Poultry breed improvement attempts in Vietnam and future direction: A review of literature
Vietnam’s poultry industry has experienced rapid growth in both quantity and quality, with the total poultry herd reaching 559.4 million in 2023. Approximately 60% of the national chicken population comprises indigenous colored-feathered breeds, valued for their resistance to environmental stress and flavorful meat. While these native breeds typically exhibit slower growth rates and lower egg production, they serve as a key genetic resource for breeding programs aimed at improving productivity. Recent initiatives have focused on the selection of Vietnamese local breeds, the development of hybrid breeds combining domestic and imported high-performance strains, enhancing both meat and egg yield. The National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), has initiated the Asian Chicken Genetic Gain (AsCGG) project to develop chicken strains better adapted to Vietnam’s tropical climate. This partnership seeks to increase productivity and sustainability by providing smallholder farmers with improved breeds that are resilient to heat and disease. However, challenges remain in scaling these improved breeds and ensuring their sustainable distribution. Future efforts must focus on selective breeding programs for locally adapted chicken ecotypes to reduce dependency on imported genetics. Despite these challenges, growth opportunities exist through public-private partnerships, technological advancements, and international collaboration, which could bolster the resilience and productivity of Vietnam’s poultry sector, ensuring food security and sustainable development.
