Pig production in Vietnam - a review

Pigs are of great importance in Vietnam because of their contribution to human nutrition, their role in agricultural production systems and their economic function. Vietnam’s pig herd is the largest in Southeast Asia. This paper reviews the Vietnamese pig production sector. Starting with an overview of natural conditions concerning pig production, including a description of prevalent pig breeds and pig production systems, the paper then takes a systematic view of the pig production infrastructure, including the breeding and feeding as well as the veterinary and extension systems, and product marketing. Finally, the political and economic environment and state policies relevant to pig production are described. While focussing on the present situation, the paper also incorporates information on historical developments, which have led to the current state, and derives trends for future development. This paper reviews published literature, legal documents, and reports accessed from development projects in Vietnam, and additionally includes information obtained from members of development projects, and from key people and stakeholders of the Vietnamese pig production sector.