1. Swiftlet Farming in Malaysia: Current Practices, Issues and Challenges
Presented by:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Suzuri Hitam
School of Informatics and Applied Mathematics
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Tel:
Hp:
Fax:

2. Swiftlet (Aerodramus Fuciphagus) producing Edible Bird Nest (EBN)
Cave Nest

3. Swiftlet (Aerodramus Fuciphagus) producing Edible Bird Nest (EBN)
House Nest

4. Why Edible Bird Nest (EBN)?
“The Caviar of the East” – EBN market value is very high. International trade estimated
200 tan per annum, worth USD1.6 billion (Runckel, 2010)

5. Where Can We Find Aerodramus Fuciphagus?

6. Satelite Map of Food Source for Aerodramus Fuciphagus?

7. Swiftlet Farming Industry in Malaysia?
Research on Swftlets’ Breeding and Behaviour in the state of Terengganu between
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,
Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources.
Daya Desa Agro Sdn. Bhd.
and
Hainan Dazhou Swiftlet Ecological Agriculture Development Co. Ltd.
Swiftlet Eco Park Group of Companies

8. How to be a Successful Switlet Farmer?
Swiftlet’s Millionaire
We Need To Know Everything about Swiftlets’ Behaviour and Breeding

9. Successful Swiftlet Farmer: Blend of Complex Variables
3. Operational and Management of Swiftlet House
2. Macro & Microhabitat of Swiftlet House
KNOWLEDGE
1. Swiftlet Population

10. Swiftlet Central Breeding Area The Swiftlet Food Source Area
Building Swiftlet Farm
Swiftlet Central Breeding Area
The Swiftlet Food Source Area
Swiftlet
Travelling Route
Morning
Morning
Evening
Evening
Subjected to the number
of swiftlets passed by
Many Predators
High Competition

11. Swiftlet Central Breeding Area The Swiftlet Food Source Area
Surveying Swiftlet Population: Swiftlet Stress Sound
Swiftlet Central Breeding Area
The Swiftlet Food Source Area
Swiftlet
Travelling Route
Morning
Morning
Evening
Evening
Estimating the Swiftlet by counting
or using swiftlet stress sound
Survey not required
Use of stress sound

12. Surveying Swiftlet Travelling Path

13. How to Estimate The Potential Area of Swiftlet Travelling Route
Random count sampling in the morning of certain days where swiftlet will pass by the survey location - they directly fly to food source area, without turning back.

14. Travelling Path Swiftlet Population Estimation: Random Counting in the Morning

15. Why Do Not Use Swiftlet Stress Sound for Surveying in the Swiftlet Travelling Path?
The total number of swiftlet passing through is consistent over a period of time
Simple counting process and the process of estimating the number of swiftlet to be lured is more effective
Time taken for survey is normally about 1 hour
This process of surveying is not accurate, however it is a good estimation of how many swiftlets could be lured into staying at a new swiftlet farm

16. Factors for Affecting Swiftlet Staying and Breeding in a New Swiftlet House
Internal Temperature [27-30 Celcius]
Internal and External Calling Sound
Relative Humidity [80-90%]
Aroma
House Layout and Design
Nesting Plank Condition
Internal Illumination
Feel Safe and Comfortable for Breeding

17. External and Internal Factor in Buiding Swiftlet House
The source of heat,
Illumination,
Air circulation and
Ventilation.
Sun set
Sun rise

18. Swiftlet House Design – Entrance Type
Open Roof
Monkey House
Side Entrance

19. Swiftlet House Design – Internal Layout
Design of Inter Flour Hole Swiftlet Flying Path
Partitioning

20. Illumination Control Inside Swiftlet House
Internal Partitioning for swiftlet flying path

21. Swiftlet Attracting Sound
External calling sound
Guide Sound
Internal sound– colony and baby sound
Good crystal clear amd attractive sound is required
to attract swiftlet to come and stay in the new swiftlet farm.
Need good quality tweeters with reliable sound amplifier.
Internal sound need to be running 24 x 7 x 365 days.
External and guide sound only during the day time.

22. Layout of Tweeters at Nesting Room

23. Monitoring Temperature and Humidity in Swiftlet House
Data Logger

24. Operational and Management of Swiftlet Farm
Continuous Monitoring of Swiftlet Farm
Temperature
Humidity
Sound system
Illumination
Air quality

25. Pest and Enemy Control Owls Thief Bats Rats Cockroaches Ants
Home Lizards and Geckos
Mites

26. Why Should You Invest in Swiftlet Farming Industry?
1. Major one time investment - building the swftlet house.
2. No cost for swiftlet food.
3. Little cost for utility bills (electricity and water) and pest control.
4. Minimum maintenance with periodic monitoring

27. What are the Investment Risk in Swiftlet Farming Industry?
Overtime, swiftlets are migrating towards finding good food source and safe comfortable environment for living.
Competition is high among swiftlet farmers/operators

28. Thank You.