Herbal-fed Chicken, Chicken Manure 'Feeds' Herbs

H’Mong chicken in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam, is fetching nearly 200,000 VND/kg thanks to a unique feeding practice. The Thien Phuc Agricultural and Medicinal Herbs Cooperative supplements the chickens' diet with herbal byproducts, primarily from Bo Chinh ginseng. This results in healthier, more robust chickens that are in high demand, especially during holidays and Tet. This specialized diet not only improves the chicken's health and taste but also allows the cooperative to sell them at a premium price. Furthermore, the cooperative utilizes chicken manure as a key component in their sustainable agriculture practices. The manure is composted with microorganisms, creating organic fertilizer for their medicinal herb garden, improving soil quality, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This closed-loop system benefits both the chickens and the herbs, contributing to the overall success of the cooperative.