In the semi-mountainous region of Bac Ninh Province, amid neat and modern livestock facilities, the once-wild bird called the white-breasted waterhen - or sam cam in Vietnamese - has found new life. This revival is not just ecological but also a promising new direction for local agriculture.

The pioneer of this breeding model is Pham Van Hung, a farmer from Nghia Phuong Commune.

His journey with the species began by chance. Locals discovered a nesting sam cam mother laying eggs near a pond, and out of curiosity, brought them home to incubate. With a background in livestock farming, Hung saw economic potential and began buying eggs and chicks to experiment with. Over time, he studied their biology, diet, and care needs, eventually developing a structured business model for the formerly wild species.

“Raising chickens and ducks is familiar, but sam cam is listed as a wildlife species. You need deep knowledge, clear permits, and a strict breeding process,” Hung explained.

His 17,000-square-meter farm is now home to nearly 10,000 breeding birds. Around 40,000 chicks are bred each year and supplied mainly to high-end restaurants and hotels across Vietnam.

Raising sam cam offers not only ecological benefits but also exceptional economic returns. Each egg sells for between USD 4 and USD 8. A mature bird can fetch close to USD 40, sometimes more during shortages. A pair of healthy, purebred breeding birds can be worth over USD 80.

Hung estimates his farm generates over USD 40,000 in profit annually - an impressive figure for a household-scale agricultural business.

“With just two workers, the farm runs smoothly - feeding, cleaning, and egg collection are all manageable. The work is steady and the income is solid,” Hung shared.

Sam cam belongs to the waterfowl group and adapts well to artificial breeding environments. According to Hung, the species is easy to raise, rarely falls ill, and doesn’t require complicated care. Chicks have a high survival rate and can feed themselves shortly after hatching. Their diet includes chicken and duck feed mixed with greens such as water hyacinth and bean sprouts.

Their short growth cycle - just about three months - allows for fast capital turnover, reducing risk and making it easier to scale the business.

Still, raising sam cam requires more than technique and market access; it demands legal compliance. As a wildlife species, breeders must secure proper documentation, including proof of origin, farm registration, regular inspections, and confirmation from forestry authorities.

Hung’s farm is one of the few to fully comply with these requirements from the beginning. As a result, his products are well received domestically and have the potential for export.

“We strictly follow vaccination schedules, quarantine protocols, and maintain full transparency in operations. Doing everything right from the start lets me grow confidently without legal risks,” Hung noted.

Beyond personal success, Hung actively encourages fellow villagers to join the sam cam breeding chain. He freely shares breeding stock, techniques, and market strategies to help establish a concentrated farming area, ensuring both quality and stable distribution.

Bao Khanh