Includes bibliographical references.

Foreword : Discovering new roads to development : lowland agricultural technologies is the second of a book series that provides a vivid picture of the quality of research developed by future agriculture and rural development leaders in the Southeast Asian region. This particular volume comes at a time when emerging issues such as climate change and food scarcity have become serious global concerns. The book consists of five studies that focus on agricultural crops and livestock without sacrificing environmental sustainability. SEARCA scholars from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste and Myanmar are the seniors authors of these five papers. The first chapter comparative effects of Mannan Oligosaccharide (MOS) and Doxycycline on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of Swine (Sus domesticus Erxleben) shows that instead of antibiotics, selected growth promoters may be used to keep animal products safe for human consumption without sacrificing production efficiency. The second chapter economic assessment of mangosteen farmers' adoption of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in Rayong Province, Thailand shows the importance of using the GAP system to improve overall farm profitability. Several policy implications may also be drawn to improve the implementation of the program in the country. The third chapter effects of water- saving irrigation practices on soil chemical properties and rice yield in Gia Lam District, Hanoi Province, focuses on one of the most important food crops in the world-- rice. Amid the backdrop of increasing demand for food and the increasing scarcity of water, the study identifies water- saving regimes that can be implemented in rice fields to achieve favorable nutrient availability, productivity, and crop yield. The fourth chapter heritability and correlation estimates of semen characteristics and reproductive traits in various genetic groups of Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) presents information on Pekin, Khaki Campbell, and Philippine mallard ducks. These findings may serve as guide in developing a breeding program for Mallard ducks. The fifth and final chapters use of trunk injection technique to promote flowering of Carabao mango (Mangifera indica L.) explores a more efficient and sustainable technique to improve mango production of the Philippine mango, this research provides valuable information for mango growers in the country. Through this publication, SEARCA contributes to the growing wealth of information on agriculture and natural resource management in Southeast Asia through its core programs on graduate scholarship, research and development, and knowledge management. The center has been instrumental in empowering more than 1,400 Southeast Asian nationals with the knowledge and skills that can help improve and transform agriculture and related sectors in the region. Many of these individuals now hold key positions in their respective countries and in the region - a resourcing proof that they have imbibed SEARCA's ethos and culture of excellence.