Cost-benefit of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticcus) cultured in Sakon Nakhon province

Abstract

The cost-benefit of Nile tilapia cultured in Sakon Nakhon province to compare the returns from raising tilapia in floating cage and earthen ponds. Data were collected by questionnaires for the farmers of Nile tilapia farmers in floating cage and earthen ponds in Sakon Nakhon province Forty-seven out of ninety-three farmers and fifteen wholesalers and retailers were interviewed. The results showed that cage used for tilapia culture was 3x3x3 meter and average stocking density for cage culture was 48 fish/m². The average survival rate was 82 %, average fish production was 577 kg/cage/crop, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.37 and the selling price was 58 baht/kg. In earthen pond culture, average stocking density was 3 fish/m², the average survival rate was 70%, FCR was 1.35, average fish production was 1,775 kg/rai and selling price was 55 baht/kg. The culture period of a cage and earthen pond culture was 5 months/crop. The cost of a cage and earthen pond culture was 54.92 and 49.41 baht/kg, respectively. The variable cost of a cage and earthen pond culture was 94.60% and 93.43%, respectively. The fixed cost of a cage and earthen pond culture was 5.40% and 6.57%, respectively. The profit of cage and earthen pond culture was 3.08 and 5.59 baht/kg, respectively.