Cost Characteristics of the African Catfish Culture in Recirculating Production Facilities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Recirculating fish production technology re-­‐uses water more than once by passing it through treatment processes thereby utilizing less water and space required by conventional ponds to produce similar yields of fish. Economic performance of the African catfish in three recirculating fish production facilities in Ibadan metropolis was investigated. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires, physical inspection of facilities, fish sampling and laboratory analysis of water quality parameters were also carried out using standard methods. Facilities sustained African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) loading capacity of 98.1kg/m³ and 176.6kg/m³ of juvenile and adult fish with feeding rates of 2.14kg/m3/day and 1.29kg/m³/day respectively. Stocking densities are 20,000-­‐31,000fish/m³; 6000-­‐9000fish/m³ and 150 – 300fish/m³. SR varies from 75-­‐80% for fingerlings, 75-­‐93% for juveniles and 77-­‐88% for adult fish. Food Conversion Ratio also ranged from 0.60–0.78 for fingerlings, 1.01-­‐ 2.08 for juveniles and 1.15-­‐1.68 for grow out system. In all cases, variable cost accounts for more than 75% of total cost. Within fixed costs input, interest payment on initial investment ranks the highest. While feed cost accounts for the highest among variable costs for fingerlings and growout systems. With 50%, 45% and 40% crude protein feeds, production cost per fish was N5.40, N18.49 and N209.0($0.03,$0.11 and $1.31) for fingerling, juvenile and adult fish of average weight 4.2g, 11.2g and 981.0g reared for 28, 30 and 154 days respectively.