Brian Jeffrey
In the rolling hills of Bac Ninh Province, amidst organized and contemporary farming systems, the native white-breasted waterhen, known locally as sam cam, has experienced a revival. This resurgence signifies not only an environmental win but also opens up new agricultural avenues for the community.
Leading the way in this innovative breeding initiative is Pham Van Hung, a farmer hailing from Nghia Phuong Commune.
His venture with this species started unexpectedly. Local residents stumbled upon a mother sam cam nesting and brought her eggs home for incubation out of curiosity. With his background in animal husbandry, Hung recognized the economic promise and began procuring eggs and chicks for further experimentation. He dedicated time to studying their biology, dietary needs, and overall care, ultimately crafting a business model for this previously wild bird.
“Chickens and ducks are something I’m accustomed to, but sam cam is classified as a wild species. This requires specialized knowledge, appropriate permits, and a rigorous breeding procedure,” Hung stated.
Today, his expansive 17,000-square-meter farm nurtures close to 10,000 breeding birds. Annually, he raises approximately 40,000 chicks, primarily supplying high-end restaurants and hotels throughout Vietnam.
Breeding sam cam not only contributes to ecological sustainability but also yields impressive financial returns. Each egg is priced between USD 4 and USD 8. A fully grown bird can command nearly USD 40, and prices can surge during shortages. A pair of purebred breeding birds can exceed USD 80 in value.
Hung anticipates that his farm generates upwards of USD 40,000 each year—a remarkable achievement for a small-scale agricultural operation.
“With just a pair of workers, our farm operates efficiently—tasks like feeding, cleaning, and collecting eggs are manageable. The workload is consistent, and the earnings are reliable,” Hung shared.
Sam cam, a species among waterfowl, thrives well in controlled breeding settings. Hung observes that they are straightforward to raise, infrequently encounter health issues, and require minimal care. Chicks exhibit a high survival rate and can begin to feed themselves shortly after birth. Their diet is a combination of chicken and duck feed, along with greens like water hyacinths and bean sprouts.
With a short growth period of approximately three months, this allows for quick capital recovery, mitigating risks and facilitating business expansion.
However, breeding sam cam entails more than just expertise and market access; it also involves adherence to regulations. As a wildlife species, breeders must obtain necessary documentation, such as proof of origin, farm registration, regular health checks, and validation from forestry officials.
Hung’s farm stands out as one of the few that has fully met these requirements from its inception. Consequently, his products are well-received in the local market and hold potential for export opportunities.
“We meticulously adhere to vaccination schedules, quarantine measures, and maintain complete operational transparency. Following proper protocols from the outset enables me to grow with confidence, avoiding any legal complications,” Hung remarked.
In addition to his personal achievements, Hung actively motivates other villagers to partake in the sam cam breeding process. He openly shares knowledge on breeding techniques, stock sources, and marketing strategies to foster a collaborative farming environment, ensuring both quality standards and steady supply.
