High Feed Costs Research Articles

The Supply and Quality of Feeds used by Small-to-Medium Scale Broiler Farmers in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the supply and quality of feeds to small-to-medium (SM)-scale broiler farmers in the Morogoro, Pwani, and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. A total of 108 SM-scale farmers from the three regions were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that broiler chicken farming is dominated by women (>58.3%) in that age-bracket 40 to 59 years. Most were involved in other income generating activities, including mixed farming and formal employment. The most common challenges to SM-scale broiler production were listed as the high feed costs, diseases and marketing the birds. The average flock size per batch was largest in Dar es Salaam (551.1±70.4) and smallest in Pwani (430.5±3.2), with the number of batches per producer per annum ranging between 6.6±3.2 (Morogoro) and 9.8±6.5 (Dar es Salaam). Feeds were mainly bought from retail shops. The most commonly used feed ingredients by farmers were soybean, maize bran, rice, cotton, fish, di-calcium phosphate (DCP), and premixes and were mainly brought from retail shops. Approximately half of the respondents were satisfied with feed quality, a few (<5.7%) were very satisfied with the remainder either dissatisfied or undecided. Birds were sold as live or dressed carcasses, with major outlets reported to be farm gates, restaurants, and supermarkets. Most farmers sold their chickens between 5±0.6 and 6±0.8 weeks of age, weighed between 1.4±0.3 and 1.6±0.3 kg. The profit margin per bird was about TZS 1,089.9±493 in Morogoro, TZS 780±267 in Pwani and TZS 849.7±358 (US$ 1=TZS 2,298.20) in Dar es Salaam. The study findings reveal that poor broiler performance of broiler chickens in the SM-scale sector is mainly attributable to feed costs, price fluctuations and feed quality, among others.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Fish is an important dietary element and a major source of animal protein in human diet for many Nigerians. The demand for fish has been on the increase because of geometrical increase in human population, this has resulted to a significant gap created between fish demand and supply. It is obvious given the importance of fish production that efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurs to go into the business. However, many have shown doubts on the productivity and profitability of fish production, particularly on a smallholder level. This study therefore, examines the profitability of catfish production in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 catfish producers. The tools of analysis employed were descriptive statistics, gross margin and net farm income. The study revealed that Majority of the producers (69%) are male. Furthermore, 85percent of the fish producers have attained post primary education. The gross margin (GM) was ₦657,420, while the enterprise profit which is the net farm income was estimated at ₦598,128 and 0.33 return to capital for the farmers. Some of the challenges confronting the respondents in their business includes high cost of feed, lack of government support and lack of training. Thus, there is a need for provision of training for higher level of productivity, subsidizing of inputs such as feed by the government and participation in cooperative societies by the fish farmers for financial and inputs assistance by relevant Non-Governmental Organizations.

Indigenous Technical Knowledge and Its Potential Application to Uganda's Pig Sub‐Sector

ABSTRACTUganda's pork consumption is speculated to exceed any other livestock meat consumption by 2050. However, the current trend in pig production may not meet the demand due to pig production constraints such as recurrent disease incidences and high feeding costs. The proposed modern practices are not cost‐effective, especially for resource‐constrained pig farmers. This review, therefore, synthesises previous studies on the practicability of integrating Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in pig production to mitigate the prevailing pig production challenges in Uganda. By employing ITK, smallholder farmers have realised that indigenous pig breeds are disease‐resistant and suit the prevailing harsh tropical conditions. In addition, affordable plant‐based concoctions have been developed to cure diseases in pigs. For example, Centella asiatica has been identified as a potential purgative for diarrhoeal infections. Integrating pigs in cropping systems has also been adopted as a low‐cost alternative to effectively feed pigs for optimal performance. Fortunately, most of the ITK options for solving pig production challenges are feasible in Uganda. Thus, ITK should be embedded in the country's extension system to increase smallholder farmers' awareness about its potential of improving pig production. An ITK‐modern technology integration would probably meet the acceptance and be suitable for commercial pig producers.

Contributing Factors to Quail Farming Failures in Brebes and Potential Mitigation Strategies

This study aims to identify the determinant factors leading to failure and to explore potential solutions for small-scale quail farmers in Brebes Regency. The research employs a quantitative approach, distributing questionnaires directly to 59 quail farmers in the Brebes region, including both active and inactive participants in quail farming. The questionnaire instrument is designed comprehensively to identify various factors contributing to failure in quail farming enterprises. The survey indicates that quail farmers face several major challenges, including high feed costs, low egg prices, and high quail mortality due to disease. All farmers also experience difficulties in marketing, limited capital, and threats from natural disasters. Lack of knowledge and poor farm management are additional issues, while competition with large-scale farmers makes it difficult for small-scale farmers to survive. Value-added products are considered highly profitable by all respondents. quail farmers in Brebes express a significant need for and strong support of government subsidies for feed costs, marketing assistance, training programs provided by veterinary departments, and the reinforcement of farmer organizations. Additionally, they concur that the adoption of advanced technologies, the enhancement of consumer awareness, the development of value-added products, and the expansion into new markets will contribute to greater efficiency and profitability within their operations.

Effect of Solid-state Fermentation on Proximate Composition of Rice Bran Meal

Fish farming is often faced with high feed cost comprising approximately 60 to75% of total production costs; these causes decrease in profit margin for the fish farmers. An attempt to upsurge the profit is to minimize the cost of feed as minimal as possible. One way to do this is to explore local feed ingredients that could be used as an alternatives for fish feed. Consequently, farmers use locally available fish feed ingredients including agricultural by-products. These feed ingredients have led to increased pond productivity due to their nutrients constituent and bio-availability. This study evaluate the effect of solid state fermentation on proximate compositions of fermented rice bran meal. Rice bran was collected in three different containers, ground into powder, then sieved and fermented using solid state fermentation procedure. Each sample was solidly fermented at 10% moisture and keep in fermenter at ambient temperature for 24 hours (1 day), 96 hours (4 days), and 168 hours (7 days). Afterward, the fermented samples were oven dried for one hour at 100oC. The fermented samples were taken to the laboratory for proximate analysis. The results obtained from the study shows that, fermenting rice bran for seven days (168hrs) increases the crude protein from 10.53±1.27 to 15.07±1.43 and reduction in crude fibre from 10.74±062 to 7.87±1.71. This study revealed that, solid state fermentation of rice bran meal for one to seven days improved the crude protein and reduces crude fibre and the fermented bran meal can be incorporated as an essential part of the fish feed.

Optimizing feed restriction strategies for profitable Oreochromis niloticus culture in floating cages in riverine ecosystems

High feed cost is a major obstacle for promoting the growth of nutrient-rich fish species like Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage aquaculture. To address this issue, cage farming of O. niloticus was studied for a 75-day period in the Gurukchi River of Bangladesh. Three different feeding strategies (FS) were tested in floating cages: FS5- weekly restriction on feed supply for two days, FS6- weekly restriction on feed supply for one day, and FS7- no weekly restriction on feed supply, with three replications for each treatment. Water quality parameters were monitored weekly and found within suitable levels for fish cultivation. The analysis of length–weight relationship and the condition factor of O. niloticus showed positive allometric growth regardless of the diverse feeding tactics employed that consistently exhibit stability across all treatments. Both FS6 and FS7 had significantly higher (p < 0.05) final individual length, final individual weight, net yield, total yield, and specific growth rate than FS5. FS6 yielded significantly higher fish production with significantly lower feed conversion ratio than FS7. Economic analysis revealed the highest benefit–cost ratio and net revenue in FS6, recommending its use to minimize the need for supplemental feed and reduce production costs in tilapia cage culture.

Effect of different energy and protein levels on growth performances and carcass yields of Sonali chicken

This study evaluated how varied energy and protein levels affect the growth and carcass traits of Sonali chickens. A 63-day experiment was conducted on 400-day-old Sonali chicks that were raised straight. The chicks were split into four groups of 100 birds apiece, which were then further separated into four subgroups of 25 birds each. The treatment groups were: T1 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower); T2 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower); T3 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower) and T4 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower) group. Sonali chicks were fed on starter diets from day old to 5 weeks of age and grower diets from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Results revealed that body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower at 9th weeks of age. In addition, FCR and total body weight gain showed significantly (P&lt;0.05) better in the high nutrition group compared to other treated groups. Dressing percentage was numerically and abdominal fat was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower compared to other groups. However, there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in skin, head, leg, liver, heart, gizzard, breast meat, drumstick meat, wing meat and thigh bone weight in relation to body weight among different dietary groups. Furthermore, despite the higher feed costs, the high nutrition group had higher selling price and profit margins per bird than the low nutrition diet. So, taken together, it can be concluded that a diet with high energy and high protein increases body weight and body weight gain and gives better FCR. Moreover, higher nutrition diet improves dressing yield, abdominal fat percentage and profit margins than the low nutrition diet. It is suggested that provision of energy (2950 kcal/kg ME for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME for grower) and protein (21% CP for starter and 20% CP for grower) in the diet could be a potential energy and protein level for better performances of Sonali chicken. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53(3): 101-110, 2024

Exploring economic viability: A study on profitability and resource efficiency in Polycarp production within the fish super zone of Dhanusha district, Nepal

Dhanusha district of Nepal is recognized as a fish hub of the country still operative fish farming in a semi-commercial level. This study evaluated and analyzed the profitability and resources utilization efficiency in the Polycarp production within the fish super zone of Dhanusha district. Along with it, the study covers socio-demographic characteristic of respondent, determine the factor affecting fish production, rank such challenges based on farmer’s experience, and evaluate returns to scale fish production of this site. 64 farmers were randomly selected and surveyed through a semi-structured questionnaire. In order to collect primary data, pre-tested interview schedule, focus group discussion, key informant Interview, and field survey were conducted. Secondary data were collected by reviewing relevant publications. Analysis of socio-demographic data revealed a predominantly male participation rate (98.44%), with overall aged between 30 and 50 years, among whom the Yadav caste showed maximum engagement (27%). Regarding land ownership, the majority (68.76%) leased land for this activity. Carp polyculture exhibited an average water surface area of 1.55 hectares. The average yearly cost of producing carp fish was Rs.1069644.00, or Rs. 891370.00 per hectare of water surface, per year with fixed costs 15.55% and variable costs 84.45%. Notably, feed costs constituted the largest expense at 49.87%, followed by labor (15.52%) and fingerlings (9.40%). Silver carp emerged as the primary market contributor, comprising 22.96% of total production (6010 kg), followed by common carp, Grass carp, Rohu, Naini, Bighead carp, and Bhakur. Net returns per hectare was Rs. 2,24,348.87, with a resulting B:C ratio of 1.33, indicating economic viability. Challenges identified in the study area included the timely unavailability of fingerling, high feed cost and theft.

Economic Analysis of Dairy Farming under Drought Prone Area in Maharashtra State of India

Background: Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy in India. Maharashtra, particularly its drought-prone districts, is critical in this sector. Despite challenges posed by erratic monsoons and limited irrigation, dairy farming remains a viable strategy for economic stability in these regions. The aim of this study was to examine the financial aspects of dairy enterprises, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, economic viability and constraints faced by farmers. Methods: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method. Key analytical tools included average and percentage calculations, BEP analysis and a Cobb-Douglas production function. Additionally, Garrett’s ranking technique was used to ascertain constraints in dairy farming, while the MOTAD model assessed profitability and risk. Result: The findings reveal that crossbred cow milk production is more lucrative than buffalo milk production, despite its higher average total expenditure per lactation. Break-even analysis confirmed profitability for both types of milk producers. Key determinants of milk production, such as green fodder, concentrate and labour, suggest areas for efficiency enhancements. Farmer-identified constraints include high feed costs, insufficient veterinary services and water scarcity. Utilizing the MOTAD model, the study recommends integrating dairy farming with crop cultivation to maximize returns, mitigate risks and enhance overall farm resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

PSVII-29 Integrating hybrid rye into organic pig production to reduce feed and bedding costs

Abstract An obstacle to profitable organic swine production is the high cost of feed and bedding. We evaluated whether growing hybrid rye for organic feed and bedding for pigs was economically viable by replacing corn with hybrid rye and evaluating pig growth performance and feed and bedding costs. Hybrid rye was grown on certified organic land at WCROC in 2022 and 2023. Rye grain and straw were used in a feeding trial with pigs raised according to the National Organic Standards. The animal trial consisted of three replicates. Each replicate included 100 pigs in two pens (Control vs. Rye, 50 pigs/pen) in a bedded hoop barn. Control pigs were fed corn soybean meal-based diets and Rye pigs were fed diets with 50% of corn in the control diets replaced by hybrid rye. Each replicate lasted for about 12 wk until pigs reached market weight (120 kg). Pigs were weighed individually at the beginning, every 4 wk thereafter, and at the conclusion of the study. Feed disappearance was recorded on a pen basis at the time of weighing pigs. Growth performance[average daily gain(ADG), average daily daily feed intake (ADFI), and Gain: Feed] was calculated for each weigh period. Carcass weight was recorded at harvest and dressing percent was calculated for each pig. Bedding usage was recorded for each pen (Control pen = wheat straw, Rye pen = rye straw) and average usage for each pig was calculated. Growth performance and bedding usage data were analyzed using the Proc Glimmix Procedures of SAS, with dietary treatment as the fixed effect, replicate as the random effect, and pen as the experimental unit. Production costs were set at $239/ha for organic rye grain and $20/ha for rye straw baling according to the FINBIN Database, and the unit costs ($/kg) were calculated based on yield for each year. Prices for organic corn, soybean meal, base mix, wheat straw, and market pigs were based on market prices (Table 1). Yield of organic hybrid rye grain at WCROC was 1,070 and 712 kg/ha in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with corresponding rye straw yield being 661 and 367 kg/ha. The reduction in rye yield in 2023 was considered due to drought. No difference was detected in growth performance, dressing percent, or bedding usage between Control and Rye pigs (all P &amp;gt; 0.19; Table 1). Replacing 50% of corn with hybrid rye saved $9.6/pig in 2022, but cost $7.20/pig more for feed in 2023, due to changes in hybrid rye grain yield. Savings on bedding were $15.40 and $13.20/pig for 2022 and 2023, respectively. Results indicate that replacing 50% of corn with hybrid rye in feed did not negatively affect growth performance of pigs raised organically, but the economic viability of integrating hybrid rye into organic pig production may depend on crop yield.

Efektivitas Pencampuran Ekstrak Daun Kelor (Moringa Oleifera) yang Difermentasi Menggunakan Aspergillus Niger pada Pakan Buatan Terhadap Laju Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila (Oreochromis Niloticus)

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater fish that is in great demand by the public because it has a thick meat texture and an affordable price. The problems faced in aquaculture activities are the high cost of feed and the length of cultivation time. Feed is a vital component in aquaculture activities, therefore feed efficiency is needed to minimize production costs. The addition of fermented moringa leaf extract in pellets is expected to accelerate the growth period. This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of fermented moringa leaf extract on tilapia growth rate. This study used a complete randomized design (CRD) method with 4 treatments, namely the addition of moringa leaf extract to pellets with concentrations of 0%, 25%, 30%, 35%. The treatment was carried out for 28 days. Parameters observed in this study were fish growth including fish length, fish weight, survival rate (SR), food conversion rate (FCR) and water quality in the form of temperature, pH and DO. The data were analyzed using anova and SPSS application. The results showed that the addition of fermented moringa leaf extract with concentrations of 0%, 25%, 30% and 35% in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feed for 28 days had a significant effect on tilapia growth.

Growth of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Juvenile strain Nirwana with Different Natural Feeding

The high cost of commercial feed in Nirwana tilapia aquaculture leads to elevated production costs and reduced profits. As a solution, the provision of natural feed is proposed as an alternative to reduce production expenses. This study aims to compare the growth of Nirwana tilapia fed with three different natural feeds: Tubifex sp., Chironomus sp. larvae, and maggots. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replicates for each treatment. The feeding rate was 3% of the fish’s body weight, administered three times a day. The parameters measured included absolute biomass, absolute length gain, daily growth rate (Specific Growth Rate, SGR), survival rate (SR), and water quality during the 30-day rearing period. The results showed that feeding Nirwana tilapia with Tubifex significantly increased growth compared to the control group (commercial pellets), Chironomus larvae, and maggots. The absolute biomass from Tubifex feeding was 5.23 ± 0.89 g, absolute length was 4.2 ± 7.8 cm, SGR was 1.52 ± 0.33%, and SR was 90%. The next highest growth was seen in Chironomus larvae, followed by maggots, with the control yielding the lowest results.

Constraints in Production and Marketing in Perception of Fish Farmers and Market Intermediaries of Inland Fisheries in Khammam District of Telangana State, India

The study focuses on Khammam district in Telangana, a significant region for fish farming. Using primary data collected through personal interviews with fish farmers (60) and market intermediaries. The present study aims to identify the constraints in fish production and status of marketing using Garrett’s ranking technique. The major constraints in fish production were identified include high feed costs (Garrett score- 71.41), lack of market facilities (68.55), and inadequate capital (68.15). For marketing, addressing the key issues include high price fluctuation (60.4) in the fishes, high transportation costs (56.13), and lack of market infrastructure (53.53).These results point to important issues that must be resolved in order to increase the productivity and sustainability of fish farming and marketing. The most significant difficulties are those concerning infrastructure, such as lack of market facilities and high transportation costs, along with financial limitations like high feed costs and insufficient money. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing the fisheries sector contribution to food security and economic development, particularly in the regions of Khammam District in Telangana

Understanding the Abandonment of Aquaculturists: A Case in the Amazon (North of Brazil)

Despite the huge potential of aquaculture in the Amazon, several producers have abandoned the activity due to a lack of assistance, technology, and innovation. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify factors that have contributed to the withdrawal of aquaculturists from the municipality of ‘Vigia de Nazaré’, state of Pará (Northern Region of Brazil). This case study took place in 2022 through a quanti-qualitative survey, applying structured questionnaires to former aquaculturists. A total of 30 fish farms were investigated, with 11 of them being abandoned. They are distributed across 10 rural communities that have developed fish farming, with ‘Vila de Itapuá’ (18.2%) being the most representative. When active, fish farming was practiced by men (100%) aged between 51 to 60 years (54.5%) with an incomplete primary education (100%), who carried out the activity for an average of 5 years (81.8%), quitting fish farming between the years 2019 and 2020 (72.7%). All former aquaculturists owned small properties, with excavated ponds in an extensive system and used family labor. The absence of technical assistance and the high cost of feed were pointed out as the main problems in the production chain. It is worth noting that the monoculture of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) accounted for 63.6% of the species produced in rural communities. In conclusion, former aquaculturists express the desire to return to fish farming due to its socio-economic importance. For this, government actions supporting technical assistance and advanced studies in fish nutrition by educational, research, and extension institutions are necessary.

ANALYSIS OF TRAINING NEEDS OF FISH FARMERS IN IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the training needs of fish farmers in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. 80 out of 150 fish farmers currently operating in the Fish Farm Estate, Ikorodu were randomly selected and data was collected with structured interview schedule. Result show that the following practices were practised by farmers in the study area: pond/vats/fibre glass/tank cleaning, water quality maintenance and management, pond fertilisation, brood stock production, spawning, fingerlings sourcing/production, disease prevention, control and management, feed formulation and production/sourcing, record keeping, fish feeding, fish processing, fish storage, fish sorting, pest and predator control, fry care, transfer and feeding, siphoning, and fish transportation. The mean age of the fish farmers was 45±13.0 years with 63.8% being male. Majority (78.8%) were married with mean family size of 4±2. Majority (82.5%) of the farmers had more than twelve years of formal education. The mean farming experience was 8±3 years with average mean income of 1.4 million naira. 58.8% of the farmers had high level of knowledge of the practices. Training was needed in seven out of the seventeen practices thus: pond/vats/fiber glass/tank cleaning, pond fertilization, record keeping, fish feeding, fish sorting, fry care, transfer and feeding, and siphoning. The major constraints to fish production are high cost of feed and lack of capital. It is recommended that training by extension agents should focus on the needs of the farmers.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT AMONG BROILER FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

The study assessed risk management among broiler farmers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, Nigeria. The study used three-stage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 67 broiler farmers. The analytical technique involved descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. The results revealed that 79.1% of the respondents were males with a mean age of 42 years, 47.8% had education to secondary level and 53.7% had more than 1-3 years of farming experience with the mean of 5 years and 46.3% of the household size had a range between 1-5 members with a mean of 6 members. The result of the risks encountered by the broiler farmers showed that shortage of feed was the major production risk encountered with a mean value of 3.23, unforeseen funding shortage was the most critical financial risk encountered (3.18), unfavorable weather condition was the most significant environmental risk encountered (3.61), high cost of feed was the highest ranked market risk encountered (3.84). The risk management strategies adopted by the broiler farmers showed that Feed, general health, disease prevention, financial and environmental management strategies were the five factor components left after factor analysis. The study concludes that the risk management strategies were possibly not being properly implemented and adopted; hence, they often continue to encounter these risks. This study recommends that government in collaboration with broiler farmers should make good intervention and policies through the relevant agricultural agencies in order to minimize risk, reduce cost of production and achieve increase farm incomes in the study area.

Effect of poverty level and food insecurity status on poultry farmers' response to high feed costs in south-west Nigeria

The rising cost of feed is a major challenge in Nigeria’s poultry industry. It impacts production costs and threatens the industry's sustainability and food security. Implementing effective coping strategies for rising feed costs is crucial for poultry enterprises. This study examines poverty level, food insecurity status, and poultry farmers’ coping strategies to high feed costs in South-West, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for this study. Three states (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo) were purposively selected from the six states in the South-West of Nigeria. In the second stage, 575 poultry farmers from all Poultry Association of Nigeria zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data on the production activities of poultry farms were collected from the farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean per capita household expenditure, household food insecurity access scale, double log regression, multinomial logistic regression, and stochastic frontier production models at p&lt; 0.05. The results of data analysis showed that 48% of the poultry farmers adopted mixed farming to cope with the rising feed cost while 24.7%, 16.1% and 6.2% adopted the use of finished feed, downsizing their flock size and at the verge of exiting the venture, respectively, while 5.2% did not change strategy. At a poverty line of ₦48,500/year, 70.7% of the poultry farmers were poor. The results also indicated that 25.8% of the poultry farmers were food secure, 1.6%, 27.2% and 45.4% were mildly, moderately and severely food insecure, respectively. The multinomial logit analysis results showed that sex (p&lt;0.1), age (p&lt;0.05), education (p&lt;0.01), farm size (p&lt;0.05), food security status (p&lt;0.01), and access to credit (p&lt;0.01) were factors for coping with rising feed costs in South-west Nigeria. The study concludes that the more educated the poultry farmers are the likely they will adopt the most suitable strategies to reduce the effect of rising feed costs. The study recommends that poultry farmers should engage in mixed farming which enables them to be in production. Key words: Adopted strategies, Food security, Poverty level, Poultry farmers, Feed costs

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE RETURNS ON BROILERS PRODUCTION IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The study analysed the factors influencing the returns on broilers production in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 poultry farmers practicing deep litter system for the study. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of broiler farmers in the study area. The study revealed that male farmers (52%) dominated the broiler production in the study area. The total cost of broilers production was N786,303.60 while the total revenue was N1,430,329.8. The gross margin and net farm income were N 682,052.76 and N 644,026.20 respectively. The study also revealed that the high cost of feed accounted for 80.18% of the total cost of broilers production inversely affected the profitability of broilers production in the study area. The study also reaved that, despite the high cost of feeds deep litter system of broilers production is profitable as depicted by the net farm income of N 644,026.20. Besides, the return on a naira invested was N 0.819 implying that for every N1 invested 81.9k was return as profit. The study concluded that high cost of feeds and lack of funds are the major factors influencing the returns on broilers production in the study area. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended; Subsidy on feed cost, simple procedures for credit facilities, increase in flock size to enhance profitability, Provision of adequate incentives and financial services to farmers for increase productivity, as well as stoppage of the arbitrary fees levied such as environmental fee, business premises fee and other levies that were introduced by the local government authorities to restore sanity and create a conducive environment for investment in poultry industry.

IMPACT OF CASHLESS POLICY ENFORCEMENT AND NAIRA REDESIGN ON FRESH CATFISH MARKETING IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the impact of Cashless Policy Enforcement and Naira Redesign on Fresh Catfish Production and Marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques. The result revealed that fresh catfish producers were in their productive age with mean age of 34years. Majority (76%) of the fresh catfish producers were males and 84% married. The average household size and farming experience were 5 persons and 6 years, respectively. The results of the profitability analysis of catfish marketing in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the catfish producers’ total variable costs and total fixed costs were N1701379 and N665689.22, respectively, making a total cost of N2367068.22. The results further revealed that total revenue of N2659284.66 and a net farm income of N292216.440 were realised. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 89 kobo. However, the result revealed that, amid the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign, the total variable cost and total fixed cost were N827791.66 and N712688.47, respectively, making a total cost of N1540475.13. The results revealed total revenue of N1650800 and a net farm income of N110384.87. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 92 kobo. The result of the impact of catfish marketing on the income level of the marketers in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, 30%t of the catfish marketers had an income of over N300, 000. However, during the policy, only 26% of the catfish farmer marketers had an income of over N300, 000 and 15% had an income of less than N50, 000. The result of the constraints to catfish marketing before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were high electric charges (12.3%) and lack of credit facilities (9.1%). However, during the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were inadequate capital (8.3%), seasonality of commodity (7.8%), high cost of feed (7.4%), high cost of production (7.3%), high cost of labour (7.3%) and low demand of product (7.0%). The study concluded that Catfish production and marketing in the study area was more profitable before the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign. The study recommended that provisions for agricultural incentives such as short and long-term loans, with a single digit interest rate for the marketers in order to solve the problem of lack of credit facility. Also, Marketers should form marketing cooperatives to increase their access to credit from financial institutions and hence alleviate the problem of inadequate capital.

Performance and economics of fall grazing cover crops compared to a traditional drylot system of fall-calving cow-calf pairs

The objective of this study was to evaluate cow and calf performance while strip grazing a cover crop mix consisting of radishes, turnips, oats, and common vetch (CC) compared to a traditional, drylot management system (CON) of the Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm fall-calving herd. The study was repeated for 3 consecutive years to account for weather variation.&amp;nbsp; Each growing season presented a unique situation. With a targeted seeding date of August 1st each year, yields ranged from 2,750 &amp;ndash; 4,830 lbs of dry matter per acre, averaging 3,952 lbs. The greatest yield was observed in 2019 while the lowest yield occurred in 2020 with drought conditions restricting growth. Growth in 2021 was intermediate, but peak yield occurred after grazing began due to a delayed killing frost. Turnout dates ranged from early-November to mid-December, and fall pairs grazed for an average of 32 days, ranging from 17 &amp;ndash; 45 days.&amp;nbsp; Despite fluctuation in cow body weights between treatments over the years, calves on CC had equal to or greater average daily gain and final body weights compared to calves on CON. Over the 3 years, CC calves gained an average of 0.36 lbs more per head per day than their CON counterparts. This advantage may be a reflection of CC dams producing a higher quality milk due to the high-quality forage diet and the ability of calves to graze alongside their dam.&amp;nbsp; An economic analysis of the 3-year project revealed a 29% average reduction in calf cost of gain of cow-calf pairs grazing cover crops ($1.11/lbs of gain) compared to cow-calf pairs fed in a drylot setting ($1.57/lb of gain). Compared to the standardized drylot in this scenario, this efficiency boost emphasizes the value of extending the grazing season, especially in times of high feed costs.