Vietnam - China interactive forum on pig farming held

China, home to the world's largest pig population, and Vietnam, ranked sixth globally, are leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance their livestock industries.

These efforts aim to boost productivity, improve quality, and mitigate disease risks in a sustainable manner.

This was the key theme of the "Vietnam - China Interactive Forum on Pig Industry Innovation" held on March 19, in Ho Chi Minh City, where leading experts from both countries convened.Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of the Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association, emphasized that "Pig farming in both Vietnam and China faces significant challenges, including diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), which remains complex and challenging for farmers. Biosecurity remains the decisive measure in controlling ASF."

He also noted that the livestock industry must meet increasingly stringent regulations related to environmental concerns and food safety. In particular, controlling environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions is creating added pressure on the sector.

During the forum, experts showcased digital technology solutions for livestock farming, including AI-driven tools to monitor the health of pig herds, big data analytics for process optimization, and enhanced disease control measures. A standout development is the use of AI to predict pig health, enabling farmers to take timely actions and minimize losses from diseases like ASF.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Phan from the Vietnam National University of Agriculture underscored the vital role of technology in disease control, particularly in combating ASF. He highlighted that rapid testing technology, intelligent surveillance systems, and innovative prevention methods have successfully reduced the spread of the disease, creating a safer environment for livestock farming.