direction of biosafety is gradually being formed, helping to improve productivity, quality of cattle and minimize the risk of disease.

Mr. Hoang Van Luat, Phuc Loc commune, said: My family composts livestock waste into organic fertilizer, makes food for earthworms or sells it to people in need. Therefore, the treatment process is better, reducing the odor in the barn area.

Based on the summary of practical experience, the host unit has compiled and issued a set of technical guidelines for closed-cycle hybrid cattle breeding, ensuring biosafety, suitable for the actual conditions in the northern communes of the province.

This will be a basic document, contributing to the replication of the model, supporting the transfer of technical advances, and improving production capacity for farmers, cooperatives and technical staff in the coming time.