Vol. 23 No. 2 (2025)

The study was conducted to determine the mixing ratio and type of compost used in the growing substrate suitable for the growth and yield of Basella alba L. The factorial experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications including 6 treatments (P1G1, P1G2, P1G3, P2G1, P2G2, P2G3) of 2 types of compost (P1 and P2) and 3 mixing ratios of compost in growing substrate (G1 (1 soil : 1 burnt rice husk : 1 compost); G2 (1 soil : 1 burnt rice husk : 2 compost); G3 (1 soil : 1 burnt rice husk : 3 compost)). The monitored parameters included plant height, stem diameter, SPAD index, leaf area, dry matter weight, yield and nitrate content in the plant. The results showed that increasing the ratio of compost P1 or P2 mixed in the growing substrate had a positive effect on the growth and physiological parameters, thereby significantly increasing the individual yield of malabar spinach. The nitrate contents in plant fertilized with compost P1 and P2 at different mixing ratios were within the allowable limits of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Therefore, compost P1 and P2 should be fertilized with a substrate ratio of 1 soil: 1 burnt rice husk: 3 compost for better growth, high yield and quality of malabar spinach.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly infectious disease in pigs caused by virus with mortality rate of up to 100%. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of the VNUA/HY/ASF1 virus strain via intramuscular injection in 8-week-old pigs. The pigs were divided into three experimental groups (TN1, TN2, TN3) with respective virus doses of 102, 103, and 104 HAD50/pig, along with a control group that was not exposed to the virus. Results showed that all pigs in the three infected groups died within 5 to 13 days post-injection. The mean time to death for the TN1, TN2, and TN3 groups was 11.2 ± 1.3 days, 7.4 ± 1.8 days and 7.2 ± 1.8 days, respectively. Typical clinical symptoms, including high fever, anorexia, lethargy, and reduced activity, were observed in all infected pigs. Pigs exposed to higher virus doses exhibited earlier symptoms, reflecting a faster disease progression. However, multi-organ hemorrhagic lesions, particularly in the spleen, lymph nodes, and kidneys were more severe in pigs infected with lower virus doses due to the prolonged disease course. This study confirms the high virulence of the VNUA/HY/ASF1 strain.

The study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of seaweed species of Galaxauraceae family (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) distributed in Vietnam. Using morphological analysis methods and and microscopic examination of cell structure, the research results outlined the morphological characteristics of 10 seaweed species belonging to Galaxauraceae family including: Actinotrichia fragilis, Dichotomaria marginata, D. obtusata, D. papillata, Galaxaura divaricata, G. filamentosa, G. rugosa, Tricleocarpa cylindrica, T. fastigiata and T. fragilis distributed in Vietnam sea. The main results included the morphological characteristics, ecology, and images (natural life forms, fresh and dried specimens, branch details, and cells). The results not only provide information for the classification of seaweed species belonging to Galaxauraceae family, but also serve as a scientific basis for studies on ecology, exploitation of potential bioactive substances, and development of genetic resources of these seaweed species in the future.

The study was conducted to determine the appropriate species and density of alga for the larvae of the polychaete Dendronereis chipolini at the planktonic stage. After hatching, the larvae were fed with 3 different algal species corresponding to 3 treatments including (i) Chaetoceros sp., (ii) Chlorella sp. and (iii) Nannocholoropsis oculata. After 6 days of experiment, the metamorphosis index in the 3 treatments was similar and equal to 3. However, highest growth in length (0.245 ± 0.001mm) and survival rate (37.6 ± 1.48%) of the larvae were obtained in the Chlorella sp. treatment which was statistically significant (P <0.05). Chlorella sp. was used in the successive experiments to determine the most suitable density for the polychaete larvae. The experiment was designed with 4 treatments including 500 cells/ml, 1,000 cells/ml, 1,500 cells/ml and 2,000 cells/ml with 5 replicates. Highest length (0.247 ± 0.008mm) and survival rate (44.4 ± 2.97%) of the larvae were recorded in treatment of 500 cells/ml which was also significantly different (P <0.05). The results showed that the best growth and survival rate of the polychaete Dendronereis chipolini larvae at the planktonic stage can be obtained when they are fed with Chlorella sp. at a density of 500 cells/ml.

The biological reproductive properties of the mangrove Bengal eel (Ophisternon bengalense) were investigated using samples taken once a month (30 samples) during a 12-month period in Tac Van commune, Ca Mau province. Samples were collected and transported to the College of Aquaculture of Can Tho University for analysis. In April and November, the maximum condition factor (CF) was 0.0012 g/cm. This finding confirms that mangrove Bengal eel is a hermaphroditic species. The typical sex ratio in wild populations of male, hermaphrodite, and female was 35.6%, 4.5%, and 58.8%, respectively. The lowest energy accumulation coefficient (HSI) occured in March, April, and October (1.78-1.79%). The highest gonad index was observed in March, April, and October (1.29, 1.47, and 1.27, respectively), however, the highest maturity rate occurred in April and October (46.7%). Absolute fecundity of mangrove Bengal eel ranged from 100 to 540 eggs/female. The relative fecundity ranged from 1.12-10.8 eggs per gram of body weight. The average egg diameter in stage III was 1.99mm, while in stage IV was 4.40.

This study was carried out to evaluate the dietary addition of herbal MIX product (Stemona tuberosa Lour, Platycodon grandiflorum, Codonopsis pilosula, Corium stomachichum Galli, Hovenia dulcis Thunb, Maltum, and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) on growth performance, meat quality, and chemical compositions of crossbred Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) [D(LY)] pig meat. A total of 360 D(LY) pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 36.7 ± 0.17kg, were used in a 12-week experiment. Pigs were randomly divided in 4 experimental diets according to BW and sex, each consisting 90 pigs and 3 replicate pens. The experimental diets consisted of a DC diet (basal diet), a TN1 diet (DC + 0.1% MIX), a TN2 diet (DC + 0.2% MIX), and a TN3 diet (DC + 0.3% MIX). The pigs were fed a 2-period feeding program consisting of grower (0-6 weeks) and finisher (7-12 weeks). The results showed that in comparision with DC diet, pigs fed a diet supplemented with 0.1% MIX improved final BW (kg/pig), average daily gain (g/pig/day), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) (P <0.05). Lean meat percentage increase and backfat thickness like shear force decrease were observed in pigs fed diets with increasing MIX levels (P <0.05). Lipid content of meat decreased in pigs fed a diet with 0.3% MIX while within diets with MIX from 0.2% level downwards lowered cholesterol content of pork (P <0.05). The results showed that supplementing MIX in pig diet improved average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (0.1% MIX), and enhanced meat quality (from 0.1 % MIX forwards).

Evaluating the potential use of dried blanket weed (Cladophoraceae) to replace the pellet feed for the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) was carried out . The experiment composed of four treatments with three replicates. In 2 control treatments (single diets), fish was fed daily either pellet feed or dried blanket weed. In two other treatments, fish was fed two alternative feeding regimes consisting of 1 day dried blanket weed and 1 consecutive day pellet feed or and 2 consecutive days or dried blanket weed and 1 consecutive day pellet feed. After 45 days of culture, the survival of experimental fish was not affected by the feeding treatments and ranging from 93.3 to 99.0%. The growth rates of fish in the alternative feeding treatments were higher than those of the control treatment. Application of the combined feeding regimes, feed conversion ratio and cost of pellet feed could be reduced from 51.74 to 68.26%. These results indicated that dried blanket weed can be used as feed source to partially substitute pellet feed for rearing the grass carp.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mineral supplementation in feed on the reproductive efficiency of black apple snail (Pila polita) during maturity cultivation. Snail broodstocks (height: 37.5 - 42.6 mm/ind; equivalent to 75 days of age) were reared in the tarpaulin tanks (1 × 1 × 1m) at a density of 60 ind./tank (the ratio of male: female was 1: 1). The food was supplemented with Pro Mix minerals at five different levels: (1) Control without Pro Mix supplementation (No.Mi-F); (2) 3% minerals (Mi3-F); (3) 5% minerals (Mi5-F); (4) 7% minerals (Mi7-F) and (5) 9% minerals (Mi9-F). After 120 days of culture, the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of snails was highest in Mi5-F (6.50% in female; 14.1% in male) and significantly different (P <0.05) compared to No.Mi-F (3.66%; 6.10%). In Mi7-F treatment, the broodstocks showed spawning frequency of 1.00 clutch/week/m2 and a fecundity of 0.53 clutch/female, followed by Mi5-F (0.92 clutch/week/m2; 0.49 clutch/female) and were different (P <0.05) from the No.Mi-F treatment (0.65 clutch/week/m2; 0.35 clutch/female). The study results indicated that the addition of Pro Mix to feed at a level of 5% minerals significantly enhanced GSI and the reproductive efficiency of the black apple snails.

The study was conducted to assess the current status of surface water quality in Lang Sen Wetland Reserve, Long An Province. Surface water quality of the reserve was surveyed in the dry season at 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 sub-zone (3 sample points/ sub-zone) using physical and chemical parameters of water. The results showed that the concentrations of total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen, total nitrogenof water in the sub-zones ranging 16.8-30.9; 0.67-1.73; 15.5-44.3; 0.99-3.34 mg/l, respectively, not meeting the standard justified in QCVN 08:2023/BTNMT. In addition, the electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and nitrite nitrogen were also high that may affect aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to effectively monitor and manage water quality, especially in sub-zones 9 and 10 to ensure a favorable water environment for the conservation of large fish species in the reserve.

In modern livestock farming, where efficiency, sustainability, and resource optimization are vital, choosing the right farm location is crucial. This requires a meticulous assessment of environmental, economic, and social factors. Recently, the synergy of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has revolutionized site selection for multiple purposes. This study applied GIS and AHP approaches to find suitable locations for pig farming in Tan Yen district, Bac Giang province. A set of criteria reflecting social, economic and enviromental aspects of livestock farm was identifed through literature review and local authority consultation, then APH approach was applied to identify weights for each indicator. Finally, weighted overlay in GIS was applied to produce maps of different suitability levels (not suitable, less suiltable, suitable, and most suitable). Results of this study provide an approach and usefull information for local authority in land use planning, specifically to identify suiltable locations for pig farms that balance the social, economic and environmental factors.

In Vietnam, bananas occupy 19% of the total fruit cultivation area, yielding around 1.4 million tons but only 12% of the volume are utilized, the remaining 88% constitute organic waste. This research aimed to identify and select bacteria capable of breaking down cellulose to treating banana by-products. The Bacillus megaterium H3 strain from 12 soil and banana waste samples was isolated. Optimal conditions were determined for cultivating this bacterium to produce enzymes efficiently. The high-potency cellulase-producing Bacillus megaterium H3 bacteria was found to thrive in a medium with a CMC carbon source and NH4Cl nitrogen source. The most suitable culture conditions for this bacterium were at a temperature of 30°C, over a period of 16 hours, with a shaking speed of 200rpm, and an initial pH of 7. Additionally, supplementing banana stem waste with B. megaterium H3 facilitated 32.28% more efficient cellulose decomposition compared to the control sample. These findings serve as basis for the development of organic fertilizer.

Circular agriculture is an advanced agricultural model that combines circular economy principles with ecological agriculture, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental impact. This review delves into the theoretical and practical foundations of circular agriculture by analyzing scientific literature from both domestic and international sources. Data was collected from relevant studies, using key terms such as “circular economy,” “circular agriculture,” “sustainable development,” and “lessons learned.” The findings indicate that circular agriculture offers comprehensive economic, social, and environmental benefits by effectively reusing agricultural by-products and livestock waste. However, for sustainable development of circular agriculture, clear policy mechanisms and support for scientific and technological innovations are essential, especially at the household and small business scales. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical foundation for shaping circular agriculture policies, with a focus on enhancing added value and fostering sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam.

Climate change is becoming increasingly evident and causes people to face increasing dangers and become more vulnerable. Rural women are particularly vulnerable to climate change, not because of their sex but because of the cultural and gendered social roles they have to play, the traditional cultural and social norms related to gender, as well as their disadvantages in the access and control right of resources. Based on the review of domestic and foreign research related to the field of gender and climate change, the article aims to explain the theoretical basis and build a framework for analyzing the causes of vulnerability to climate change among rural women. The analytical framework provides a basis and creates conditions for policymakers to assess and analyze the relative vulnerability of women compared to men in rural areas, thereby formulating appropriate policies to reduce gender inequality, reduce vulnerability, and improve adaptive capacity for rural women.