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Effects of Red Worm (Perionyx excavatus) Supplementation on Growth, Reproduction, and Economic Performance of Dong Tao Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Raised in Phu Cat, Binh Dinh, Viet Nam.

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14 tháng 01 năm 2026

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) fluid on growth, reproduction, and economic efficiency of Dong Tao chickens raised in Phu Cat, Binh Dinh. The experiment involved 125 one-day-old chicks, randomly assigned to five groups (1 control – CTL and 4 experimental – EXP) receiving different levels of earthworm fluid supplementation (3 ml or 5 ml per 100 g of feed) across two phases (5–9 and 10–22 weeks of age). After 22 weeks, all experimental groups supplemented with earthworm fluid showed significant improvements in measured parameters. The EXP4 group (supplemented with 5 ml in both phases) achieved the best outcomes: highest final body weight (3,147.7 g/bird), highest survival rate (88%), earliest sexual maturity (154 days), highest egg production in the first 8 weeks (15.5 eggs/hen), and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (4.45). Profit from the experimental groups was 2.8 to 3.5 times higher than that of the control group. The study concludes that supplementing diets with earthworm fluid, particularly the 5 ml/100 g feed regimen across both phases (EXP4), provides comprehensive benefits and contributes to the sustainable development of the Dong Tao chicken breed locally.

Keywords: Earthworm fluid; Dong Tao chicken; Growth; Reproduction; Economic efficiency; Phu Cat

1. INTRODUCTION

Dong Tao chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a rare indigenous breed of Vietnam, valued for its high economic potential due to its flavorful meat and distinctive physical characteristics. However, the breed has limitations, including slow growth, low reproductive performance, and the risk of genetic degradation. In the context of sustainable poultry farming, exploring natural, nutrient-rich feed alternatives to partially replace industrial feed is essential to reduce costs, improve animal health, and enhance product quality.

Earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) is recognized as a high-quality protein source, rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of earthworm supplementation in poultry diets, enhancing growth and egg production. In Binh Dinh, commercial poultry farming is developing rapidly, yet studies on the application of earthworm fluid for rare indigenous breeds such as Dong Tao chicken under local ecological conditions remain limited.

Based on this context, the present study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of earthworm fluid supplementation at different levels on growth, reproduction, disease resistance, and economic efficiency of Dong Tao chickens raised in Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province.

Table 1. Survival rates of Dong Tao chickens at different age stages

The results showed that survival rates in all groups supplemented with earthworm fluid were higher than in the control group. The EXP4 group achieved the highest survival rate (88%), while the control group (CTL) reached only 80%. This difference was mainly observed after 16 weeks of age.

Regarding health status, the experimental groups exhibited significantly lower incidences of digestive and respiratory diseases compared to the control. This improvement may be attributed to antimicrobial peptides and immune-enhancing compounds present in the earthworm fluid, which helped strengthen the birds’ resistance.

3.2. Growth performance

Table 2. Body weight (g) of Dong Tao chickens at different ages

Body weight gradually increased with age in all groups. From week 6 onward, all experimental groups consistently exhibited higher body weights than the control group. By 22 weeks of age, the average body weight of the EXP4 group reached 3,147.7 g, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control group (2,594.0 g).

The average absolute daily gain (ADG) over the 4–22 week period in the experimental groups ranged from 19.85 to 21.61 g/day, exceeding that of the control group (17.66 g/day). The relative growth rate (RGR) was highest during the early phase and gradually declined over time.

Regarding body measurements, at 22 weeks, all parameters (body length, shank length, chest girth, shank length, and shank diameter) in the experimental groups were higher than those in the control group. Notably, shank diameter—a characteristic feature of Dong Tao chickens—in the EXP4 group (28.42 mm) was significantly larger (p < 0.05) than that of the control group (26.68 mm).

3.3. Reproductive Performance

The reproductive performance results are presented in detail in Table 3. Overall, all groups supplemented with earthworm fluid showed advantages in terms of age at sexual maturity and egg production compared to the control group. Among them, the EXP4 group (supplemented with 5 ml/100 g CMF in both phases) exhibited the most outstanding results.

Table 3. Age at sexual maturity and egg production of Dong Tao chickens

3.3. Reproductive Performance

Specifically, hens in the EXP4 group reached sexual maturity earliest, with the age at first egg and 5% egg production both at 154 days, 18 days earlier than the control group (CTL, 172 days). The age at 50% egg production for EXP4 was 166 days, 17 days earlier than CTL (183 days). These results indicate that supplementation with a high and consistent dose of earthworm fluid (EXP4) significantly shortened the sexual maturity period of the flock.

Regarding egg production, EXP4 achieved the highest performance, with 15.50 eggs per hen during the first 8 weeks of laying, which was 2.44 eggs/hen higher than the control and exceeded the other experimental groups. This further confirms the positive effect of earthworm fluid supplementation, particularly in the EXP4 regimen, on the reproductive performance of Dong Tao chickens by providing a balanced and rich nutrient source that optimizes ovarian development and egg quality.

3.4. Feed Efficiency and Economic Performance

The overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 4–22 weeks in the experimental groups (4.45–4.60) was better than that of the control group (5.47). The EXP4 group exhibited the lowest FCR (4.45), indicating that earthworm fluid supplementation improved feed utilization efficiency.

Regarding economic efficiency, although additional costs were incurred for purchasing earthworm fluid, the higher final body weight and better survival rates in the experimental groups led to substantially higher total revenue compared to the control. Profit from the experimental groups was 2.8–3.5 times higher than the control, with EXP4 achieving the highest profit.

4. CONCLUSION

The results confirm that supplementing diets with earthworm fluid has a positive and comprehensive effect on the productivity and economic efficiency of Dong Tao chicken farming in Phu Cat, Binh Dinh. Specifically, earthworm fluid not only improved survival rates and overall flock health but also promoted vigorous growth, as reflected in body weight and body measurements (particularly shank diameter) exceeding those of the control group.

Reproductive performance was also significantly enhanced through reduced age at sexual maturity and increased egg production. These advantages led to optimized feed utilization and 2.8–3.5 times higher economic returns in the experimental groups. Among the tested regimens, supplementing 5 ml of earthworm fluid per 100 g of complete feed during both phases (5–9 weeks and 10–22 weeks; EXP4) yielded the best results and is recommended for practical application to sustainably develop the valuable Dong Tao chicken breed locally.

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