Mr. Thai Thanh Lap’s biosecure Egyptian chicken farming model in Vinh Thuan Dong Commune, Can Tho City, is becoming a bright spot in the local movement toward sustainable livestock development. With a methodical, environmentally friendly approach, this model not only brings stable income but also helps promote the trend of biosecure livestock farming among household producers.
EGYPTIAN CHICKENS – “SUPER EGG-LAYERS” WELL ADAPTED TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
In August 2022, with support from specialized agencies providing 200 Egyptian chicks, Mr. Lap began experimenting with raising them. At first, he was concerned about the new breed’s ability to adapt to the local climate as well as the care and disease-prevention methods required.
However, thanks to the thorough guidance of technical staff and his eagerness to learn, Mr. Lap proactively researched through newspapers, television, and the Internet, then applied what he learned flexibly in practice. As a result, the flock developed well, laid eggs consistently, and achieved a yield of 170–180 eggs per day, about 30% higher than traditional free-range chickens.
“Egyptian chicken eggs have richer yolks and are highly nutritious, so consumers really like them. Thanks to that, I feel completely confident sticking with this breed,” Mr. Lap shared.
METHODICAL INVESTMENT, EXPANDING PRODUCTION SCALE
Seeing the potential of the breed, in August 2023 Mr. Lap invested in an egg incubator to become self-sufficient in chick production. Initially, the small incubator costing VND 700,000 could hatch only 100 eggs, but the hatch rate reached 90%, exceeding expectations. Building on that success, he expanded to 7 incubators, and later received an additional large-capacity incubator that can hatch up to 1,500 eggs at a time.
He currently raises 180 hens, obtaining an average of 120–130 eggs per day and supplying 1,200–1,300 chicks each month. With selling prices ranging from VND 15,000–20,000 per chick, he earns VND 18–20 million per month, equivalent to more than VND 200 million per year, while costs account for only about 30% of revenue—a dream figure for small-scale livestock households.
“Compared with the former Ben Tre chicken breed, Egyptian chickens deliver far better economic efficiency. Many hens are now over 3 years old and still laying regularly, true to their reputation as ‘super egg-layers,’” Mr. Lap said.
BIOSECURITY – THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS
The secret behind the sustainable development of Mr. Lap’s model is the strict application of biosecure livestock farming procedures. He uses biological bedding to keep the coop dry and airy, reduce odors, and reuse waste as organic fertilizer for crops—forming a closed-loop, environmentally friendly cycle.
The flock is fully vaccinated and supplemented with vitamins and minerals to boost resistance, helping the chickens grow evenly and keeping losses low. When selling chicks, Mr. Lap also provides customers with guidance on care and disease prevention, building reputation and trust and helping his customer base grow steadily, not only in the Mekong Delta but also in central and northern provinces.
In the coming time, he plans to increase the flock to 500 birds, including 300 laying hens, to meet the market’s growing demand.
A SUSTAINABLE PATH FOR FARMERS
Mr. Thai Thanh Lap’s story is proof that to get rich from agriculture, farmers need to dare to change, boldly apply science and technology, and pay close attention to biosecurity. This approach has helped him increase his income while also contributing to environmental protection and the sustainable development of livestock farming in the locality.
Cam Linh
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/
