https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1From ILRI staff and projectsWed, 16 Sep 2026 01:15:55 GMT2026-09-16T01:15:55Z258291https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/9f97aa30-76b2-4ec2-a8ad-12d91b05da3e/downloadhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185479dc.title: Qualitative identification of Pioneer Positive Deviant households for animal health and feed/forage management in Afar, Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Worku, Tigist; Getahun, Elizabeth; Lemma, Mamusha; Adie, Aberra; Berhanu, Dagim; Habermann, Birgit; Achandi, Esther L. dcterms.abstract: This field study applied a qualitative and participatory approach to identify and preliminarily validate Pioneer Households implementing successful livestock health and feed/forage management practices in Sabure and Dudub kebeles of Awash Fentale Woreda, Afar Region, Ethiopia. The sequential process combined key informant interviews, gender-disaggregated community workshops, independent community validation, household interviews, transect walks, field observations, and a Pioneer Household Validation Matrix. The process identified 87 potential Pioneer Households, shortlisted 40, and preliminarily identified 27 Pioneer Households, 11 in Sabure and 16 in Dudub. Community-identified practices included grazing and livestock mobility, feed and forage management, livestock health management, and parasite and disease management. The fieldwork demonstrated the value of combining community knowledge with household-level verification and highlighted the need to adapt P-PD methods to pastoral mobility, seasonal variation, and the limited visibility of some practices. The findings provide a basis for further qualitative analysis of Pioneer Households and their practices. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods; Climate Action; Multifunctional Landscapes Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854792026-08-30T00:00:00ZWorku, TigistGetahun, ElizabethLemma, MamushaAdie, AberraBerhanu, DagimHabermann, BirgitAchandi, Esther L.This field study applied a qualitative and participatory approach to identify and preliminarily validate Pioneer Households implementing successful livestock health and feed/forage management practices in Sabure and Dudub kebeles of Awash Fentale Woreda, Afar Region, Ethiopia. The sequential process combined key informant interviews, gender-disaggregated community workshops, independent community validation, household interviews, transect walks, field observations, and a Pioneer Household Validation Matrix. The process identified 87 potential Pioneer Households, shortlisted 40, and preliminarily identified 27 Pioneer Households, 11 in Sabure and 16 in Dudub. Community-identified practices included grazing and livestock mobility, feed and forage management, livestock health management, and parasite and disease management. The fieldwork demonstrated the value of combining community knowledge with household-level verification and highlighted the need to adapt P-PD methods to pastoral mobility, seasonal variation, and the limited visibility of some practices. The findings provide a basis for further qualitative analysis of Pioneer Households and their practices.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185478dc.title: Collective governance and household-Level decision-making in Afar pastoral systems: Implications for Pioneer Positive Deviance dc.contributor.author: Worku, Tigist; Lemma, Mamusha; Getahun, Elizabeth; Habermann, Birgit; Achandi, Esther L. dcterms.abstract: This field study examines the structure and functioning of collective governance and its relationship with household-level decision-making in Afar pastoral systems, with implications for implementing a household-based Pioneer Positive Deviance (P-PD) approach. The study was conducted in Sabure and Dudub kebeles of Awash Fentale Woreda, Afar Region, using two semi-structured group discussions with 18 representatives of the Afar Ada customary governance system. Findings show that Afar Ada plays a central role in regulating communal resources, livestock mobility, conflict resolution, disease-related coordination, and interactions with external actors, while households retain autonomy in livestock health management and day-to-day herd decisions. The findings indicate that household-level variation in livestock management practices can be examined within the existing customary governance context. The study recommends a hybrid P-PD implementation model that combines household-level identification and learning from locally successful practices with active engagement of customary institutions, alongside gender-responsive, socially inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods; Climate Action; Multifunctional Landscapes Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854782026-10-15T00:00:00ZWorku, TigistLemma, MamushaGetahun, ElizabethHabermann, BirgitAchandi, Esther L.This field study examines the structure and functioning of collective governance and its relationship with household-level decision-making in Afar pastoral systems, with implications for implementing a household-based Pioneer Positive Deviance (P-PD) approach. The study was conducted in Sabure and Dudub kebeles of Awash Fentale Woreda, Afar Region, using two semi-structured group discussions with 18 representatives of the Afar Ada customary governance system. Findings show that Afar Ada plays a central role in regulating communal resources, livestock mobility, conflict resolution, disease-related coordination, and interactions with external actors, while households retain autonomy in livestock health management and day-to-day herd decisions. The findings indicate that household-level variation in livestock management practices can be examined within the existing customary governance context. The study recommends a hybrid P-PD implementation model that combines household-level identification and learning from locally successful practices with active engagement of customary institutions, alongside gender-responsive, socially inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185477dc.title: A Practical Guide to the Living Lab for People Approach: A Toolbox for Collaborative Research Design for Climate Action dc.contributor.author: Habermann, Birgit; Kibet, Walter; Mosbei, Thomas; Kachilei, Levy dcterms.abstract: A Living Lab is an open innovation ecosystem that integrates research, development, and real-life user engagement. Living Lab for People (LL4Ps) were developed to strengthen user-driven innovation in food systems, particularly in low-income contexts. By placing farmers and community members at the center of decision-making, LL4Ps aim to increase local ownership, enhance the relevance of innovations, and improve their potential for scaling. LL4Ps build on established Living Lab principles while adding explicit commitments to equity, inclusion, and long-term learning. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854772026-08-30T00:00:00ZHabermann, BirgitKibet, WalterMosbei, ThomasKachilei, LevyA Living Lab is an open innovation ecosystem that integrates research, development, and real-life user engagement. Living Lab for People (LL4Ps) were developed to strengthen user-driven innovation in food systems, particularly in low-income contexts. By placing farmers and community members at the center of decision-making, LL4Ps aim to increase local ownership, enhance the relevance of innovations, and improve their potential for scaling. LL4Ps build on established Living Lab principles while adding explicit commitments to equity, inclusion, and long-term learning.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185469dc.title: Recording and sharing evidence of results: Some lessons from CGSpace/CGIAR dc.contributor.author: Ballantyne, Peter G. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854692024-08-13T00:00:00ZBallantyne, Peter G.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185423dc.title: Integrating BLUP and selection index methods to enhance genetic improvement in tropical poultry breeding programs dc.contributor.author: Esatu, Wondmeneh; Alemayehu, Alula; Hanotte, Olivier H.; Dessie, Tadelle; Frank-Lawale, Anuoluwapo dcterms.abstract: The objective of this study was to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of genetic selection in poultry breeding by implementing the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and selection index approaches into composite breed development programs. The study was conducted under the Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions (TPGS) program at ILRI, Ethiopia, using four closed chicken populations LIL20, WIL20, BIL20, and NHIL20. Performance and pedigree data were collected from a total of 2,149 chickens across two generations. Breeding goal traits included body weight at 16 weeks (WT16), age at first egg (AFE), number of eggs at 45 weeks (EN), and egg weight (EW). Genetic parameters and estimated breeding values (EBVs) were computed using linear mixed models in WOMBAT software with the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) algorithm. A selection index was constructed by weighting EBVs with economic values of each trait to guide selection decisions. Heritability estimates for growth traits ranged from 0.30 to 0.77, while egg production traits showed low to high heritability (0.00-0.71) with large standard errors due to limited data. Across the two generations, mean body weight at 16 weeks of age increased by 8.7-33% in both sexes, confirming significant genetic gain. The correlation between phenotypic performance and EBVs ranged from 0.65 to 0.90, indicating a strong relationship between observed and predicted genetic potential. The rate of inbreeding in generation two ranges from 2.31 to 3.10% across chicken lines, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.5-1%, primarily due to a few high-merit individuals contributing disproportionately to offspring. Selection Index accuracy ranged from 0.45 to 0.90 for the four chicken lines, with the highest value indicating strong selection efficiency, while the lower accuracy suggests reduced effectiveness. Results demonstrate that integrating BLUP with a selection index significantly improves precision in genetic evaluation, optimizes multi-trait selection, and accelerates genetic progress in breeding populations. However, maintaining genetic diversity through balanced mating strategies is crucial for managing inbreeding. The study demonstrates that incorporating these genetic evaluation tools into national poultry breeding programs can sustainably enhance productivity, adaptability, and economic returns, thereby contributing to the resilience of smallholder poultry systems and food security in developing regions. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854232026-01-01T00:00:00ZEsatu, WondmenehAlemayehu, AlulaHanotte, Olivier H.Dessie, TadelleFrank-Lawale, AnuoluwapoThe objective of this study was to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of genetic selection in poultry breeding by implementing the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and selection index approaches into composite breed development programs. The study was conducted under the Tropical Poultry Genetics Solutions (TPGS) program at ILRI, Ethiopia, using four closed chicken populations LIL20, WIL20, BIL20, and NHIL20. Performance and pedigree data were collected from a total of 2,149 chickens across two generations. Breeding goal traits included body weight at 16 weeks (WT16), age at first egg (AFE), number of eggs at 45 weeks (EN), and egg weight (EW). Genetic parameters and estimated breeding values (EBVs) were computed using linear mixed models in WOMBAT software with the average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) algorithm. A selection index was constructed by weighting EBVs with economic values of each trait to guide selection decisions. Heritability estimates for growth traits ranged from 0.30 to 0.77, while egg production traits showed low to high heritability (0.00-0.71) with large standard errors due to limited data. Across the two generations, mean body weight at 16 weeks of age increased by 8.7-33% in both sexes, confirming significant genetic gain. The correlation between phenotypic performance and EBVs ranged from 0.65 to 0.90, indicating a strong relationship between observed and predicted genetic potential. The rate of inbreeding in generation two ranges from 2.31 to 3.10% across chicken lines, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.5-1%, primarily due to a few high-merit individuals contributing disproportionately to offspring. Selection Index accuracy ranged from 0.45 to 0.90 for the four chicken lines, with the highest value indicating strong selection efficiency, while the lower accuracy suggests reduced effectiveness. Results demonstrate that integrating BLUP with a selection index significantly improves precision in genetic evaluation, optimizes multi-trait selection, and accelerates genetic progress in breeding populations. However, maintaining genetic diversity through balanced mating strategies is crucial for managing inbreeding. The study demonstrates that incorporating these genetic evaluation tools into national poultry breeding programs can sustainably enhance productivity, adaptability, and economic returns, thereby contributing to the resilience of smallholder poultry systems and food security in developing regions.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185422dc.title: Effects of Thymus vulgaris, Euphorbia hirta, and Allium sativum as phytogenic feed additives on nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, and performance of Kabir chickens in Cameroon dc.contributor.author: Ebwekoh, F.N.; Ojong, E.T.; Motsa'a, J.S.; Toukala, J.P.; Ndamukong, K.J.N.; Tiambo, Christian K. dcterms.abstract: This study evaluated the effects of Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Euphorbia hirta, and Allium sativum (garlic) as phytogenic feed additives on feed digestibility, gut microbiota, growth performance, and survival of Cameroon Kabir chicken roosters. One hundred and sixty 8-week-old Kabir roosters were randomly allocated to eight treatments in a completely randomized design with two replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0.75% and 1.5% E. hirta, 0.5% and 1.0% T. vulgaris, 0.5% and 1.0% A. sativum, a positive control (oxytetracycline 0.5 g/L in drinking water), and a negative control (basal diet only). The experiment lasted 16 weeks following a 2-week acclimatization period. Although supplementation had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, or survival rates, the study had limited statistical power (0.59) to detect differences in these growth parameters. Notable improvements were observed in nutrient digestibility and gut microbiota. E. hirta at 0.75% significantly improved carbohydrate digestibility (86.6%), while several plant treatments significantly affected ash and cellulose digestibility (P < 0.05). All three phytogenic additives markedly reduced total bacterial counts in the caecum compared to both controls (P < 0.001), with E. hirta at 1.5% showing the strongest effect. The plant additives generally outperformed oxytetracycline in modulating gut microbiota. These findings indicate that Thymus vulgaris, Euphorbia hirta, and Allium sativum can serve as effective natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, particularly for improving nutrient utilization and controlling pathogenic gut bacteria in Kabir chickens. They offer a promising, locally available option for sustainable poultry production in Cameroon. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854222026-09-15T00:00:00ZEbwekoh, F.N.Ojong, E.T.Motsa'a, J.S.Toukala, J.P.Ndamukong, K.J.N.Tiambo, Christian K.This study evaluated the effects of Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Euphorbia hirta, and Allium sativum (garlic) as phytogenic feed additives on feed digestibility, gut microbiota, growth performance, and survival of Cameroon Kabir chicken roosters. One hundred and sixty 8-week-old Kabir roosters were randomly allocated to eight treatments in a completely randomized design with two replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0.75% and 1.5% E. hirta, 0.5% and 1.0% T. vulgaris, 0.5% and 1.0% A. sativum, a positive control (oxytetracycline 0.5 g/L in drinking water), and a negative control (basal diet only). The experiment lasted 16 weeks following a 2-week acclimatization period. Although supplementation had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, or survival rates, the study had limited statistical power (0.59) to detect differences in these growth parameters. Notable improvements were observed in nutrient digestibility and gut microbiota. E. hirta at 0.75% significantly improved carbohydrate digestibility (86.6%), while several plant treatments significantly affected ash and cellulose digestibility (P < 0.05). All three phytogenic additives markedly reduced total bacterial counts in the caecum compared to both controls (P < 0.001), with E. hirta at 1.5% showing the strongest effect. The plant additives generally outperformed oxytetracycline in modulating gut microbiota. These findings indicate that Thymus vulgaris, Euphorbia hirta, and Allium sativum can serve as effective natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, particularly for improving nutrient utilization and controlling pathogenic gut bacteria in Kabir chickens. They offer a promising, locally available option for sustainable poultry production in Cameroon.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185410dc.title: Advancing sustainable livestock: ILRI corporate report 2026 dc.contributor.author: International Livestock Research Institute Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854102026-01-01T00:00:00ZInternational Livestock Research Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/185409dc.title: In vitro evaluation of forages and feedstuffs from Kenya's semi-intensive zero-grazing dairy system dc.contributor.author: Cabezas-Garcia, Edward; Yang Li; Korir, D.; Gakige, Jesse Kagai; Muetzel, S.; Pinares-Patino, Cesar S.; Lind, Vibeke; Niu, M.; Arndt, Claudia dcterms.abstract: This study evaluated 9 alternative forages at a realistic 12% of dietary DM within semi-intensive zero-grazing Kenyan dairy cow on in vitro gas production and rumen fermentation parameters. Incubation substrates contained a common basal feed mixture plus either Lolium multiflorum (control treatment) or Medicago sativa, Vicia sativa, Desmodium intortum, Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala, Sesbania sesban, Tradescantia zebrina, Cichorium intybus, or Ipomoea batatas. Methane production was analyzed with mixed models and its marginal relationships with tannins fractions and nutritional composition with generalized additive models. Results showed that Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala decreased methane production by 10% to 13% without impairing total gas, digestibility, major VFA profiles, or estimated metabolizable energy. Desmodium uncinatum and Tradescantia zebrina slightly shifted fermentation toward higher propionate, branched-chain VFA, and ammonia, as well as lower pH, whereas Vicia sativa reduced total VFA concentration. Condensed tannins and starch were negatively, and organic matter digestibility positively, associated with methane production. The inclusion level of Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala legumes tested here demonstrates promising potential for practical incorporation into semi-intensive zero-grazing dairy cattle diets to mitigate enteric methane in Kenyan dairy systems. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854092026-09-15T00:00:00ZCabezas-Garcia, EdwardYang LiKorir, D.Gakige, Jesse KagaiMuetzel, S.Pinares-Patino, Cesar S.Lind, VibekeNiu, M.Arndt, ClaudiaThis study evaluated 9 alternative forages at a realistic 12% of dietary DM within semi-intensive zero-grazing Kenyan dairy cow on in vitro gas production and rumen fermentation parameters. Incubation substrates contained a common basal feed mixture plus either Lolium multiflorum (control treatment) or Medicago sativa, Vicia sativa, Desmodium intortum, Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala, Sesbania sesban, Tradescantia zebrina, Cichorium intybus, or Ipomoea batatas. Methane production was analyzed with mixed models and its marginal relationships with tannins fractions and nutritional composition with generalized additive models. Results showed that Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala decreased methane production by 10% to 13% without impairing total gas, digestibility, major VFA profiles, or estimated metabolizable energy. Desmodium uncinatum and Tradescantia zebrina slightly shifted fermentation toward higher propionate, branched-chain VFA, and ammonia, as well as lower pH, whereas Vicia sativa reduced total VFA concentration. Condensed tannins and starch were negatively, and organic matter digestibility positively, associated with methane production. The inclusion level of Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala legumes tested here demonstrates promising potential for practical incorporation into semi-intensive zero-grazing dairy cattle diets to mitigate enteric methane in Kenyan dairy systems.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185408dc.title: Genome-wide association study identifies candidate genes for agronomic traits under heat- and combined recurrent drought-and heat-stress in wheat dc.contributor.author: Kebede, B.A.; Mohammed, W.; Keneni, G.; Jones, Christopher S.; Kumar, A.; Al-Sham'aa, K.; Tadesse, W. dcterms.abstract: Combined heat and drought stress, mainly during sensitive growth stages, considerably limits wheat yields. Herein, we report on an experiment conducted to analyze and predict the phenology, architecture, and kernel yield component (PAKyC) traits of a diverse bread wheat population grown under heat stress and fully irrigated conditions (HSFIC), and combined recurrent drought and heat stress (CRDHS). 17,711 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to perform a GWAS for 13 PAKyC traits on 187 genotypes, a subset of 234 genotypes, using the BLINK model. Nine constitutive SNPs, 24 marker-trait associations (MTAs), broad-effect pleiotropic SNPs, conditional pleiotropic SNPs, adaptive pleiotropic SNPs under CRDHS, and two robust SNPs were identified. Furthermore, 35 candidate genes were associated with cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions under CRDHS and HSFIC. Among these genes, 12 were highly expressed (> 0.5 TPM) in response to drought, heat, and combined stresses. Nine genes were identified to be transcription factors regulating drought and heat responses, while the functions of the other three genes remain unclear. Overall, HSFIC and CRDHS environments enabled the dissection of heritable and strongly correlated traits, MTAs, and pleiotropy types: constitutive, adaptive, and conditional. They also helped identify robust SNPs and candidate genes that are important for bread wheat breeding. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854082026-08-19T00:00:00ZKebede, B.A.Mohammed, W.Keneni, G.Jones, Christopher S.Kumar, A.Al-Sham'aa, K.Tadesse, W.Combined heat and drought stress, mainly during sensitive growth stages, considerably limits wheat yields. Herein, we report on an experiment conducted to analyze and predict the phenology, architecture, and kernel yield component (PAKyC) traits of a diverse bread wheat population grown under heat stress and fully irrigated conditions (HSFIC), and combined recurrent drought and heat stress (CRDHS). 17,711 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to perform a GWAS for 13 PAKyC traits on 187 genotypes, a subset of 234 genotypes, using the BLINK model. Nine constitutive SNPs, 24 marker-trait associations (MTAs), broad-effect pleiotropic SNPs, conditional pleiotropic SNPs, adaptive pleiotropic SNPs under CRDHS, and two robust SNPs were identified. Furthermore, 35 candidate genes were associated with cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions under CRDHS and HSFIC. Among these genes, 12 were highly expressed (> 0.5 TPM) in response to drought, heat, and combined stresses. Nine genes were identified to be transcription factors regulating drought and heat responses, while the functions of the other three genes remain unclear. Overall, HSFIC and CRDHS environments enabled the dissection of heritable and strongly correlated traits, MTAs, and pleiotropy types: constitutive, adaptive, and conditional. They also helped identify robust SNPs and candidate genes that are important for bread wheat breeding.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/185406dc.title: Prevalence of and risk factors for leptospirosis exposure in cattle in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, 2022 dc.contributor.author: Van Dung Nguyen; Dang Xuan Sinh; Thanh Le Dinh Ha; Steele, S.; Firestone, S.; Stevenson, M. dcterms.abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 to estimate the true prevalence of Leptospira spp. exposed cattle herds in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam and to identify characteristics associated with herd level Leptospira spp. exposure. Herd managers completed a questionnaire about herd management and whole blood samples were collected from their cattle and tested for Leptospira spp. serovars using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify characteristics associated with seropositive herd status. Sixty of 99 dairy herds and 28 of 61 beef herds had at least one animal with Leptospira spp. antibodies detected using the MAT. For the total of 160 herds, the estimated true prevalence was 27 (95% CI 5–47) Leptospira spp. exposure positive herds per 100 herds at risk. The odds of being Leptospira spp. exposure positive for dairy herds with a median cow age of greater than 3 years was 3.8 (95% CrI 1.7–15) times that of dairy herds with a median cow age of less than or equal to 3 years. Given the high herd-level prevalence of Leptospira spp. exposure we conclude that leptospirosis is a risk not only to animal health and productivity, but also to herd managers and those who work with their stock in this area of Viet Nam. Action to minimise water pooling in the farm environment and to implement rodent control and cattle leptospirosis vaccination programs are strongly recommended as key measures to reduce infection pressure, pre… Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1854062026-10-01T00:00:00ZVan Dung NguyenDang Xuan SinhThanh Le Dinh HaSteele, S.Firestone, S.Stevenson, M.A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 to estimate the true prevalence of Leptospira spp. exposed cattle herds in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam and to identify characteristics associated with herd level Leptospira spp. exposure. Herd managers completed a questionnaire about herd management and whole blood samples were collected from their cattle and tested for Leptospira spp. serovars using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify characteristics associated with seropositive herd status. Sixty of 99 dairy herds and 28 of 61 beef herds had at least one animal with Leptospira spp. antibodies detected using the MAT. For the total of 160 herds, the estimated true prevalence was 27 (95% CI 5–47) Leptospira spp. exposure positive herds per 100 herds at risk. The odds of being Leptospira spp. exposure positive for dairy herds with a median cow age of greater than 3 years was 3.8 (95% CrI 1.7–15) times that of dairy herds with a median cow age of less than or equal to 3 years. Given the high herd-level prevalence of Leptospira spp. exposure we conclude that leptospirosis is a risk not only to animal health and productivity, but also to herd managers and those who work with their stock in this area of Viet Nam. Action to minimise water pooling in the farm environment and to implement rodent control and cattle leptospirosis vaccination programs are strongly recommended as key measures to reduce infection pressure, pre…