INVESTMENT PROSPECTS IN INTEGRATED FISH CUM POULTRY FARMING SYSTEM

Abstract

The study examined the feasibility of a small scale integrated fish cum poultry farming project utilizing concrete tank of 4 x 4.8x3.5m. 900 post fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (52 2.7g) were stocked in 3 concrete tanks at the rate of 1fish per 5m² and fed diets containing 38% (Diet 1). 33% (Diet 2) and 31% (Diet 3) crude protein levels. Three battery cages containing 15 laying birds were installed on each tank. The birds were fed with layer mash (CP 18%) while the fish were fed with 300kg of fresh maggots and pelleted feed. At the end of 213days, growth response and nutrient utilization of fish were based on Average daily weight gain, (DWG 4.48) relative growth rate (RGR 1834.27) and specific growth rate (SGR 1.39). Final weight ranged from 949.2g to 963.2g. Daily weight ranged from 4.46g to 4.52g. Feed cost for fish was drastically reduced while revenue from poultry was significantly increased. The profitability analysis of the operation showed that table size Charias production generated return to investment of 31.19%, a rate of return on fixed cost 163.79% and a rate of return on variable cost of (161.07). The financial analysis reveals a viable investment.