Assessment of feed ingredients prices and production capacity from 2018–2022 in Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of feed ingredients was carried out in the six geopolitical zones to determine the availability, abundance, and effectiveness of these ingredients as considered for incorporation into fish feed for aquaculture production. A total of 516 well-structured questionnaires were administered to 228 ingredient producers and 288 ingredient sellers in the selected local government areas (LGAs), urban and rural markets, to obtain information on ingredient type, price, production capacity, and seasonality over a five-year period (2018-2022). It was observed that the ingredients were used in various ways, such as animal feeds, industrial use, and human consumption. The majority of the ingredients from producers reach the sellers through the market. The forms in which the ingredients were sold include grains, amounting to 64%; coarse form, 24%; powder form, 10%; and liquid form, 2%. The types of sellers operational are small-scale (51%), medium-scale (41%), and large-scale (8%), with 33% having more than 10 years of experience, 40% having 5 to 10 years of experience, and 27% having less than 5 years of experience. Based on the data collected, cassava can be found all year round. Maize, beans, nuts, soybeans, and sorghum were reported to be more abundant in the dry season; yam was observed to be available all year round but very expensive at the onset of rains until the third quarter of the year. Based on the sellers' opinion, fishmeal is found all year round. It was concluded that there should be an intensification of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production to further reduce the price of aquafeeds for increased aquaculture production.