Livestock production, manure management and plant nutrient recycling on animal farms in Vietnam (
3/11/2008
)
S. G. Sommer, A. Dalsgaard & A. Roepstorf, L. S. Jensen & J. Luxhøi, T. S. Tran & M. T. Tran,T. H. Tran & T. T. S. Dang, C. C. Vu & T. K. V. Vu
Summary The Vietnamese and Asian livestock production is increasing these years. In consequence large amounts of manure are produced, which may be a hazard to the environment because the traditional technology and the management practise of manure is not adapted to specialised livestock production. Further, there is little knowledge about the plant nutrient value of animal manure, and about technologies for environmentally-friendly manure management. This lack of knowledge enhances the risk of polluting the environment by inappropriate use of livestock manure and is also a potential risk for transferring pathogens between livestock and from livestock to humans (zoonoses). The objective of this article is to describe manure management at livestock farms in Vietnam. The focus is on presenting the most typical farming concepts, manure management on these farms, environmental and hygienic risks related to the present manure management. Further we will in brief give the perspectives for alternative environmental safe management of the manure. The underlying idea for the proposed manure management is to enhance a safe and sustainable recycling of the manure and its nutrients for plant and fish production. The perspectives presented may contribute to discussions, research and development of livestock production in Vietnam and in other Asian countries. Keywords: Animal manure, environment, sanitation, management, pathogens
