Pig Farmers’ Preferences for the Adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices in Vietnam: A Choice Experiment
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The article addresses the important and topical issue of looking for the determinants of the adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices in Vietnam. Methodologically, the article is prepared correctly. The appropriate indicators and the methodology used allow conclusions to be drawn. I have only two comments:
1. the rather weak description of the research sample. Why 150 farms? Were the farms rearing pigs in a closed cycle (sows giving birth to piglets, further rearing piglets and selling fattening pigs), or was it an open cycle rearing (farms buy piglets and sell fattening pigs)? It needs to be further clarified what is meant by "30-300 pigs/farm" and "above 300 pigs/farm"
2. using national currency in an international article makes it difficult to understand. I think it would be necessary to provide information on investment expenditures in US dollars.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
The article addresses the important and topical issue of looking for the determinants of the adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices in Vietnam. Methodologically, the article is prepared correctly. The appropriate indicators and the methodology used allow conclusions to be drawn. I have only two comments:
Point 1: The rather weak description of the research sample. Why 150 farms? Were the farms rearing pigs in a closed cycle (sows giving birth to piglets, further rearing piglets and selling fattening pigs), or was it an open cycle rearing (farms buy piglets and sell fattening pigs)? It needs to be further clarified what is meant by "30-300 pigs/farm" and "above 300 pigs/farm"
Response 1: Thank you immensely for taking the time to provide your valuable comments. I have diligently revised the content to enhance its clarity and ensure that it addresses your specific inquiries. You can review the modifications in the article on pages 5-6.
- Why 150 farms? Were the farms rearing pigs in a closed cycle (sows giving birth to piglets, further rearing piglets and selling fattening pigs), or was it an open cycle rearing (farms buy piglets and sell fattening pigs)?
In May of 2022, a survey was conducted in Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces, which are well-known for their high concentration of pig farms and are important areas for promoting GAHP implementation. The survey focused on three districts, specifically Trang Bom and Thong Nhat districts in Dong Nai province, and Phu Giao district in Binh Duong province. A stratified random sampling methodology was utilized within each district to select 50 pig farmers who engage in open cycle pig rearing. A total of 150 pig farmers were interviewed, all of whom were primary decision-makers in their households.
- It needs to be further clarified what is meant by "30-300 pigs/farm" and "above 300 pigs/farm"
Pig farms with medium (30-300 pigs/farm) and large (above 300 pigs/farm) were selected, as they could meet the GAHP criteria according to Vietnam's Livestock Law in 2018. Small-scale pig farms (under 30 pigs/farm) are ineligible for GAHP implementation due to their failure to meet the GAHP requirements, as well as the substantial initial investment cost.
Point 2: Using national currency in an international article makes it difficult to understand. I think it would be necessary to provide information on investment expenditures in US dollars.
Response 2: I have edited and added the USD/VND exchange rate in the article. Thanks for your comments.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
This study focuses on addressing the growing consumer demand for safe pork products and the adoption of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) in pig farming in Vietnam. With increased concerns about food safety, consumers are showing a greater interest in pork products that are certified as safe and traceable. However, the adoption of GAHP requires a significant initial investment, which affects its feasibility for pig farmers. To understand the preferences of pig farmers regarding the adoption of GAHP, the study utilizes a choice experiment methodology. This approach allows researchers to simulate different scenarios and assess farmers' responses to specific conditions related to GAHP adoption. The study aims to identify the factors that influence farmers' decisions and the conditions that make them more inclined to adopt GAHP.
In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of GAHP adoption in pig farming by examining the influence of various attributes and socio-demographic characteristics on farmers' decisions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, market stakeholders, and farmers, facilitating the promotion of GAHP and other agricultural practices that enhance food safety and sustainability.
The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers, suggesting the need for supportive regulations that address the barriers posed by initial investment costs. It also informs market stakeholders, such as buyers, processors, and retailers, about the preferences of pig farmers, enabling them to establish market channels for GAHP-certified products. Moreover, the study assists farmers in making informed decisions about their farming practices, including analyzing the potential benefits and exploring market opportunities associated with GAHP certification.
In conlusion, I agree with the publication of this work.
Author Response
Point 1: I agree with the publication of this work.
Response: I really appreciate your comments. Thank you!
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The subject matter is not particularly innovative. However, the article is well structured and well presented (even if the number of questionnaires is not particularly high).
However, my suggestion would be to simplify the section on statistics in chapter 3 with the inclusion of some graphs that would be more easily understandable.
The conclusions are adequate and also highlight the weaknesses that have been identified.
you will find below the specific comments.
Bests
1. What is the main question addressed by the research?
The aim of the paper is to investigate farmers' preferences for adopting GAHP in pig farming in Vietnam
2. Do you consider the topic original or relevant in the field? Does it address a specific gap in the field?
The topic is of interest, as it is embedded in a reality where pig farming is highly developed. It is therefore covering an important aspect related to the cost-sustainability relationship
3/4 What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material? What specific improvements should the authors consider regarding the methodology? What further controls should be considered?
As mentioned in the review, from a methodological point of view and in terms of deepening the topic, the work is well structured.
Only the low number of questionnaires is the major discriminating factor
5. Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and arguments presented and do they address the main question posed?
Yes.
6. Are the references appropriate?
Yes.
7. Please include any additional comments on the tables and figures.
As mentioned in the review, I suggested that a series of graphs be included in Chapter 3 in order to simplify the reading of the information
Minor editing of English language required
Author Response
Point 1: My suggestion would be to simplify the section on statistics in chapter 3 with the inclusion of some graphs that would be more easily understandable.
Response 1: Thank you for your valuable comments. You can review the modifications in chapter 3 of the article on pages 11-12.
Point 2: Minor editing of English language required
Response 2: My manuscript was reviewed by a colleague proficient in English writing. Thanks for your comments.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
