High Feed Costs Research Articles

UNDERSTANDING THE DETERMINANT OF INCOME FROM CATFISH PRODUCTION IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Fish production is significant to Nigeria’s aggregate economy. In Imo State in particular, it contributes to employment, income generation and bridging protein demand-supply gap. Despite all these, empirical studies that logically explain the determinant of income from catfish production are still relatively scanty. These creates a vacuum in research and knowledge there by making it extremely difficult if not impossible for the government and other relevant stakeholders to know the method they can use in helping farmers realize huge income from catfish production as well as prospective farmers to venture into catfish farming. It was against this backdrop that the study was systematically undertaken. Data were elicited from 90 catfish farmers’ selected using multistage and purposive sampling procedure across Imo State, Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tool, gross income and multiple regression analysis. Result show that the mean age was 45.00 years. Greater proportions (71.11%) were male. Majority (78.88%) were married with an average household size of 7 persons. The mean educational level and farming experience were 12 and 15.00 years respectively. Reasonable proportions (68.89%) have no access to credit. Average annual farm income was ?650,000.00 ($1,570.64). Majority (45.56%) used concrete pond while approximately 47.78% of the farmers sourced their fingerling from commercials fish hatchery. Net farm income and return per capita invested were ?3,050,714.69 ($7,371.65) and N15.41k respectively. The profitability index was N15.30, which implies that for every naira earned as revenue from the catfish farming, about 15.30kobo returned to farmer as net farm income. Estimated regression results shows that pond size (X1); cost of fish feed (X2); cost of labour (X3); stocking rate (X6); Educational Level (X9); Farm Income (X10) and Catfish Experience (X11) were the major determinant of income in catfish production. Findings provided evidence that catfish production is efficient and lucrative in the area. However, approximately 97.78% and 94.44% of the farmers complained of inadequate production capital and high cost of feed. It was therefore recommended that farmers particularly on their own should judiciously pool productive resources together through strengthened cooperative society group as this would enhance bulk purchase/buying of catfish production input in the area. Moreover, effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on granting catfish farmers improved access to farm credit as these would enable them increase their production frontier and realize huge profit overtime in the area.

Fish welfare in Ukraine

Fish welfare is a very important aquaculture criterion that is affected by various factors. In Ukraine, fish welfare is unregulated, except for certain aspects of fish keeping, fishing rules and sanitation requirements. In general, legislation is too general and concise. Therefore, we carried out a study on several critical aspects of fish welfare in Ukraine: 1) fish farming management, 2) environmental factors and parameters of the aquatic environment in fish farming, 3) staff, 4) feeding, 5) fish behaviour and stocking density, 6) fish health, 7) impact of stressors on fish reproduction, and 8) antimicrobial resistance. The analysis shows problems in specialized fish farms, such as non-compliance with rearing technology, lack of quality feed and high feed cost. Analysis of the epizootic situation regarding fish diseases during the last 10 years shows that invasive and infectious diseases are recorded in almost all fishpond farms. Nosological profile pathogens were bacteria of genera Aeromonas (40%), Pseudomonas (28%), and Edwardsiella, Proteus, Yersinia, Flavobacterium, and Micrococcus (all five accounting for 32%). Analysis of the state of welfare indicates the need to develop an evaluation system of fish welfare and its implementation in Ukraine. We consider that it is necessary to develop an algorithm for implementing the best practices of fish welfare based on assessment and research, improvement of legal framework, and implementation of effective programmes for the control of aquatic animal welfare.

Effects of Fat Source and Level on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Carcass Iodine Value and Economics of Finishing Pigs in a Commercial Environment

A total of 2,011 pigs (PIC 1050 × DNA 600; initially 62.4 ± 4.6 lb) were used in a 113-d finishing trial to evaluate the effects of two different fat sources fed at two different levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics, carcass iodine value, and economics of finishing pigs raised in a commercial environment. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 21 to 27 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial with main effects of fat source and fat inclusion level. Dietary treatments included a control diet containing no added fat. The other 4 dietary treatments included two different fat sources, choice white grease or corn oil, included at either 1 or 3% of the diet. Experimental diets were fed based on a feed budget from d 0 to 113 in 6 phases. For overall growth performance, pigs fed increasing dietary fat from 0 to 3% had increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG and decreased (linear, P = 0.013) ADFI, which led to an improvement (linear, P < 0.001) in F/G. There was no difference in growth performance between pigs fed choice white grease or corn oil. For carcass characteristics, increasing fat increased (linear, P ≤ 0.017) HCW, carcass yield, and backfat. For carcass fat iodine value, there was a fat source × level interaction (P < 0.001) where iodine value increased linearly as corn oil increased in the diet with only a small increase in iodine value when diets with choice white grease were fed. For economics, increasing fat, regardless of fat source, increased feed cost (linear, P < 0.001) and revenue (linear, P = 0.003). Increasing fat reduced (linear, P < 0.001) IOFC in the high feed cost, low revenue scenario, and tended to increase (P = 0.060) IOFC in the low feed cost, high revenue scenario. In conclusion, increasing fat from 0 to 3% of the diet, regardless of fat source, increased overall ADG, reduced ADFI, and improved F/G. Increasing fat also increased HCW, carcass yield, and backfat, while pigs fed diets containing corn oil had higher carcass fat iodine values. When feed costs are high and revenue is low, the improvement in growth performance does not justify the extra diet cost from increasing added fat from 0 to 3% in the diet. However, adding fat in the diet is

ASSESSING THE EFFICIENCY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN

High cost of poultry feed and limited fishmeal are currently the major challenges in poultry production. To reduce cost while maximizing production, there is the need to use cheap but high nutritional feed sources like Moringa oleifera. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera on the growth performance of broiler chicken by measuring their live weight, rate of mortality, feed conversion ratio and benefit cost (b/c) ratio. Field experiment was carried out at the Animal Science Department farm, located in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. A total of 30-day old chicks were raised for eight weeks under the required conditions, with all vaccines administered appropriately. The experiment was laid in a Complete Randomized Design with five treatments namely T1= 100% conventional feed only (as control), T2= 50% MoLM (Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal) + 50% conventional, T3= 75% MoLM + 25% conventional, T4= 25% MoLM + 75% conventional, T5= 80% MoLM and each treatment replicated six times. The result showed no significant differences between the various treatment for the feed conversion ratio and live weight at different growth periods. The benefit/cost ratio of T1 was more than one while the other treatments were less than one. T4 (25% MoLM) had a b/c ratio close to one. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf meal at different levels can be used to supplement the fishmeal component in the poultry diet of broiler chicken to produce similar results as that of the conventional feed. The study recommends that farmers can adopt Moringa oleifera based poultry feed for their bird production when they cannot afford the conventional feed (fish meal-based feed) to cut down cost economically while increasing productivity.

Evaluation of turkey production, consumption pattern and its major constraints in Maiduguri, Borno State

Turkey's production is an important and highly profitable business in the agricultural industry with a rising global demand for its products. However, in Nigeria, turkey production remained at the smallholder level, receiving little attention compared to other birds such as chicken. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the level of turkey production, management practices, breeding characteristics, consumption pattern and associated challenges in Maiduguri and its environs. A total of two hundred (200) turkey farmers were randomly selected, interviewed and served with structured questionnaires within the study areas. It was observed that high cost of feed negatively affects farmers in venturing into turkey production. However, diseases particularly turkey pox was also a major challenge militating against turkey production amongst the interested individuals. The result further indicates that a semi-intensive management system was the predominant method of management adopted by small-scale turkey keepers in the study areas. Most of the respondents within the study areas have little or no knowledge of artificial insemination techniques in turkey breeding, but they are interested in assisted reproductive technology. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Few farmers in the study area consumed turkey meat, while the majority sold the bird and others consumed the eggs. In conclusion, turkey farming is relatively a new poultry enterprise in the study area. Those involved in turkey farming were mostly young to middle-aged people that require technical and financial support, encouragement and special training on contemporary turkey farming and artificial insemination. Problems of disease management and prevention together with lack of capital and high cost of feed were observed to be the major factors limiting turkey production in the study area.

Growth Performance and Carcass Analysis of African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) Juveniles Fed Varying Inclusion Levels Of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria Ternatea) Seed Meal

High cost of qualitative fish feed is one of problems hampering the development and profitability of fish farming and consequently leads to food insecurity in terms of food availability and accessibility. The study was conducted to determine growth parameters and carcass composition of Clarias gariepinus juveniles of mean weight 21.74g+0.54g fed with varying levels of dietary inclusion of Clitoria ternatea seed meal substituted for soybean meal over a period of eight weeks. Four iso-nitrogenous experimental diets were formulated at 0% (control), 25%, 50% and 100% inclusion levels of C. ternatea seed meal. The 8-week feeding experiment was conducted in rectangular plastic tanks, each treatment having three replicates with two feeding regime at 5% body weight and weighed every week. At the end of the intensive feeding period, samples from each treatment were oven dried for nutritive analysis of the fish carcass. The values of mean weight gain for diets I and III were 27.7+1.11 and 27.23+0.94 respectively. Comparatively, the growth parameters values; FI(g), SGR(%), FCR(g), PER(%) and NPU(%) for control diet and diet III were the best with no significant difference (p&gt;0.05). The Carcass evaluation revealed that Diet I had the highest crude protein which was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) from diet III. It was established that fish fed 50% inclusion level of C. ternatea seed meal had effective comparable biological values with the control diet in terms of growth performance and feed utilization. The total fish production (kg) showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between diets I and III.

Socio-economic determinants of net-income in fish farming in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria onomic determinants of net-income in fish farming in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria

The study analyzed the socio-economic determinants of net-income in aquaculture of Kainji, Lake Basin, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the; fish farming systems; cost and returns, socio-economic determinants of net-farm income and challenges of fish farming in the area. The study adopted a two-stage sampling procedure to select 120 table-size fish farmers. Data were collected with questionnaires that were administered through face-to-face interview and analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 35.00 % of the fish farmers were within the age bracket of 31-40 years, 53.34 % were men, 91.67 % were married, 55.83 % had between 1-5 years of experience in fish farming and 75.83 % had tertiary educational qualification. Majority (92 %) of the fish farmers practiced the monoculture of catfish using earthen ponds system. The estimated total expenses were &lt;strike&gt;N&lt;/strike&gt; 14,953,330.74 while the total revenue generated from 9 fish ponds, each stocked with an average of 3883.986 fingerlings in 2 cycles per year was &lt;strike&gt;N&lt;/strike&gt; 20,188,142.00. The estimated net-farm income after tax was &lt;strike&gt;N&lt;/strike&gt; 5,234,811.26 while the net profit margin and return on investment was 25.93 % and 35% respectively. Age, experience and household size were positive and significant (p&lt;0.05) socio-economic factors that affected net-farm income while the challenges of fish farming were high cost of feed ( ̅x=3.24), poor pricing ( ̅x =3.11), poor access to capital ( ̅x=3.09) and persistent poaching/theft ( ̅x= 2.67). Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that there should be an intensive research by the fish nutrition division of National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) on the possible alternatives of crude protein source that could be a perfect substitute to Clupeids in fish feeds.&#x0D; Keywords: aquaculture, catfish, socio-economic, profitability, farmers

Application of Dry Probiotic Rabal to Increase Growth Performance of Catfish (Clarias sp.)

Catfish have become an important contributor to fish production in Indonesia. Catfish consumption in Indonesia always increases every year. To meet the demand for catfish consumption, it was carried out with an intensive aquaculture system. However, the high cost of feed has been identified as a significant constraint in catfish farming. Efforts to increase catfish growth are needed to reduce feed costs, one of the efforts is by probiotic supplementation through the feed. This study was carried out to determine the best dose of probiotic rabal dried addition to increasing catfish growth. The experiment used four treatments and three replications. Probiotic rabal dried doses: 0% of feed (A)/feed (control), 5% of feed (B), 10% of feed (C), and (D) 15% of were used as treatment. The feed was given ad-satiation with a frequency of feeding three times a day. Observations were made for 45 days. The results indicated that the B treatment of 5% of feed gave the best absolute weight growth and feed conversion ratio. While catfish fish survival rate was not significantly different on all treatments.

EFFECT OF UNCONVENTIONAL DIETS ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF CLARIAS BATRACHUS (LINN.)

Enriched nutrient supply in aquaculture enables better growth and survival of fishes (Dutta Munshi et al., 1990). The nutrients could be supplied through natural form (Adigun, 2005), or supplementary diet for successful aquaculture. Organic manures are traditionally applied in fish ponds to release inorganic nutrients, which stimulate the growth of plankton, yet leads to depletion of dissolved oxygen, high oxygen demand and high ammonia levels, resulting in stress in cultured fish (Tiwary, 2009). Introduction of live zooplankton has been investigated as a practicable alternative to pond fertilization while avoiding water quality deterioration (Jha et al., 2007). The plankton in the food can reduce the cost associated with artificial diet. Survival and increased availability of fries and fingerlings were better supported in combination with plankton, than the result with artificial diet alone in the hatchery (Ovie, 1996). High cost of fish feed has been a major problem to fish farmers in India. There is need to identify, explore and utilize cheaper natural feeds, which are easily available. The present study was aimed to utilise natural feed with artificial ingredients for the growth and survival of Clarias batrachus.

An Economic Analysis of Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu

Shrimp has become a popular seafood delicacy across the world. Shrimp is one of the widely traded seafood items and shrimp farming has created huge employment opportunities and gives foreign exchange to developing Nations. Shrimp exports have grown substantially with the introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei in India. The study analyses the economics of shrimp production and the constraints faced by the shrimp farmers in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The economic analysis indicated that shrimp farmers have realized average gross returns of Rs.24,48,000 per hectare and average net return of Rs.8,71,038.58 per hectare. Disease problem and high feed cost were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the shrimp production.The results would help the policy makers in formulating suitable programs and devising strategies for increasing production of shrimp in Tamil Nadu.

Comparative study on the hygienic, production and economic indices of Japanese quails reared on floor and cage systems.

The study was done on 120 newly hatched brown Japanese quail obtained from local Egyptian hatcheries, randomly divided into two groups. The 1st group was reared on cage system (CS), and 2nd group was reared on floor system (FS) (60 chicks per group/ 3 replicates, 20 chick/replicate), to investigate the effect of housing on the hygiene, performance, survivability, and economic efficiency of quails. The results showed that the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) of cloacal swabs had non-significant differences between CS, and FS. The higher TAB, E. coli, and total fungal count (TFC) were recorded in FS in feed, water, litter, and floor swabs samples, CS was more hygienic rearing system for quails. Moreover, the higher TAB, E. coli, and lactobacillus were recorded in intestinal samples collected from quails on FS (Log10 CFU/g 5.34, 4.47, and 3.96, respectively). There were no significant difference in immunoglobulin G, interleukin 2 & 6, Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase, and catalase activity between both rearing systems. Regarding performance parameters, the higher body weight, and feed consumption were achieved in Japanese quails reared on FS. Moreover, the rearing system had no significant influence on the performance, and carcass traits. From the economic point of view, FS had higher feed cost, total variable cost, total cost, and cost of each kg body weight gain from feed than those reared on CS. While, the net profit, gross margin, benefit cost ratio, return on investment, and net profit for each kg body weight gain were non-significantly higher in CS than FS.

Deployment of combined technologies to smallholder farmers in Kenya: TAAT Clearinghouse technical report series 002

Deployment of combined technologies to smallholder farmers in Kenya: TAAT Clearinghouse technical report series 002

GREEN MUSSEL (Perna viridis) AND SILKWORM (Tubifex sp.) FEEDING TRIAL AS AN ALTERNATIVE FEED FOR CRAYFISH SEEDS (Cherax quadricarinatus)

The high cost of shrimp or lobster feed is also a problem in the sustainability of aquaculture, even though freshwater crayfish, including eaters, require proper and relatively cheap feed selection. One source of feed that can be used as an alternative is green clams and silk worms. This study aims to determine which feed is better and more affordable for freshwater lobster seeds, so that the sustainability of cultivation can be well maintained in terms of economy, quality and quantity. The method used was descriptive comparing between the two feeds given a dose of each treatment, namely 10% of the lobster seed biomass, then analyzed using a 95% confidence level t-test.&#x0D; The results showed a significant effect (P &lt;0.05), on the absolute length growth and absolute weight of freshwater lobster seeds. The absolute length of the seeds given green shellfish feed is 0.94 ± 0.38 cm and silkworm feed is 0.66 ± 0.27 cm, for the absolute weight of green shellfish feed is 5.11 ± 0.38 gr and silk worm feed 2.68 ± 0.18 gr. The best results from the two feeding treatments for freshwater lobster seeds were using green shellfish feed with an absolute weight value of 5.11 ± 0.38 gr and the absolute length is 0.94 ± 0.38 cm. So that green shellfish feed can be used as a better alternative feed for the cultivation of freshwater lobster seed enlargement.

Constraint analysis of dairy sector in North Eastern Region: A producers and consumers perspective

The paper made an attempt to examine the constraints faced by the dairy farmers and consumers of milk and milk products in the North East region (NER). Assam and Meghalaya were selected purposively as these states were the leading states in cattle population. Primary data were collected randomly from 284 respondents of which 110 were dairy farmers and 174 were consumers.Garret’s ranking technique was adopted to analyze the constraints faced by the stakeholders. The major constraints faced by the dairy farmers were the high cost of cattle feed and fodder, inadequate availability of green fodder, lack of organized set up for milk procurement and sale. For the consumers, the major constraints were adulteration, lack of desired quality and lack of quality control. Thus, efforts should be made from the government to take proper steps in regulating the prices for the feed and concentrates. Additionally, efforts to set up quality control centre at the block/cluster level so that they can monitor the quality regularly which will further enhance the quality of milk and milk products in order to create a win-win situation for both the stakeholders.

Growth performance, feed cost and environmental impact of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides fed low fish meal diets

This study evaluated the effect of replacing dietary fish meal with poultry by-product meal (PBM), cottonseed-protein concentrate (CPC) and their blend on growth, feed utilization, body composition, waste outputs and carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus atomic stoichiometry in wastes of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. A diet containing 40 % fish meal served as reference (RF), and 60 % and 80 % of the fish meal was replaced by PBM (P60 and P80) and CPC (C60, C80) alone or in combination (CP60 and CP80). Moreover, a cost-effective diet (CPS80) was formulated by replacing 80 % of the fish meal with a blend of PBM, CPC and soybean meal. Largemouth bass weighing 24.0 ± 0.3 g were fed the test diets for eight weeks. Weight gain, retention efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus were lower, while wastes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were higher, in fish fed diet RF than in fish fed diets P60, P80, C60, C80, CP60, CP80 and CPS80, and no significant differences were found in condition factor and hepatosomatic index between fish fed diet RF and the low fish meal diets. At the same fish meal replacement level, weight gain was slightly high in fish fed diets P60, P80, CP60 and CP80, relative to fish fed diets C60 and C80. Fish fed diets CP80 and CPS80 exhibited high weight gain and minimum feed cost, fish meal reliance and waste outputs. Carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus atomic stoichiometry in wastes was (50–86):(10–17):1, and C : P and N : P in wastes of fish fed diet CPS80 were high relative to that of fish fed diet RF and diets C60, C80, P60, P80, CP60 and CP80. This study indicates that dietary fish meal level for largemouth bass could be reduced to 80 g/kg by using PBM and CPC in combination as a fish meal substitute, and feeding diet CP80 and CPS80 can significantly reduce feed cost and fish meal reliance without increasing negative effect on growth and environment.

The Importance of Dairy Farming for Landless Households in Punjab

The study was undertaken to find the importance of dairy farming for landless households in rural Punjab. The primary data were collected from the 126 landless households from the two selected districts of Punjab, i.e., Ludhiana and Bathinda, for the year 2017- 18. The study concluded that the majority of the population belonged to the working-age group and more than one-fourth of the population was illiterate. About 59 percent were milch animals out of the total animal, and buffaloes proved to be the most important livestock among the milch animals. The net returns based on per litre of milk production were found to be ? 1.34 for buffalo and ? 0.93 for cow milk production, respectively. In the case of buffalo's and cow's milk production, the variable cost was the major component. Dairying, on average, employed 208 man-days per annum and contributed about 14 percent share in the total income of these households. Inadequate sheds for animals, non-availability of land for fodder cultivation, high cost of feed and fodder, exploitation by a middleman, lack of knowledge about scientific feeding practices were the major constraints for all the sampled households. Dairying could be an important source for providing employment opportunities and supplementing the income of the landless households if the government assured them of the utilization of the village's common land, adequate financial assistance, extension services, and basic infrastructure facilities.

Growth performance of bonylip barb Osteochilus vittatus (Valenciennes, 1842) fed on combination of Lemna (Lemna perpussila Torr) and commercial diet

Bonylip barb (Osteochilus vittatus Valenciennes, 1842) is a native fish of Indonesia's inland waters which has become a cultivated fish commodity. However, production tends to decrease due to high feed costs. The alternative feed types need to be found to anticipate the problem. Lemna perpusilla Torr is one of macrophytes plant which potentially used as an alternative feed due to high protein content. This study aims to evaluate the growth performance of fish fed with a combination of Lemna and commercial feed. As much of each 14 fishes were rearing in a 45x45x40 cm3 aquarium and fed for 84 days or 12 weeks. There are 5 combinations of feed, i.e feed A (100% commercial feed), B (75% commercial feed + 25% Lemna), C (50% commercial feed + 50% Lemna), D (25% commercial feed + 75% Lemna), and E (100% Lemna). The fishes were fed by commercial feed as much as 3% of the total fish, while administering Lemna at 30% of body weight. Growth performances were measured i.e standard and total length, absolute growth, specific growth rate and survival rate. The results showed that fish was able to growth using combination of commercial feed and Lemna. Data analysis was conducted descriptively that showed that fish fed by feed C (50% commercial feed + 50% Lemna) produced the highest length and weight, absolute growth and specific growth rate compared to other treatments. The highest survival rate was at fish fed by feed E (100% Lemna). The use of Lemna as an alternative feed is expected to reduce dependence on commercial feed.

Foreword

In the current food crisis with high feed costs, especially related to protein sources and soya in particular, this is destablising any profitability in the pig industry. At this stage we must reduce the cost of production to survive. Feed is the major cost of production and in this supplement, we look at areas where veterinarians can play a major role on our client's farm by helping to reduce feed wastage. The supplement explores traditional health issues with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and the enormous role of vaccination in controlling this long-term scourge. With vaccination in mind, we also explore the most important vaccine in pig production — the PCV2 vaccine. There is a new circovirus around, PCV3, and the paper looks at its possible involvement in the cost of production and its impacts on pig reproduction.

An assessment of broiler value chain in Nigeria

Abstract Livestock sub-sector of agriculture plays a vital role in the development of emerging economies in terms of provision of high quality protein and employment generation through its value chain activities. Yet, little is known about value chain development in this important sub-sector of the Nigeria economy. Hence, this study assessed Broiler Value Chain (BVC) in Nigeria. Primary data were collected from various actors along the value chain between November 2017 and March, 2018. Nigeria BVC is relatively simple with only five main actors. Grandparent Stock (GPS) farmers supply breeder Day Old Chicks (DOCs) to Parent Stock (PS) farmers. PS farmers supply commercial DOCs to commercial broiler farmers. Commercial farmers sell mature broilers to mature live broiler marketers (63%) and processors (37%). Processors sell processed meat to household consumers (12%) and 88% to fast food outlets, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets with no export who in turn sell to individual and household consumers. High cost of feed, lack of credit facilities, and weak infrastructure were the major constraints facing production, marketing, and processing of broilers, respectively. Policies aiming at the development of BVC should focus on low/no export of broiler meat and high import of materials as well as other constraints.

Functionality of Aquacultural Techniques in Delta State, Nigeria: Adoption Approaches

Appropriate adoption techniques in aquaculture contribute to food security. The study appraised the functionality of aquacultural techniques in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria using adoption approaches. The objectives were to ascertain the level of adoption management techniques, examine the pond types of adoption, assess fish farmers’ technological needs and identify constraints affecting adoption. A quota sampling technique was used to select respondents to acquire a sample size of 82 who were administered with questionnaire to elicit information. Data obtained were analyzed statistically. Results revealed that respondents were male (83%) with mean age of 44 years, mean household size 5 persons, married (65%) and had mean farming experience of 7 years. Majority (92%) had annual extension visit. Majority (78%) adopted earthen pond management techniques with high adoption score = 5.4. Again, majority (88%) adopted earthen pond over plastic (79%), concrete (71%) and wooden pond (59%). Majority (90.2%) indicated that integrated techniques were their prioritized need and respondents (80.5%) pointed out that high feed cost was their most serious constraint (mean = 3.06). It was concluded that there was a high adoption rate of aquacultural techniques in the study area. It is recommended that extension visits should be monthly and training on integrated techniques, feed formulation among others is needed.