Science and technology - the 'heart' of the livestock and veterinary sector

From a fragmented, small-scale, and self-sufficient system, Viet Nam’s livestock sector has entered a new phase of development - modern, concentrated, and closely linked with high technology. In a country with over 100 million people and limited land, the livestock industry not only ensures domestic food supply but also secures a place on the global agricultural production map.

These achievements are the result of the sector’s transformation from a purely technical field into a techno-economic industry, with science, technology, and digitalization playing a pivotal role.

Science and technology - the 'heart' of the livestock and veterinary sector

Over the past decade, science and technology have become the “heart” of Viet Nam’s livestock and veterinary sector. From 2015 to 2025, domestic scientists have developed 43 new livestock breeds, 50 technical advances, and 19 inventions, with many recognized by the Ho Chi Minh and State Awards.

Major enterprises such as TH True Milk, Vinamilk, and DABACO have proactively invested in research, applying gene technology, sex-sorted embryo technology, and digital management systems according to international standards. In the feed sector, Viet Nam has risen to become the leading producer in Southeast Asia and the 8th largest globally, thanks to strong application of science, technology, and digital transformation in production.

Moreover, technical processes for waste treatment, microbial organic fertilizer production, and ensiling agricultural by-products have helped reduce environmental pollution, cut costs, and improve economic efficiency for livestock farmers.

In the veterinary sector, Viet Nam has mastered vaccine production technology for most major diseases, including the African swine fever vaccine produced domestically, which is the first of its kind in the world to be licensed and exported.

The livestock and veterinary sector is at the forefront of implementing the National Digital Transformation Program. Many large-scale farms have adopted IoT, blockchain, biosensors, and smart management systems, enabling monitoring of animal health, control of barn microclimates, automated feeding, and product traceability.

Currently, precision livestock farming, where all data from animals are recorded and analyzed in real time, is becoming an inevitable trend. Consumers can trace the origin of meat, eggs, and milk through QR codes, enhancing transparency and trust in Vietnamese livestock products.

Toward green livestock

Despite many achievements, research, technology transfer, and digital transformation in the sector still face significant challenges. Collaboration between research and production remains weak, investment resources are limited, autonomy mechanisms for research institutes are still constrained, and a genuine science and technology market in livestock farming has yet to be established.

In addition, digital infrastructure in rural areas remains weak, and uneven workforce skills mean that digital transformation has so far been strong only among large enterprises, with limited reach to small and medium farms and households.

According to the Strategy for Livestock Development to 2030 with a Vision to 2045 and the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in science, technology, and digital transformation, the livestock and veterinary sector is aiming to master technology across all stages, from breeding, feed, and housing to waste management and product processing.

By 2030, Viet Nam aims to meet 95% of domestic demand for pig breeds, 90% for poultry, 100% for waterfowl, and 70% for beef cattle breeds. The sector also targets producing 80% of livestock housing equipment domestically, 90% of renewable energy and circular production inputs, moving toward green, zero-emission livestock farming.

At the same time, a sector-wide management system will be built on a digital platform, promoting e-farming, product traceability, and standardized management processes.

To achieve these goals, the sector will focus on improving institutions and policies, removing barriers, advancing administrative reforms, and socializing research activities. Workforce quality will be enhanced through training scientific, technical, and digital management personnel, linking education closely with production practices and agricultural digital transformation.

When science, technology, and innovation become the new drivers of growth, Viet Nam’s livestock sector will aim not only for higher productivity but also for sustainable development, with green, humane values and international integration.

On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Agriculture and Environment Day and the 1st National Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is organizing a series of events from July to December 2025. The highlight is the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Agriculture and Environment sector and the 1st National Patriotic Emulation Congress, taking place on the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance. VAN News will broadcast the event live.