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The growth in Vietnamese consumption and development has led to the expansion of the pig sector and increased competition from other markets. The study included 260 small-scale pig producers selected through a random sampling method. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of (1) social profiles on innovations at pig farms and (2) innovations on the competitiveness at pig farms. The findings revealed that predominantly male farmers, with an average age of 50 and a mean experience of 10 years. A total of 60% did not utilize new innovations for production, although they did have access to knowledge on the pig market. The survey found that production innovations received the greatest ranking compared to other innovations while market innovation were the lowest one. About 70% of farms exhibited a high level of competitiveness, while no farms were found to have a poor level of competitiveness. The study observed that gender, education, occupation, experience, and pig units affected innovation scores. Enhancing the perception of market innovation and organizational innovation leads to a higher degree of competitiveness for farmers. It can be concluded that competitiveness is influenced by innovations, and their farms were competitive based on self-evaluation. Keywords: Pig farming, innovation, competitiveness, sustainable development, social demographics, farm management.

Background: The increased number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as a zoonosis has raised concerns in terms of poultry and human health. Farmers' preventive practices are an effective way of reducing zoonosis. However, this practice may have been affected by many factors, including production behaviors, awareness, and farmers' perceptions of farmers toward zoonosis. Aim: This study was conducted on 166 poultry farms in Tra Vinh Province with 14,894 poultry heads to determine the socioeconomic profiles and production characteristics of poultry farms and analyze the effect of these factors on HPAI vaccination practices. Methods: Respondents were selected from lists provided by government officers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe all variables, and factors affecting HPAI vaccination practices were analyzed using binary regression analysis. Results: The results showed that most farmers raised poultry with other livestock using the free-range method, which is a semi-intensive system. The primary objectives of poultry farming are meat sales and augmenting household consumption, with farmers primarily raising chicks produced on their farms. The implementation of the vaccine was less than 50% on the surveyed farms, with a small number of farmers administering an HPAI booster dose. However, only 6% of the farmers confirmed that their livestock had been exposed to HPAI. In addition, HPAI vaccination and booster dose practices significantly increased when farmers had 4–6 family members and received HPAI prevention training. Moreover, increased poultry numbers have led to increased vaccination rates and the implementation of booster doses for poultry. The study also reported that the vaccination rate decreased when poultry was used for household consumption. Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics and production behaviors can affect the implementation of HPAI vaccination on small poultry farms. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 794-804]

This study aimed to find the effect of saline water on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tre chickens. A total of 150 Tre chickens was allotted in five treatments and three replicates per treatment. A completely randomized design was used for this study in which the birds from 4-14 weeks old had ad libitum access to feed and water in all treatments with five levels of salt (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%). The results showed that the growth performance of Tre chicken was decreased when increased levels of salt in drinking water (P0.05). Small intestine weight was longer at control treatment while large intestine was longer at treatment of 0.2% salt. Additionally, all examined criteria were decreased significantly with 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8% of salt in drinking water (P

Antibiotics used in animal feeds have recently been strictly regulated to avoid antibiotic resistance in humans. Thus, scientists are compelled to find new feed additives to replace antibiotics in feed. Apart from having a zero effect on human health, new alternatives may even be able to further improve production performance. Essential oils (EOs) and organic acids (OAs) stood out as powerful and useful replacements for both animal production and human population. These are added to chicken diets and drinking water to induce a favourable growth response. Hence, enhancing the nutrient digestibility, performance, and immunity of birds, OAs and EOs are used in livestock production mainly to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and simultaneously maintain the balance of intestinal bacteria. This improves the digestion of nutrients and mineral absorption which will eventually lead to better feed efficiency. The addition of OAs and EOs also causes the intestinal lining to thin, which further enhances nutrient absorption and utilization. Not only for poultry production, the effect of OAs and EOs can also improve poultry immunity and antioxidant capacity. However, the effects will vary depending on the type of OAs and EOs because their mode of action is dependent on their pKa value. In the present review, beneficial properties of OAs and EOs, as well as various dose combinations, to promote their optimal use in poultry nutrition and production will be examined. Their effects on supporting protein digestion, faster absorption of minerals, especially microminerals, stimulating growth performance, regulating antioxidant capacity, and improving immune response will be explored.

Involvement is crucial in explaining emerging consumer behavior, such as purchasing and consumption decisions. Consumer involvement and purchase decisions are influenced by product attributes, resulting in differences in segmentation. Therefore, this study aims to examine consumer involvement in various beef segmentation categories and their product attributes. This would enable the profiling of consumer segmentation based on their level and type of involvement. The data were collected through an unrestricted self-selected survey run among 303 consumer and 4 consumer segments were identified. Furthermore, the One-way ANOVA F-tests with post-hoc Tukey multiple comparison test of mean scores and Pearson's chi-squared were used to achieve the second objective. The results showed concerned-consumer and cautious-consumer segment place emphasis on the economic value of the product when making purchasing decisions. In contrast, there was no distinction between functional and symbolic values of involvement in each consumer segment. This indicates that concerned-consumer, cautious-consumer, indifferent-consumer and straightforward-consumer segment perceive the advantages of purchasing beef. Furthermore, the concerned-consumer segment scored high on all product attributes. This study found that consumer with high involvement may consider a variety of factors before purchasing a product. Nevertheless, a low level of consumer involvement has less information to be apprehensive about, and improved consumer service can assist the cautious-consumer and concerned-consumer segment by simplifying the various information considered. Also, the identification of consumer segment based on balancing their attitudes towards meat consumption is of fundamental importance for the development of strategies in the red meat sector. The formulation of the market orientation has implications for product differentiation and marketing communication strategies.

This study aimed to determine the effects of threonine (Thr) and crude protein (CP) on the apparent nutrients, amino acid digestibility, and nitrogen balance of local Muscovy ducks at 8 and 10 weeks of age. The study was a 3x2 factorial design for two phases with three levels of CP (17, 18, and 19% CP) and two levels of Thr (0.7 and 0.8% Thr) for the first phase while three levels of CP (15, 16, and 17% CP) and two levels of Thr (0.5 and 0.6% Thr) for the second phase. The birds were fed and given water ad libitum for the entire experiment. The results showed that CP and Thr increased apparent nutrient digestibility, especially for DM digestibility (P < 0.05). Besides, Thr addition also increased OM, and NDF digestibility (P 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementation with 0.8% Thr and 19% CP for 5-8 weeks of age and 0.6% Thr and 17% CP for 8-10 weeks of age in the local Muscovy duck diet increased the digestibility of apparent nutrients and amino acids and balanced the nitrogen substance in the duck’s body.

Oxidative stress has become a very challenging issue to animal production due to its disturbance to animal growth. Under heat stress conditions, the ability of poultry animals to combat oxidation stress is reduced; oxidative stress minimizes the concentration of globulins in plasma, thus lowering poultry"s immune status. Many researches have been conducted to solve this problem, and one of the safest solutions is the use of Polyphenols. Polyphenols are widely known as exogenous antioxidants which act as one of the cell"s first lines of defence. Th us, the findings on the intracellular antioxidant activity of polyphenol as a plant-based feed supplement, has greatly helped improve poultry antioxidant activity due to the beneficial eff ects of polyphenols in preventing damage from oxidative stress and removing excessively produced free radicals. Th is review aims to synthesize information regarding the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and their infl uence on poultry antioxidant status.

Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid, including two forms, D-theanine and L-theanine. L-theanine is the most common nonprotein amino acid and is soluble in water. Theanine can be found in some plants, such as green tea and some mushrooms. Under stress conditions, theanine is proposed to be a naturally effective additive in preventing reactive oxygen species, thus reducing oxidative stress. In addition, as immune booster in animal body, L-theanine can be applied in the diet to help animals improve their performance, especially their immunity during stress conditions. The digestion of L-theanine improves γδ T cell growth and development. Thus, it is considered an essential compound in boosting immune function. Moreover, the immune function of L-theanine is also shown in immune-related organs through increasing their weights. Theanine seems to be widely used in pigs, mice, and humans. However, the study of theanine in poultry species is scarce. Therefore, to fill the knowledge gap regarding the use of theanine in enhancing poultry immunity, this study aims to synthesize all information on the application of theanine in poultry, focusing on its immune-boosting role.

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body's oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry's diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for all animals that was discovered through casein hydrolysis. The use of tryptophan as feed additives has been attracting the attention of many nutritionists because it cannot be synthesized enough in an animal's body. Tryptophan or precursor to the vitamin niacin in the diet is important, and its supplementation for poultry is determined to improve the amino acid balance and promote the poultry's growth performance through enhancing appetite, feed efficiency, and protein synthesis. Moreover, poultry in different growth phases, breeding, and conditions require various amounts of tryptophan. In addition, supplemented tryptophan also improves the immune response or the immunomodulatory activity of poultry to various diseases through the kynurenine pathway, especially diseases in the bursa. Furthermore, tryptophan also has a strong relationship with lysine (the ideal tryptophan/lysine ratio) in improving growth performance. However, tryptophan deficiency could affect the behavioral responses (e.g. pecking behavior and poultry stress) because tryptophan serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and the pineal hormone melatonin in the diet. This paper tried to summarize all information about applying tryptophan in the diets and illustrate the roles of tryptophan in the poultry industry.

Knowledge and perception of poultry farmers is one of key factors to improve disease prevention practice. By collecting data from small-scale poultry farmers, this study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of farmers towards highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) prevention practice and analyse the effect of social profiles, farmer's raising behaviours on knowledge and perception of farmers. The study applied purposive sampling method to select 159 respondents in Tra Vinh Province and use multiple regression analysis to analyze data. The results showed that farmers were mostly more than 40 years old and not completed high school yet. Farmers have raised poultry under traditional methods with some feed and water from natural sources. Farmers keep cleaning and disinfect their farm frequently. The study recorded that farmer had a good knowledge and perception towards HPAI. There were some factors significantly affect the knowledge and perception of farmers including gender, training, income, poultry species, water source. Particularly, when farmers were male, joined in HPAI prevention training activities and not use water from natural source, their knowledge significantly increased. Besides, the increase in one unit of gender, income, poultry species, water source significantly increased the perception of poultry farmers. Other variables had no significant effect. It can be concluded that gender, training, income, poultry species, water source could be used to improve farmer's knowledge and perception towards HPAI prevention practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to identify the reproductive performance of Vietnamese local chickens, named Noi chickens from 36 - 46 weeks of age. The study aimed to determine the effect of breeds and rearing system on laying performance and egg quality of local chickens. The study was a factorial design with 2x2 factors and involved with 120 layers. The first factor was 2 rearing systems (experimental free-range farming system in Tra Vinh province and local free-range farming system in Ben Tre province). The second factor was 2 breeds (egg and broiler purpose). The results showed that egg production rate, laying egg per week were significantly different between breeds and rearing systems (P<0.05) while feed intake was not different. The highest egg production rate recorded at week 44 with 38.42%. For egg quality, yolk diameter, yolk color and yolk index were different breeds and rearing system. It can be recommended that rearing system in Ben Tre province and egg purpose breed was better for egg production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop local breeds, the first action should be to investigate how the breeds have been raised and grown. The study aimed to determine nutritional practice and reproduction characteristics of Noi chickens in Ben Tre Province. A total of 90 respondents were involved with this study by a purposive sampling method. The data were collected by in-depth interview. A descriptive analysis was used for this study. The results showed that male farmers were dominant, being more than 25 years old, and labour was mostly from family member. Noi chickens were raised for laying purpose and usually integrating with other livestock at the farm. As traditional farms, farmers raised Noi chickens under semi and free-range farming system with water and feed from natural resources and still using hens to hatch eggs and produced chickens. Noi laying performance was not high and most farms did not record information of laying performance. Besides, Noi chickens have first laying egg at 22 weeks with an average of 1-2 egg per week and 2-4 cycle laying per year. The common feed was commercial feed, and farmers always mixed with other agriculture products and by-products. The nutritional value of feed was insufficient for layer production and depending on the seasons and locality with the highest crude protein 11.8 and the lowest was 4.3. It can be concluded that farmers still practice traditional method in raising Noi chickens and laying performance of Noi chicken were not high on farmer's farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education on Veterinary Control Number (in Indonesian: Nomor Kontrol Veteriner, hereinafter NKV) certification at the first step needs to focus on women, educated and high-income consumers. The knowledge of certification has a significant role in understanding the product benefits and how an object functions as well as influencing the willingness of consumers to purchase novel products. The study aimed to analyze the influence of socio-economic factors on attitudes toward NKV-certified livestock food products and assess the effect of differences in consumers' knowledge levels regarding NKVs on their attitudes toward NKV-certified livestock food products. This research was conducted using an online survey, with a total of 200 respondents from four major cities in Java, Indonesia: Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. The sample was determined using a purposive sampling method. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires to establish the demographic profile of the respondents and to measure knowledge and attitudes regarding NKVcertified livestock food products. Data was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cronbach's alpha test for the validity and reliability test. Then, Mann-Whitney and t-test were used for hypothesis testing. Three dimensions of attitude were revealed and labeled as Food Safety Value (FSV), Food Certificate Substitution (FCS), and Certification Credibility (CC). Age did not influence all dimensions of attitude, while females showed higher FSV and CC aspects compared to males. High education increased the dimension of food certificate substitution, and income increased CC. Moreover, consumer knowledge of NKV certification affected FSV, FCS, and CC. Males had lower results in FSV and CC because females are more meticulous and fastidious in considering food safety. Then, university graduates were more able to use some cues to simplify identifying food certification. The importance of NKV certification for higher-income consumers is due to its relevance to willingness to pay for premium prices. Knowledge was important in forming consumers' ability to evaluate certified food products. Gender, educational level, and level of income influenced dimensions of attitudes variously. Furthermore, high consumers' knowledge regarding NKV increased attitudes toward NKV-certified livestock food products. This study contributed to profiling the consumers' attitude toward NKV certification based on socio-demographic factors and knowledge level of certification. This study is important to use as a recommendation for the stakeholders to improve the food industry that is concerned with food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how ethnocentrism, the attitude toward support local agribusiness, attitude toward the consumption of local food brands, and the subjective norm affect buying intention of livestock-based local food brands. This study was carried out in Indonesia and Vietnam because both countries are promising markets for global brands, due to their large populations and economic growth rates. The study was conducted through offline and online surveys. Data was analyzed using t-test and Partial Least Square structural equation modeling for the hypothesis testing. The result showed that in Indonesia and Vietnam, ethnocentrism influenced the attitude toward the consumption of local food brands, but the data from Indonesia showed that the attitude toward support local agribusiness did not affect the attitude toward the consumption of local food brands. Moreover, for both countries, the attitude toward the consumption of local food brands and the subjective norm influenced the local food brand buying intention. However, in Indonesia and Vietnam, the attitude toward support local agribusiness did not affect the local food brand buying intention. Moreover, mean average off all constructs in Indonesia were significantly higher than in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to increase profitability, sows have been systematically selected for higher litter sizes. That may have led to an increase in pre-weaning mortality. To improve new-born survival, sows should be taken cared of stringently, especially the housing system and the sows' nutritional management in both the gestation and the farrowing houses. Additionally, the sows' reluctance to drink water after giving birth and the sow induction at the farrowing house can negatively affect both the new-born piglets and farrowed sows. Also inevitable is the extended farrowing duration associated with exceptionally large litters. Therefore, assistance during farrowing time is essential. The importance of colostrum intake should also be emphasized and that piglets should be fostered, if needed, to ensure that they have teats to suckle on. Moreover, milk replacer and creep feeding are also helpful options to aid in piglet's nutrition requirement. Last but not least, farm caretakers who look after the piglets should be well-trained. This study looked into some strategies to improve piglet survivability by pointing out details in the routine activities at the farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]