Recently, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, in collaboration with local authorities, successfully organized a series of Barnyard Conferences at two main locations: Phong Phu Ward and Huong Thuy Ward, Hue City. The conferences were part of the project: Application of Science and Technology to Develop Specialized Beef Cattle Based on Crossbred Zebu Cows in Thua Thien Hue Province (now Hue City), code TTH.2021-KC.29.
The events welcomed representatives from the Department of Science and Technology of Hue City, local government leaders, the project management board, and especially a large number of cattle farmers from the area.
The conference in Phong Phu Ward, Hue City, took place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. In the morning, delegates and farmers attended a plenary session to hear reports on project implementation results. In the afternoon, the group visited local households to observe crossbred beef cattle models in practice.
The conference in Huong Thuy Ward, Hue City, was held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Huong Thuy Ward People’s Committee Hall. The program also included presentations and discussions, giving farmers the opportunity to directly exchange knowledge with scientists on specialized beef cattle husbandry techniques.
The project aims to apply scientific and technological advances in breeding, nutrition, and management practices to develop high-quality beef cattle herds, thereby increasing farmers’ income and improving their livelihoods.
So far, the project has achieved remarkable results. Surveys and assessments were conducted with 180 cattle-farming households across Hue City, leading to the selection of suitable crossbred Zebu cows for artificial insemination using Charolais, Droughtmaster, and Red Angus semen. A total of 975 semen doses were used for 793 inseminations, resulting in 654 successful pregnancies. The project has produced 589 calves (294 males and 295 females), including 273 Droughtmaster crossbreds, 170 Red Angus crossbreds, and 146 Charolais crossbreds. By weaning (around 4.5 months of age), 535 calves survived, achieving a success rate of 90.8%.
The average gestation period was 282–285 days; the average postpartum estrus interval was 106–111 days; the average successful conception interval was 109–112 days; and the average calving interval was 393–395 days. The project also established 10 household models and 2 farm models using Droughtmaster, Red Angus, and Charolais crossbred beef cattle with high productivity and meat quality. In addition, training programs were conducted for 15 technical staff and more than 200 farmers, who received practical instruction in beef cattle husbandry techniques.
In the coming period, the project management board will continue monitoring growth, reproduction, productivity, and meat quality of the crossbred cattle groups. At the same time, tailored husbandry protocols suited to local conditions will be finalized. These efforts aim to produce specialized beef cattle herds with carcass weight and yield 1.3 to 1.5 times higher than the initial Zebu crossbred cattle.
The success of the project and the Barnyard Conferences demonstrates the commitment of the project team, the support of management agencies, and above all, the strong participation of farmers. Together, these efforts pave the way for a sustainable future for beef cattle production in Hue City.
Some photos from the conference:
