Combining nursery closed-system and pond grow-out common carp (Cyprinus carpio) production is a profitable business in Hungary

Abstract

Extensive, large-scale long-term pond fish production has several challenges and high economic risks, such as continuous bird predation. Moreover, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) production costs are relatively high using this production strategy. To reduce risks and improve production safety and efficiency, European common carp farmers are challenged to shorten the classic 3-year production cycle. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the main farm parameters, production efficiency, cost and revenue of a production strategy based on combining hatchery/nursery closed-system, a second phase of the nursery in ponds and a final phase of pond grow-out of common carp. A deterministic economic model was used. Combined production has a lower fish loss by bird predation, a shorter production cycle, a better feed conversion ratio than conventional pond fish production, and a similar yield at a cost of approximately 2.02 USD/kg. This value are higher than those assumed in the conventional extensive 3-year common carp, completely pond-based production strategy. However, the current assets turnover ratio is much lower in the latter case. The yearly average net revenue can increase by implementing a more intensive combined production strategy. The combined strategy can improve security and predictability of production while reducing the pond area used for grow-out of extensive common carp farm.