This case study describes the piloting and subsequent commercialization of an integrated pig and fish operation in Zambia. The initial scheme began in October 1981 using indigenous Zambian species including Oreochromis andersonii, Oreochromis macrochir and Tilapia rendalli. Different fertilization techniques were trialled, including organic (chicken manure) and inorganic (compound) fertilisers, and different integration systems were tested; ducks over fish and pigs over fish. Over the 29 years the project has been running, the variety of methods originally trialled have been refined to the extremely productive system in place today. Oreochromis niloticus is the dominant fish species produced, and members of the Clarias genus used as the main predator. The hatchery has been intensified (and now incorporates mono-sexing), aeration systems have been implemented in grow-out ponds and a green-water floating fish pellet has been developed. Yields have increased from an initial average of 2.5 to 3 tons/ha to present yields of over 11 tons/ha. The initial five hectare project has grown to over 45 ha of water producing over 600 tons of fish a year, and a stable herd of 200 sows producing in excess of 4100 slaughter stock per annum.
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