Improve herd performance for a more sustainable local beef production in the Southeast region of Vietnam

Terminal crossbreeding of indigenous breed (Bos indicus) with high performance exotic breeds (Bos taurus) through artificial insemination (AI) deserves more attention as a means to increase the output of beef cattle in the subtropics and tropics.  The widespread use of and experience with artificial insemination makes crossbreeding in Vietnam a viable method. However, extension organisations lack data on performances characteristics of the crossbreds animals. To overcome this lack of information, the proposed project will collect baseline data on feed practices, health status and herd performance parameters of crossbred calves (i) by performing a survey of 50 farmers in the study area and hence identify the best current practices and (ii) through the follow up of 60 crossbred calves at at the Demonstration Farm of AGSEM and at the Research Farm of the Nong Lam University. Through this knowledge and in close collaboration with farmer organisation, an agenda for future research will be proposed.