A Study on Suitable Habitat for Swiftlet Farming

Abstract

Swiftlet farming is a new industry in Sarawak as compared to other long-standing industries such as rubber, palm oil and timber. It is one of the businesses that involved a small capital investment that could generate enormous returns in the future. Swiftlet farming involves the conversion of human-centric building into structures for Swiftlet. The purpose of this conversion is to let Swiftlet for nesting and protect them. The design and construction of such building will also helps to accommodate Swiftlets' population. The nest of the Edible-nest Swiftlet rank amongst the world's most expensive animal products. Therefore, in order to increase the productivity of bird nest, study of the suitable habitat for Swiftlet should be done thoroughly. Environmental factors such as air temperature, surface temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and light intensity are the key factors for a successful Swiftlet farm house. Internal air temperature of building should be maintained from 26°C to 35°C, relative humidity from 80% to 90%, low air velocity and light intensity less than 5 LUX. Proper ventilation and installation of a humidifier could help the building to achieve the desirable range of environment factors. Location of structure will also be considered from direct sunlight direction to reduce the internal temperature. Only licensed Swiftlet farming is legal.