In recent years, the livestock industry has faced numerous challenges, including volatile prices, rising input costs due to surging feed prices, and disease risks. Nevertheless, Dong Nai—Vietnam's livestock capital—has continued to maintain solid growth.

Free-range chicken farming in Cam My Commune is gradually transitioning toward larger-scale farm operations with better disease control.

The livestock sector is expected to perform even better during the remainder of 2026 as demand for livestock products typically increases toward the end of the year. In particular, the decline in livestock feed prices is considered a major advantage, giving farmers greater confidence to restock and expand their herds.

Positive Signals for the Livestock Industry

During the first six months of 2026, Dong Nai's livestock sector maintained stable growth. Live hog prices remained at a relatively high level, encouraging farmers to rebuild and expand production.

By the end of June 2026, the city's total pig population had exceeded 3.9 million, an increase of more than 4.2% compared to the same period in 2025. The total poultry population reached over 37.3 million, up nearly 3.9% year-on-year. Of this total, the chicken population exceeded 33.7 million, representing an increase of nearly 4% compared to the same period last year.

Despite these positive results, the livestock industry continues to face several challenges. Although live hog prices have remained stable at relatively high levels, farmers' profits have not met expectations because of high production costs. Disease outbreaks—particularly African swine fever—continue to pose significant risks to pig farming. Poultry producers have faced even greater difficulties, as oversupply during certain periods has driven chicken meat and egg prices sharply downward.

Following a prolonged period of soaring global feed ingredient prices, livestock feed manufacturers began reducing prices and introducing promotional programs in early July 2026, providing encouraging news for the industry. This trend has been driven by declining global raw material prices, which have also reduced shipping and logistics costs. Consequently, the prices of major imported feed ingredients have fallen significantly.

Since feed costs account for the largest share of livestock production expenses, the broad decline in feed prices is helping reduce production costs and creating favorable conditions for farmers to rebuild and expand their herds.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dao, a pig farmer in Tan An Commune, said that with the stable live hog prices seen in recent months, pig farmers are still making profits. However, some farms have suffered losses due to African swine fever. Therefore, maintaining strict biosecurity measures is essential to prevent disease outbreaks.

Strict Disease Prevention Measures

Since the beginning of the year, livestock diseases have generally remained under control. However, African swine fever continues to develop unpredictably, prompting local authorities to strengthen disease prevention and control measures.

According to Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang, Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Fisheries, disease outbreaks among livestock and poultry are currently under effective control. Local authorities have implemented comprehensive disease surveillance measures while strengthening controls over livestock transportation and slaughtering activities.

Biosecure farming practices have been given particular attention. Farms are required to carry out strict daily sanitation and disinfection using lime powder and disinfectant chemicals in livestock housing and surrounding areas. Measures must also be taken to prevent insects, flies, mosquitoes, and rodents from entering animal housing. Feed, drinking water, waste, and wastewater must be properly managed, while livestock must receive all required vaccinations.

Sharing his experience in protecting pigs from disease, Mr. Huynh Ngoc Tay, an organic pig farmer in Dinh Quan Commune, said that he was among the first farmers in Dong Nai to cooperate with businesses in piloting organic pig farming.

For many years, his farm has successfully prevented disease outbreaks, particularly African swine fever. He supplements livestock feed with herbal ingredients to strengthen the animals' immune systems and regularly burns rice husks mixed with herbs to produce smoke that repels insects, reduces odors, and limits disease-causing pathogens.

The farm also strictly follows biosecurity practices, including regular cleaning of livestock facilities, maintaining clean barns, spreading lime powder, disinfecting livestock areas and walkways, and sanitizing clothing, boots, and protective equipment. Farming tools and equipment are cleaned daily, while pest control measures are consistently implemented.

Dong Nai City is prioritizing the attraction of investment projects in high-quality livestock production that utilize modern technologies and sustainable value chains. The livestock sector is being developed with a focus on environmental sustainability and food safety to improve competitiveness, better meet domestic market demand, and expand export opportunities.

During the 2026–2030 period, the livestock industry will continue transitioning toward a modern and sustainable development model. Scientific and technological innovations, together with digital transformation, will be applied throughout the entire livestock value chain to reduce production costs, improve disease control, and ensure greater product traceability.

 

Bình Nguyên

Source: Báo Đồng Nai