The papers presented in this thesis was carried out in a private farm of Long Xuyen city, An Giang province, Vietnam, funded by Swedish International Development Agency/Department of Research Cooperation with Developing Countries (Sida/SAREC).
I would like to express my best gratitude to:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Department of Animal Nutrition and Management
Prof. Dr. Brian Ogle, International co-ordinator of the "Vietnam-SAREC Sustainable Livestock Production Systems" project, my supervisor, for all your supports, advice and explanations throughout the research, also for your reading and correcting my thesis papers.
Dr. Thomas Reg Preston, my teacher and adviser, for all your valuable guidance and supports during the study.
I would also like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Ngo Van Man, Co-ordinator of the SAREC-MEKARN project and the staff of Sida-SAREC regional office in NLU, especially Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, for need help, best preparation for accommodation, transportation and study facilities. Associate professor-Dr. Bui Xuan Men, staff of Animal Husbandry Department, Cantho University, Cantho city, Vietnam, Professors, lecturers and assistant lecturers in MEKARN courses, for giving me care and useful knowledge.
Warm thanks are extended to my father, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Liem for his great help and support. My mother, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bach Tuyet, for her assistance and encouragement, my parents in law, my husband, Mr. Le Hai Nam and my son Le Thien Ha for their love.
I would like to warmly thank Pham Duc Tho, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Giang, my analysis assistants and my colleagues in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Angiang University. All of my friends in the MSc course 2008-2010 from the three countries: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, for sharing the culture, friendship and creating a warm atmosphere throughout the time of the course.
I would like to thank all the people who contributed to this study.