A field investigation of performance and economic efficiency of working buffaloes in the Mekong Delta

摘要

AfieldinvestigationofperformanceandeconomicefficiencyofworkingbuffaloeswascarriedoutintheMekongDelta(MD)provincesofVietnam:HauGiang,KienGiang,AnGiangandDongThap.TheresultindicatedalargebodysizeofadultbuffaloesintheMD(550kgliveweight).ReproductiveperformanceoffemalebuffaloesinAnGiangwasbetterthanthatofbuffaloesinotherprovinces.EconomicefficiencyofbuffaloesintheMDwasbetterthanfortractorsastheyweresuperiorfortransportingriceandforworkinginwetandmuddyareas.Thechangingroleofbuffaloesfromcultivationtotransportationisanimportantrecentdevelopment.TraditionalfeedingwasstilldominantandthereappearedtobelimitedsupportforbuffalodevelopmentprogramswhichcouldenhancetheirroleintheDelta.Itwasconcludedtherewasanurgentneedtodevelopmoreappropriatefeedingsystems,andthatbreedimprovementshouldbeconsideredurgentlytoimprovebuffalobreedqualityandincometothefarmers.