Optimization through cost minimization is a key strategy aquaculture feed producers adopt to ensure a continuous supply of fish in the global market. In light of this consideration, the study analyzed the economics of locally produced aquaculture feeds by complementing fishmeal with plant-based sources of ingredients. Specifically, the study estimated the cost and returns, socio-economic determinants of net income, and challenges of local feed production. Using a survey design, a case study approach was used to collect data from 36 aquaculture feed producers/millers. The data were presented using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, and two-stage least squares regression analysis. Key findings established that the majority (78.12%) of aquaculture local feed producers were men, and 43.75% had tertiary educational qualifications with a good number of years of experience. The profitability indicators show that aquaculture local feed production is profitable with 3.24% net returns on investment. The result further indicates that the incorporation of plantbased sources of ingredients reduced the utilization of Fishmeal (Clupeids) by 50%. Also, the regression analysis shows that the years of experience and initial capital investment were statistically significant (p < 0.05) determinants of net income while the major challenges in aquaculture local feed production were lack of perfect substitute for Fishmeal ( =2.94), government regulations on the harvest of Clupeids used for Fishmeal ( =2.91), poor access to capital ( =2.88) and high cost of machine spare parts ( =2.88). Based on the findings, it is recommended that fish nutritionists should intensify research on the production of fish feeds with a sole plant source of ingredients.
The study examined economics of smoke Catfish in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used to select 80 farmed-catfish processors from 20 communities. Primary data were collected through interview schedule and presented using percentages, mean, and 2-stage least square regression analysis. Results showed that the use of local oven (banda kilns) constitute the majority (at least 67%) of the method used in fish smoking. Roles such as gutting, folding, salting/brining, setting of fire and fish monitoring were mostly performed by the women, while the men and youths supply fire woods as well as fish arrangement on racks. The average gender ratio between the men, women and youths was 0.80, indicating a near gender equality in terms of value of fixed assets, revenue, employees and wage. Profitability indicators showed that smoke fish processing is a viable business with return on investment of 11.71 % for the men, 9.99 % for the women and 8.48 % for the youths respectively. The major determinants of netincome were age, experience and initial capital investment. Hence, it is recommended that the processing industry should be strengthened through subsidy on improved smoking kilns to enable processors produce high quality processed farmed catfish.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.