Conservation of native livestock: Many solutions needed

Raising wild boars in Nhu Thanh town, Nhu Thanh district.

As an old breed of livestock in the mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa , yellow cows are one of the precious breeds of cattle in Vietnam that have been included by the State in the list of rare livestock genetic resources that need to be preserved and developed. However, in recent years, the number of yellow cows in the province has decreased due to people keeping them in captivity, causing males and females to be far apart, with few opportunities to meet, leading to breed degeneration. In addition, the pressure of the market mechanism following productivity has led to programs and projects to improve and enhance the size of the herd, increasing the proportion of Zebu crossbred cattle, a large-sized, high-yielding crossbred breed, and small-sized male yellow cows at risk of no longer having a purebred genetic source. On the other hand, people have not cared for and raised them according to technical requirements, causing the quality of the meat to not be guaranteed...

Faced with this situation, to maintain the genetic resources of yellow cows, the Center for Animal Research, Testing and Services (Thanh Hoa Agricultural Institute) has conducted research and built a conservation area for the yellow cow breed. Accordingly, the center has investigated, surveyed, and built a farming area in the conditions of household farming to preserve the genetic resources of purebred yellow cows on the spot and select good quality bulls and cows to build models in communes in Tho Xuan, Cam Thuy districts and Nghi Son town. Along with that, training courses on yellow cow breeding techniques, upgrading barns to meet technical standards; training on vaccination for veterinary staff and participating households. At the same time, on-site conservation is carried out, selecting yellow cows that meet breed standards for raising; maintaining the herd and selecting the second generation to ensure genetic resources. In addition to yellow cows, the center also conducts research and conserves the genetic resources of Co Lung ducks, sen geese, etc.

In Quan Son, Ba Thuoc, Quan Hoa districts..., native duck breeds are currently being bred, not only opening up a new direction in the economic development of the people, but also contributing to the conservation of native livestock breeds. For example, the Co Lung duck breed is a specialty waterfowl breed of Ba Thuoc district. After implementing the project "Application of scientific and technological advances to restore and develop good quality native Co Lung duck breeds", the model of breeding ducks, commercial ducks and hatching duck eggs in the direction of biosafety has been replicated throughout the district, helping people open up a new direction in economic development, hunger eradication and poverty reduction; attracting businesses to link up to supply breeds, consume products, create stable output, contribute to maintaining commercial duck flocks, and build OCOP products. Currently, Co Lung ducks are not only raised in Ba Thuoc but also bred in other districts such as Quan Son, Vinh Loc, Thach Thanh...

In Muong Lat district, Quang Chieu commune people are also focusing on preserving the Sim stream duck breed. In Luan Khe, Yen Nhan, Xuan Thang communes (Thuong Xuan), the green-necked duck breed is being developed. Nhu Xuan district is preserving the Thanh Quan duck breed...

According to Le Tien Dat, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nhu Xuan District, in addition to the livestock breeds that are being bred, there are some species that are still facing difficulties in conservation. Currently, most localities do not have breeding facilities with experience, techniques, and supply of quality-assured breeds. In addition, the professional staff in the district is still limited in the work of selecting, collecting, and pure breeding. In particular, the branding of native livestock has not been focused on, so there are still many difficulties in consuming products.

Therefore, in order to preserve and develop indigenous livestock breeds effectively and sustainably, the province needs to develop comprehensive research programs on gene sources, genetic levels, product quality, etc. At the same time, localities need to focus on disseminating to people the importance of preserving indigenous livestock breeds. In addition, proactively implement solutions through projects and plans for restoration and development, thereby having support mechanisms and policies to encourage people to replicate the model; focus on selecting original breeding animals to manage, breed, and supply to farmers. Households are trained in technical processes of livestock farming, disease prevention, grass planting, and instructions on barn construction techniques, etc. suitable to the conditions for livestock development. Localities need to aim to build brands and geographical indications for products of indigenous origin to support and promote consumption, and improve economic efficiency for livestock herds.

Article and photos: Le Ngoc

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bao-ton-vat-nuoi-ban-dia-can-nhieu-giai-phap-246048.htm