August 10, 2007

Pig farmer in Vietnam discovers new breeding technology

Swine breeder Ngo Thai Duc has developed innovative machines to increase productivity in pig farms.

With the help of Dr. Nguyen Hoai Chau of the Institute of Environmental Technology who has developed machines that create javelle water (sodium hypochlorite) for the cleaning of pig cages and also an ingestable water-based slop for pig feeding, Duc has implemented an advanced system for maintaining and increasing agricultural output.

Duc is using a scientific farm design to improve efficiency standards and maintain sanitary conditions. The technology keeps the summer months cool and cold months warm using ventilation systems as well as managing waste water with a sewage treatment system that directs it into biogas pits.

Duc maintains over 500 pigs and sells 100 every month at VND20,000 (US$1.25) per kilogramme; grossing about VND40 million (US$2,500) per month.

Two machines have been developed by Chau for the prevention of diseases among livestock populations; the cleaning of machinery, air and materials; and an efficient feed production method. One is cheaper and is used solely for cleaning cages. The other is more expensive and is capable of providing all the above mentioned services.

Priced at VND5 million (US$300) and VND10 million (US$600) the machines use about VND8,000 (US$.50) per day of electricity.

The technology has also reduced disease threats and food resources facing many Southeast Asian farmers and Duc he hopes the model can be applied across the entire country.