Reducing Environment Pollution in Poultry Farming in Vietnam

Reducing environment pollution in poultry farming through the use of probiotic bedding in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam

Poultry farming generates wastes and toxins that, if untreated, are potentially polluting for the environment and hazardous to health. Smallholder farms keep small flock sizes but have less experience and investments in treating bedding and wastewater before these enter the soil (as organic fertilizer) or water systems. Waste could also be a source of Salmonella bacteria. However, these hazards could be reduced with the simple use of probiotic bedding or the treatment of bedding and poultry housing with healthy bacteria to crowd out the pathogenic bacteria.

Led by Ms. Hoang Thi Thanh Huong of the Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), this project aimed to raise awareness of farmers and local authorities of Thai Nguyen Province regarding the benefit of using probiotic bedding in poultry farming, reduce environmental pollution, and protect farmers’ health, as well as to improve awareness of and provide practical experience at waste management for the university’s students.

The project conducted a survey of 190 farmers and local officials on awareness and practice of probiotic bedding use, and selected four small-scale farms to test different probiotic treatment, as well as to be demonstration model farms. Sixty farmers were trained in the benefits of probiotic bedding and how to do the probiotic treatment; the farmers were also brought to the four model farms to compare the experience with and benefits from probiotic bedding with their own farming experience. The project team also organized dissemination workshops in Phu Luong district (Thai Nguyen province).

Twenty students from the TUAF actively participated in the project activities including study visits to observe poultry farming of the rural households in Thai Nguyen Province, providing support during the model farm setting up and data collection, and conducting a workshop at the end of the project when they shared their knowledge with other students.

The project allowed closer cooperation between farmers, local authorities and the TUAF for further support and cooperation on the improvement of local poultry farm. Thanks to the funds and support provided by this SEAOHUN Small Grants Program, farmers are now better equipped with environment- and health-friendly methods using probiotic bedding. The team is now expecting to develop the method in other areas of Vietnam and develop other research proposals based on the lessons learned from this project.

SEAOHUN 2020 Small Grants

Project team leader: Hoang Thi Thanh Huong (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry)

Team members: Dr. Ha Minh Tuan (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry)

Duong Hong Viet (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry)

Dr. Tran Hai Dang (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry)

Dr. Bui Ngoc Son (Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry)

- Personal protective equipment, distancing, and group size standards in this photo were consistent with local public health guidance and COVID-19 status in the specific country and time it was taken. This may not reflect best practices for all locations where COVID-19 is still spreading. -