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Calcium worms emerging as a ‘superfood’ for chickens, bringing both economic benefits and organic waste solutions toward sustainable agriculture.
Calcium worms, the larvae of black soldier fly, possess a unique ability to ‘turn waste into gold’. Agricultural by-products such as soybean residue, spoiled vegetables, leftover rice, and even livestock manure are converted into a rich source of protein and fat. This makes them an ideal feed for poultry, helping farmers significantly cut down on the cost of feed.
Vo Quoc Tra from Dien Tho commune in Dien Khanh district in Khanh Hoa province is one of the pioneers in raising calcium worms to feed his chickens. Since 2022, he has applied the staggered (continuous) rearing method to ensure a steady supply of fresh worms for his flock.
Vo Quoc Tra’s calcium worm farming model in Phuoc Luong Hamlet, Dien Tho commune, Khanh Hoa province (Photo: Nong nghiep Moi truong).
“Previously, feeding 100 chickens cost me a lot in industrial feed. Now, with organic waste from the garden, kitchen leftovers, and even pig manure, I can raise worms. Costs have dropped by nearly half, while profits from selling chickens have doubled,” Mr Tra revealed.
Starting with just 2 grams of worm eggs costing USD 2.4, after 15-20 days Mr Tra was able to harvest 7-8 kg of mature worms. Thanks to this, his chickens grew faster, stayed healthier, and were less prone to disease. The raising period shortened to 4-5 months instead of 6-7 months.
Notably, chickens fed with calcium worms produced firmer, tastier meat and larger, and more consistent eggs. Their selling price was also higher than industrially raised chickens, ranging from USD 4.8-5.2 per kg, comparable to free-range chickens.
Dual benefits
Beyond boosting income, calcium worm farming also provides an effective solution for agricultural and household waste. Worm frass (residue) serves as high-quality organic fertilizer for crops.
According to Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Din Tho Farmers’ Association, more than 300 households are now raising calcium worms.
The model is being widely promoted thanks to its sustainability: increasing farmers’ profits while contributing to a greener, cleaner agricultural system.
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