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Acknowledgements

The research for this thesis was  carried out at the University of Tropical Agriculture (UTA) in Cambodia.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to:

My supervisor Dr T R Preston,  director of the University of Tropical Agriculture (UTA), and MSc Lylian Rodríguez for their interest in my studies, guidance, encouragement and much good advice.

Dr Julio Ly, Senior Scientist, Visiting Researcher from the Swine Research Institute, La Habana, Cuba, for advising me on the practical aspects of my research and for training me in laboratory analysis. 

Associate Professor Dr Brian Ogle, Director of the MEKARN MSc course in Sustainable Livestock Production Systems in the Tropics.

All the teachers that gave the theoretical lectures and supervised the practical work in the MSc course.

MSc Khieu Borin for his encouragement and advice.

The Mong Reththy company, especially Dr Hilston (general manager) and his assistant (Mr Ith Nop, Estate manager and Mr Bun Roth, Senior assistant manager) for their help in providing documents related to the Oil Palm plantation of the Company,  and world statistics on oil palm.

All the staff members of UTA and also all my classmates whom in one way or another  contributed to this study,  for their help, suggestions and comments.

Last, but not least, a special thanks to my parents, brothers and sister for their support and encouragement.