Characteristics and operation of animal production systems in Cam Giang district of Hai Duong province

Abstract

A study on animal production systems was conducted in Cam Giang district of Hai Duong province  in 2007 in order to determine strategies  for livestock production development. A total of 90 households in 3 communes were surveyed to diagnose and describe the current livestock production systems. It was found that there were five principal animal production systems in the surveyed area. The  systems differ from each other  in terms of  the types of animal raised and farm size as well. The richer households had more capital to invest and more experience on animal production than the others, so they usually chose intensive models. On contrary, the poor households  always chose mixed or semi intensive production systems. The study also revealed various disadvantages influencing household animal production such as poor technical knowledge of the farmers, epizootics, price fluctuation, etc. Therefore, there should be comprehensive measures to solve those problems to pay the way for sustainable development of animal production in the locality