Broodstock Production: A Lucrative Business in Catfish Farming
Catfish production is a very broad farming activity. It entails production of fingerling/juvenile from a well-managed broodstock, production of table size fish and other ancillary services that help in production processes. Broodstock production is an aspect of catfish farming that is not well pronounced. Production of good catfish seeds will not be possible without proper management of brood stock. Those that know much about broodstock management will attest to the fact that it is more profitable than table size catfish production.
However, before one can be established as catfish broodstock farmer, one must have been stable in the business for years. Also, a broodstock catfish farmer must be a breeder with pedigree as well as someone that is well-known in catfish farming community. This is so because a broodstock farmer must earn the trust of other farmers, who are already getting their seed from other breeders, to be successful. If you have a future plan of breeding your own seed or a catfish business plan that involve broodstock production, you can start by running grow out and broodstock production side by side. Start your broodstock selection from your good production and raise them in a good pond for future usage.
Principles that Guide Selection of Catfish Brood Stock
A broodstock farmer is guided majorly by traits he is looking for at the end of production. He might select to achieve hardiness, improve growth, voraciousness, particular color or skin pigment, maturity time, etc. Generally, the following factors should guide broodstock farmers in their selection processes;
Management of Brood Stock
The management of broodstock is slightly different from normal grow-out catfish. The following are the brief hints that could help you manage your brood stock well;
How to get Market for your Brood Stock
Unlike grow-out production that can be sold in tons, broodstocks are sold in bits. Usually, breeders are the major buyer of broodstock. To gain ground in brood stock production and marketing, you must be reputed for quality catfish seed production with good testimony from your customers. As soon as your broodstocks approach maturity, catfish breeders around you should be informed and you will be surprised at the rate of turn out. You can also advertise through appropriate platforms.
How Profitable is Catfish Brood Stock Production?
Broodstock is much more profitable than grow-out production. A kilogram of a brood stock costs as much as three times the value of the same size of grow-out. Apart from offering your broodstock for sales, quality broodstock can be used for your personal production of fingerling/juvenile. Don’t forget that quality fingerling/juvenile remain a hot cake in the market.
Source: https://www.profitablefishfarming.com/broodstock-production-lucrative-business-catfish-farming/