This will be the final conference in the regional MEKARN Program, funded by Sida, which began in 2001, and was extended in 2005 until the present.
Provisional program
Day 1: 6 June
08.20	Background to the MEKARN Program	Dr Duong Nguyen Khang, Regional Coordinator
08.40	Achievements in Research and Future Strategies	Dr Reg Preston, Consultant
09.00	Achievements in PhD and MSc training	Dr Ewa Wredle, International Coordinator
	Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases from Live stock
09.20	The effects of added biochar on methane production from in vitro incubation of rumen fluid	Sangkhom Inthapanya,  R A Leng and T R Preston Souphanovong University, Lao PDR
09.40	Effect of cassava foliage from "sweet' and "bitter" varieties on methane production in in vitro incubation of molasses supplemented with potassium nitrate or urea	Le Thuy Binh Phuong, NLU, Vietnam
10.00	Effect of potassium nitrate and urea on feed intake, digestibility, N balance and methane production of goats fed basal diets of  Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) and Gliricidia foliages supplemented with molasses	Phonevilay Silivong, Xaykham Onphachanh, Aloun Ounalom,  and T R Preston, Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Resource, Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR
10.20-10.40 Coffee break
10.40	Effects of adding of nitrate, supfate and molybdate on rumen methane levels and milk yield in dairy goats fed basal diet of molasses supplemented with Stylosanthes foliage	Chu Manh Thang, Nguyen Ngoc Anh and Can Thi Hop, National Institute of Animal Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam, BaVi Goat and Rabbit Research centre
11.00	Effects of Eucalyptus (E. camaldulensis) leaf powder supplementation with different levels on rumen fermentation, feed digestibility and methane production in an in vitro incubation.	Nguyen Suc Manh, Le Van Hung, Nguyen Thanh Long and Nguyen Thi Huyen,   National Institute Animal Science, 2 Hanoi Agricultural University
1120	Protein solubility in different forages and methane production in an in vitro incubation	Ho Quang Do, Tran Duy Khoa, Trinh Phuc Hao and T R Preston, Cantho University, Cantho, Vietnam
11.40	Effect of supplementing Tithonia diversifolia leaves with potassium nitrate or urea on methane production using sugar cane stalk as energy source	Siton Kongvongxay, Sangkhom Inthapanya and T R Preston, LRC, NAFRI, Lao PDR
12.00	Mitigation of methane emission by means of oil and nitrate supplement in diets of growing cattle	Tran Hiep, Dang Vu Hoa* and Nguyen Xuan Trach,  Faculty of Animal Sciences and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture – Vietnam:
12.20	Effects of Mimosa pigra on growth and enteric methane emissions in goats fed basal diets of Tithonia diversifolia, or Melia azedarach,	Duong Nguyen Khang, Nguyen Thi Thu Hong and Bui Phan Thu Hang, Nong Lam University and An Giang University, Vietnam,
12.40- 13.20 Lunch
13.20	Improvement of the nutritive value of cassava residue, soybean waste and rice bran through fermentation method with different micro-organisms	Le Thanh Ca and Trần Thị Thu Hồng, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
13.40	Supplementing  diets of lactating sows with catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) by-product oil;  effects  on milk production and fatty acid composition, and performance of sows and piglets	Nguyen Thi Thuy, College of Agriculture, CanTho University, CanTho, Vietnam
14.00	Effect of protein-enriched rice or fish meal on growth performance of crossbred pigs fed a basal diet of cassava root meal and ensiled taro foliage	Chiv Phiny, T R Preston, Khieu Borin and Mao Thona, Center for Livestock and Agriculture Development (CelAgrid), Cambodia
14.20	Evaluation of the apparent digestibility and Nitrogen retention in growing pigs given diets with supplements of catfish by-products and coconut oil	Tran Trung Tuan and T R Preston, Ang Giang University, Vietna
14.40	Effect of crossing Moo Laat females with Mong Cai boars on reproductive and lactation performance	Taysayavong Lotchana, Viraphet Phetsamay, Vivasane Souksakone and T R Preston, Champasack University, Champasack province, Lao PDR
15.00	Coffe break
15.20	Effect of replacing soybean meal with leaf meals of cassava, paper mulberry and wild sun-flower on growth of  local pigs fed maize-based diets in Northern Lao PDR	Ammaly Phengvilaysouk,  Thanoungsinh Dangkhounsay, Phonpaseuth Phengsavanh, Soukanh Keonouchanh and Tassilo Tiemann, Livestock Research Centre, National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute
15.40	Effect of  replacing fish meal by a mixture of  ensiled taro (Colocasia esculenta) foliage and  sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas L.) on reproduction and piglet performance in VanPa  sows in  central Vietnam	Tran Thanh Hai, Nguyen Thi Hoa Ly and T R Preston, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
16.00	Ensiled mixed foliage (taro leaves + petioles and banana pseudo-stems) as replacement of rice bran for Mong Cai sows in small holder farms in Thua Thien Hue province	Hoang Nghia Duyet, HUAF, Vietnam
16.20	Effect on growth performance and carcass quality of fattening pigs of replacing protein concentrate by a mixture of coconut meal and catfish residue	Le Thi Men, Cantho University, Cantho, Vietnam
16.40	The use of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) hulls in diets of laying hens	Nguyen Thi Vinh, Bui Quang Tuan and Nguyen Minh Hang, Faculty of Animal science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
17.00	Comparison of growth, carcass performance and meat quality of local (Ban) pigs and F1 crossbred pigs resulted from Mong Cai boar and Ban sow raised in households in Doc Lap commune Ky Son district of Hoa Binh province	Vu Dinh Ton and Le Huu Hieu, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture
	Chemical composition, digestibility and nitrogen retention in growing  pigs of ensiled mixtures of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott) foliage and banana pseudo-stem	Du Thanh Hang, HUAF, Vietnam
	Influence of phytase supplementation to rice bran - based diets on the digestibility and phosphorus excretion in growing pigs	N T Long, T T B Ngoc and L T H Thao, National Institute of Animal Science, Vietnam
	Day 2
08.00	Effect of Sesbania sesban foliage on intake, digestibility and N retention of growing goats fed foliage of Operculina turpethum forage as the basal diet	Vo Lam, Bui Phan Thu Hang and T R Preston, Angiang University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vietnam
08.20	Methane emissions, feed intake and nitrogen balance in cattle fed cassava root chips and fresh cassava foliage with NPN from potassium nitrate or urea	Cheat Sophal, Duong Nguyen Khang and T R Preston, RUA, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
08.40	Effects on growth of goats and enteric methane emissions of supplementing foliage of Melia azedarach with foliage of Mimosa pigra	Bui Phan Thu Hang, Vo Lam and T R Preston, An Giang University, Vietnam
09.00	Effects of supplementation with Sesbania sesban and Mimosa pigra on feed intake, digestibility and N retention in growing goats fed a basal diet of foliage of Tithonia diversifolia	Nguyen Thi Thu Hong,  Nguyen Ba Trung and Dang Van Thang, An Giang University, Vietnam,
09.20	Potential of Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) in farming system: biomass yield and as forage diet for goats	Nguyen Van Sao, Hoang Minh Thanh and Nguyen Thi Mui, Ninh Binh Rabbit Breeding Station, NIAS
09.40	Comparison of different forages as supplements to a basal diet of chopped cassava stems for growing goats	Trinh Xuan Thanh, Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Khuc Thi Hue, Ly Thi Luyen and T R Preston, Goat and Rabbit Research Center, NIAS, Bavi, Vietnam
10.00	Biomass production of Merremia peltata Merr and its nutritive value for goats	Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Luu Thi Nhan, Ly Thi Luyen, Khuc Thi Hue,  Goat and Rabbit Research Center Sontay, Hanoi, Vietnam
10.20	Coffee break
10.40	Nutritive value comparison of foliage from Trichanthera gigantea and Tithonia diversifolia for growing goats	Nguyen thi Hong Nhan, Nguyen Van Hon and Nguyen Thiet, Cantho University, Cantho, Vietnam
11.00	Using Melia azedarach Linn. leaves in Co goat diet in Cat hai island district, Haiphong city	Ngô Thành Trung, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
11.20	Use of ensiled groundnut haulm for growing cattle in Bac Giang  province	Mai Thi Thom, Nguyen Xuan Trach and Nguyen Thi Tu, Faculty of Animal science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
11.40	Effect of supplementation with stem, pod and leaf of soybean hay on growth rate of Co and  F1 (Bach Thao x Co) goats in Hoa Binh province	Nguyen Ba Mui, Bui Thi Minh Chau and T R Preston, Faculty of Animal science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
	Effect on feed intake and live weight gain of growing goats of supplementing a basal diet of Tithonia diversifolia with foliages differing in protein solubility	Ngo Hong Chin, Khuc Thi Hue and Nguyen Ngoc Anh;  Goat and Rabbit Research Center Sontay, Hanoi, Vietnam
	The effects of Eupatorium odoratum foliage compared with cassava foliage on growth and intestinal nematode infestation in goats	Vu Thi Thu Hang, Nguyen Kha Tu and  Chu Duc Tuy, Goat and Rabbit Research Center Sontay, Hanoi, Vietnam
12.00	Effect of Fortunes Empress (Faulownia fortunei) leaf diet on intake and growing rate of local goat	Bui Huu Doan; Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnamm
	Local Feed Resources for pigs
11.20	Effect of adding different Phyllanthus amarus powder concentrations in chicken diet on their growth performance and health	Nguyen Hieu Phuong and Nguyen Quang Thieu, NLU
11.40	Use of Tra fish by-products and water hyacinth as replacements for protein, minerals and vitamins in diets of laying ducks raised in a biosecure duck-fish system on smallholdings in the Mekong Delta	Bui Xuan Men and Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Cantho University
12.00	Effect of garlic and Tra fish oil supplementation on performance, egg production and quality, serum lipids, yolk cholesterol of laying hens	Nguyen Nhut Xuan Dung, Le Thanh Phuong, Le Thanh Quang and Luu Huu Manh,  CanTho University, CanTho, Vietnam
12.20	Effect on growth performance of ducks of supplementing a basal diet of rice bran with water spinach, duckweed or ensiled taro leaves	Sengsouly Phongphanith, Visam Vilaysack, Sangkhom Inthapanya and T R Preston, Souphanovong University, Lao PDR
12.40	Utilization of Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a new protein source on performance of laying hens in Vietnam	Bui  Tran Anh Dao, Bui  Van Dinh and Dang Thuy Nhung
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch
13.20	Effect of supplementing rice bran with ensiled taro foliage and catfish residue  on growth performance of Guinea-fowl	Pham Tan Nha and T R Preston, Can Tho University, VietNam
	Fish production from natural resources
13.40	Growth of red tilapia (Oreochomis mossambicus) and black tilapia (Oreochomis niloticus) with common carp (Ciprinus carpio) in monoculture and polyculture by using natural feed in ponds fertilized with biodigester effluent	Yen Nhi N H and T R Preston, Aquaculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam, An Giang University, Vietnam
14.00	Effect of protein-rich forage and fertilizer from pig manure or biodigester effluent on growth of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)	Pek Samnang, Kong Saroeun, Chhay Ty and T R Preston, CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
14.20	The effect of fresh duckweed (Lemna minor L.) and fresh taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaves on the growing Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fish	Sen Sorphea, Chhay Ty, Kong Saroeun, T R Preston, CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
	Using bioslurry and fresh pig manure for polyfish culture	Kim Van Van, Nguyen Van Tuyen, Pham Thi Lam Hong and Nguyen Thi Dieu Phuong, Faculty of Animal science and Aquaculture, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
14.40	14.40 - 15.00 Coffee
15.00	Taro (Colocasia esculenta) leaves utilization as protein replacement for soybean meal on the growth performance of catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)	Kong Saroeun,  Chhay Ty, Vor Sina and T R Preston, CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
15.20	Replacing earthworm by water spinach or duckweed on growing frogs with basal diet of rice bran and broken rice	Ung Ratha, Chhay Ty, Vor Sina, Khieu Borin and T R Preston, CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
15.40	Utilization of biodigester effluent for raising biomass of Chlorella	Trinh Thi Lan and Le Tran Minh Khoa, An Giang University
	Local feed resources for rabbits
16.00	Effect of mixed or separate feeding of Centrocema pubescens and Para grass on feed utilization, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of rabbits	Nguyen Thi Kim Dong and Nguyen Van Thu, Cantho University, Vietnam
16.20	Response of growth rate in rabbits to paddy rice given as a supplement to either water spinach or mixed water spinach and water hyacinth leaves	Bui Phan Thu Hang, Vo Lam and T R  Preston, Angiang University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vietnam
16.40	Effects of supplementation of paddy rice and/or rice grain and/or rice husk to sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) vines as basal diet on feed intake, growth performance and digestibility of New Zealand White rabbits	Nguyen Thi Duong Huyen, Nguyen Xuan Trach and T R Preston, Hanoi University of Agriculture
	Using extract of Tithonia diversifolia leaves to control Scabies in Rabbits	Vu Thi Thu Hang, Do Chien Thang, Luu Thi Nhan; Goat & Rabbit Research Centre, Vietnam
	Growth performance of New Zealand White rabbits fed paddy rice and concentrate as supplements to sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) vines and Guinea grass	Ly Thi Luyen, GRRC, NIAS, Bavi, Vietnam
	Effects of graded paddy rice levels supplemented to Malvaviscus foliage (Malvaviscus penduliflorus) as basal diets on feed intake, daily weight gain and economic returns of rabbits in central Vietnam	Le Thi Lan Phuong; Faculty of animal sciences, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, 102 Phung Hung street, Hue City, Vietnam
17.00	Growth performance of growing rabbits fed components of paddy rice as energy source in basal diet of Operculina turpethum or Operculina turpethum mixed with water spinach	Nguyen Huu Tam, Bui Phan Thu Hang, Vo Lam and T R Preston, Angiang University, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vietnam
Day 3
	Improving soil fertility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
08.00	Effect of effluent treated biochar and biodigester effluent on growth of maize (Zea mays) and on soil physical properties	Sisomphone Southavong and T R Preston,  Champasack University, Champasack province, Lao PDR
08.20	The effect  of Mimosa pigra on soil fertility measured with the maize biotest	Nguyen Thi Thu Hong, An Giang University, Vietnam,
08.40	Effect of biochar,  biodigester effluent and effective micro-organisms (EM) on growth and nitrate content of water spinach	Somphanh  Bounyavong, Sangkhom Inthapanya and  T R Preston, Souphanovong University, Lao PDR
09.00	Effect of biochar and biodigester effluent on biomass yield of Taro (Colocacia esculenta)	Souksakhone Vivasane , Phetsamay Vyraphet and Sisomphone Southavong, Champasack University, Laos
09.20	Effect of chicken manure composted with mixture of native microorganisms or bio-plant product on growth yield of Brassica juncea L.	Nguyen Hong Hanh, Pham Tien Dung and T R Preston, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
09.40	Efficiency of compost fertilizer processed from wastes of animal production and biochar to improve physio-chemical  properties and agricultural potential of deprived soils (sandy soil and feralit soil)	Tran Thi Dao, Nguyen Xuan Trach and T R Preston, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
10.00	Using of water fleas (Moina sp.) biomass and aquatic plant (Jussiaea repens l.) to treat waste-water from tra catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) ponds	Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, Vo Thị Thanh Binh, Nguyen Phu Hoa and Duong Nguyen Khang, Agriculture and Forestry University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
10.20	The effect of chicken, cow and pig manure on Phyllanthus amarus yield and its natural compounds	Nguyen Hieu Phuong and Nguyen Quang Thieu, NLU, Vietnam
	Effect of harvesting interval on biomass yield and chemical composition of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) for feeding pigs in Laos	L Kaensombath and B E Frankow-Lindberg, National University of Laos, Vientiane Lao PDR
10.40	A study on aerobic composting method to manage animal manure on Small-scale farms	Hoang Minh Duc, Pham Hong Ngan and Hoang Minh Son, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
	10.40 - 11.00 Coffee
11.00	Poster session
	Effect of water hyacinth silage on digestibility in local Yellow cattle fed rice straw basal diet	Cheat Sophal and T R Preston, RUA, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
	Effect of different fibre sources on microflora and bacterial diversity in digestive tract of local (Mong Cai) and exotic (Landrace and Yorkshire) pigs	Tran Thi Thu Hong, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc,  Tran Nguyen Thao and  Jan Erik Lindberg, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry,
	Effect of supplements of potassium nitrate or urea as sources of NPN on methane production in an in vitro system using molasses and Gliricidia or Mimosa (Mimosa pigra)foliages as the substrate	Xaykham Onphachanh, Aloun Ounalom, Phonevilay Silivong and T R Preston, Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Resource, Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR
	Effect of protein enrichment of cassava residue and rice bran by microbial fermentation on performance and meat quality of growing pig	Tran Thi Thu Hong, Dao Thi Phuongc and Jan Erik Lindberg
	The growth and economics of integrated culture of Tilapia (Oreochomis niloticus) and Common carp (Ciprinus carpio) in an indoor intensive system with earthworms as feed and in natural ponds fertilized with biodigester effluent and supplemented with duckweed	Yen Nhi N H and Preston T R, Aquaculture Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam
	Protein solubility of fish meal and peanut meal  and methane production in an in vitro incubation	Ho Quang Do, Tran Duy Khoa, Trinh Phuc Hao and T R Preston,  Cantho University, Cantho, Vietnam
	Effect of different fibre sources on microflora and bacterial diversity in digestive tract of local (Mong Cai) and exotic (Landrace and Yorkshire) pigs	Tran Thi Thu Hong, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Tran Nguyen Thao and  Jan Erik Lindberg, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry,
	Effect of different size of sugar cane waste in the basal diet and supplementation with Operculina turpethum on feed utilization, nutrient digestibility and growth rate of crossbred rabbits	Nguyen Thi Kim Dong and Nguyen Van Thu, Cantho University,  Vietnam
	Use of coconut meal as replacements for protein in diets of growing ducklings raised in a biosecure duck-fish system on smallholdings in the Mekong Delta	Bui Xuan Men; Cantho University,  Vietnam
	Effect of crude rice bran oil supplementation on performance, egg production and quality, serum lipids, yolk cholesterol of laying hens	Nguyen Nhut Xuan Dung, Le Thanh Phong, Bui Thi Le Minh, Truong Van Phuoc,  CanTho University, CanTho, Vietnam
	Evaluation of a mixture of ensiled banana (Musa- balbisiana) pseudo-stems, taro (Colocasia esculenta) foliage, and cassava  (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves as  protein and energy sources  in diets for Mong cai sows  in small holder farms under village conditions in central Vietnam	Nguyen Thi Hoa Ly, Tran Thanh Hai,  and T R Preston, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
	Effects of inclusion of Catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) by-product meal and probiotics in diets for improve chicken on performance, carcass quality and ileal and total amino acid digestibility.	Nguyen Thi Thuy, College of Agriculture, CanTho University, CanTho, Vietnam
	Using ensiled mixed foliage (Taro leaves-stems + banana pseudo-stems and Sweet potato vines) as replacement of rice bran for Mong Cai sows kept in small holder farms in Thua Thien Hue province of Central Vietnam	Hoang Nghia Duyet, HUAF, Vietnam
	Effect of ensiled product made from banana stem and taro foliage on the growth performance of common ducks	Dao Thi My Tien, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam
	Effect on the performance of common ducks by supplementing duckweed in the diet of ensiled banana pseudo stem - taro (Colocacia esculenta) foliage	Dao Thi My Tien, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Vietnam
	Use of the ensiled mix taro leafs, petioles with sweet potato vines and distiller wastes as supplements to rice bran on the reproductive performance of Mong Cai sows kept in Hue rural areas	Hoang Nghia Duyet, HUAF, Vietnam
	Nutritional value of fresh rice straw treated with quicklime [CaO] or slaked lime [Ca(OH)2] and urea for feeding to local  cattle in An Giang province	Le Thi Thuy Hang,  Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, An Giang University, Long Xuyen City, An Giang province
	Apparent digestibility of diets containing rice distillers’ by-product, Taro (Colocacia esculenta) silage and rice bran in growing pigs	Nouphone Manivanh, T R Preston and Le Duc Ngoan,  Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
	Dietary amino acid requirements of fingerling hybrid catfish (Clarias macrocephalus x C. gariepinus) as estimated by the ideal protein approach	Nguyen Duy Quynh Tram, Le Duc Ngoan, Jan Erik Lindberg, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry,
	Effects of  levels of nitrogen from biodigester effluent on biomass production of Tithonia diversifolia (Wild Sunflower)	Nguyen Thi Thu Hong,  An Giang University, Vietnam,
	Effects of defaunation and bypass protein supplement on utilisation of poor quality feed by cattle	Nguyen Thi Hong Nhan, Nguyen Trong Ngu, Nguyen Van Hon and  Nguyen Thiet, Can tho University, Vietnam.
13.00	Lunch