The research in this
thesis was carried out at the Livestock Research Centre, (Namsuang) National
Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), Vientiane, Laos. The author
gratefully acknowledges the Swedish International Development Co-operation
Agency, Department for Research Cooperation (Sida-SAREC) for the financial and
material support of this study.
I would also like to
express my gratitude to:
Prof. Dr. R. Brian Ogle,
Director of the Master of Science course on “Sustainable Livestock Production
Systems in the Tropics” for his support and valuable advice during the whole
course.
Great thanks to all
lecturers of the course who never feel tired during day and night time to give
us a very useful guidance. Thanks also to all institutions for giving all
facilities including field trip and classroom.
Dr. Ngo Van Man, Co-ordinator
of the SAREC-MEKARN Project and all the Sida- SAREC regional office in the Nong
Lam University of Agriculture and Forestry, especially Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, for
advice, social and cultural activities, for the warmest welcome, and for
providing suitable condition during the study.
Dr. T R Preston, my
supervisor for his endless assistance and finding time in his busy schedule to
correct, discuss and provide comments and suggestions to accomplish this work.
Dr. Vanthong Phengvichith,
my associate supervisor for his guidance and encouragement to accomplish my
thesis.
Dr. Monthathip
Chanhphengsay, Director General of the National Agriculture and Forestry
Research Institute (NAFRI) for giving me permission to study, and her
encouragement.
All staff members at the
Livestock Research Centre for providing all research facilities. Especially, all
previous MSc. Colleagues for their valuable advice and help.
All of my friends in the
MSc. Course from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam for sharing their culture,
friendship and their help during the whole course of my study.
Last but not least, great
thanks to my Mother, Peng Kounnavongsa, my family and my relatives for all their
support and inspiration.