Episode 3: What You Must Consider Before Starting A Fish Farm
Fish farming
Episode 3: What You Must Consider Before Starting A Fish Farm
Fish Farming
MACKEREL: this is the most consumed fish species in Nigeria. It is commonly known as Titus fish. Though popular, it is not a fish species that can be farmed. All mackerel are caught in the wild.
There are a lot of things and questions begging for answers regarding the possibility of mackerel fish farming. Among these include the following;
- The ability of mackerel to withstand farming stress
- Creating a suitable habitat
- Compounding feeds
- The possibility of artificial breeding
- Temperature that will support breeding and growth etc.
Considerations for Starting a Fish Farm
There are many things to consider when planning to start up a fish farm and these includes;
Weather
This is a single major factor that can determine the profitability of any fish farm. Most ponds used for aquaculture or fish rearing are either tanks or made with tarpaulin and concrete which are built slightly shallow for easy management.
Hot weather conditions can heat the water in the pond which may lead to the death of the fishes thereby leading to loss.
High rainfall can also lead to flooding of the area which may lead to the escape of the fishes in the farm thus leading to reduction and loss of profit.
Place/location of project
The location where the fish farm will be cited is also very vital. Is the farm safe from thieves? Is there a motorable road for marketing and transport? When these and more can be safely considered then one can be sure of citing a fish farm
Soil
This is a factor most farmers may not consider but it does have a profound impact on the general wellbeing of the farm. Soil composition determines water retention property, color, and clarity of the water in the pond.
Soil also determines the growth of vegetation in a tilapia base pond. Soil also determines the water PH as it contains vital ions.
Generally; the most preferred soil for fish farms is; loamy soil, sandy loam, and silt clay.
Water
Water is the principal factor that should come to mind when considering fish farms. It is the true habitat of all water organisms as well as fish.
An untreated and low-quality water can lead to the death of the fishes. Water without quality control can impact toxicity to the fish making the fishes unfit for human consumption.
Infrastructure
Beyond all doubt, a good structure captivates and demands attention from passerby. The concrete ponds should be constructed in a way that will draw attention and branded to optimize the farm.
Market
Every business is built because of the availability of the market to make sales. The market determines the profitability of the fish farm thus the fish farm must be cited close to a reliable market where customers can easily have access to the fish.
Fingerlings production supply
Getting access to fingerlings is a vital consideration that must be made when citing a fish farm. The fingerlings are raised to the market size fish.
The location of the supplier of the fingerlings should not be too far from the fish farm to prevent the death of the fingerlings.
The Health Benefits of Fish
- Fish provides one of the highest sources of protein.
- Fish is a low-fat protein that contains omega-3 fatty acids which is very vital for the human heart. Fish is the only source of omega -3 fatty acids which promote human heart health
- Fish contains vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin) which help to build and promote strong and healthy bones. It is very vital to growing children and the elderly.
- Fish is a very rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which are the major cations for teeth bone formation. It thus helps to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, etc.
- Fish also contain iron and zinc which contribute to red blood cell production thus preventing anemia.
- Fish is a very important source of iodine which prevents various hormonal diseases such as goiter and cretinism.
- Fish is also a vital source of important electrolytes such as potassium; which maintains hemostasis for the proper functioning of various organs. It also helps to prevent hypertension (high blood pressure) through the balancing of sodium ions in the body.
- Fish also contributes to mental health as its consumption improves the grey matter in the brain
- It is generally believed that fish is vital for sight especially among the elderly
- Fish is also prescribed to ease depression
Episode 3: What You Must Consider Before Starting A Fish Farm
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