Livestock sector expected to sustain strong growth

Free-range chicken farming in Cam My Commune is increasingly shifting toward large-scale farm operations with improved disease control.

The outlook for the livestock industry through the remainder of 2026 is optimistic, driven by stronger demand for meat and livestock products during the year-end period. In particular, the widespread decline in animal feed prices is expected to encourage farmers to restock and expand production with greater confidence.

Positive signals for the livestock sector

During the first six months of 2026, Dong Nai's livestock sector recorded steady growth. Live hog prices remained stable and relatively high, encouraging farmers to rebuild and expand their herds. As of the end of June 2026, the city's pig population exceeded 3.9 million, up more than 4.2% compared with the same period in 2025. Poultry numbers reached over 37.3 million birds, an increase of nearly 3.9%, including more than 33.7 million chickens, up almost 4% year-on-year.

Nevertheless, the industry continues to face significant challenges. Although live hog prices have remained relatively high, producers' profits have fallen short of expectations because of elevated production costs. Disease outbreaks, particularly African swine fever (ASF), remain a major concern, while poultry farmers have experienced additional pressure from oversupply, which has periodically driven down chicken meat and egg prices.

Following a prolonged period of surging global feed ingredient prices, livestock feed manufacturers began reducing prices in early July 2026 while introducing promotional programs, providing a welcome boost to the sector. The decline reflects easing global commodity prices and lower ocean freight and logistics costs. Prices of major imported feed ingredients have fallen significantly. Since feed accounts for the largest share of livestock production costs, lower feed prices are expected to reduce input expenses and encourage producers to restock and expand their operations.

Nguyen Van Dao, a pig farmer in Tan An Commune, said stable hog prices have continued to generate profits for producers. However, some farms have suffered losses due to African swine fever. "Maintaining strict biosecurity measures is essential to preventing the spread of disease," he emphasized.

Maintaining strict disease prevention measures

Although animal disease outbreaks have generally remained under control since the beginning of the year, African swine fever continues to pose a significant threat, prompting local authorities to strengthen disease prevention and control efforts.

According to Nguyen Truong Giang, Director of the Dong Nai Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Fisheries, livestock health conditions remain largely stable thanks to comprehensive disease surveillance, tighter controls over animal transportation and slaughtering, and enhanced biosecurity measures. Livestock farms are required to implement rigorous daily sanitation and disinfection procedures using lime powder and disinfectants throughout barns and surrounding areas. Farmers are also instructed to prevent insects and rodents from entering facilities, properly manage feed, drinking water, waste, and wastewater, and ensure that livestock receive all recommended vaccinations.

Sharing his experience in protecting pigs from disease, Huynh Ngoc Tay, an organic pig farmer in Dinh Quan Commune, said he was among the first farmers in Dong Nai to partner with a business in piloting an organic pig farming model. For many years, his farm has remained free of major disease outbreaks, including African swine fever. In addition to conventional feed, he supplements his pigs' diets with herbal ingredients to strengthen their immune systems. Rice husks combined with medicinal herbs are regularly burned to fumigate barns, repel insects, reduce odors, and suppress disease-causing pathogens. The farm also strictly follows biosecurity protocols by maintaining clean facilities, applying lime and disinfectants around barns and access routes, disinfecting clothing, boots, and protective gear, cleaning equipment daily, and controlling disease-carrying insects.

Dong Nai City is prioritizing investment in high-quality livestock projects that employ advanced technologies and operate under sustainable value-chain models. The livestock industry is being developed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and food safety, enhancing competitiveness in the domestic market while creating opportunities for future exports.

During the 2026–2030 period, the livestock sector will accelerate its transition toward modern and sustainable development. In doing so, science, technology, and digital transformation will be applied across the entire value chain, helping lower costs, control diseases effectively, and ensure transparent product traceability.