COST ANALYSIS FOR INTEGRATING CRYOPRESERVATION INTO AN EXISTING FISH HATCHERY
R.H. Caffey, T.R. Tiersch-2000
Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 31 (1): 51-58 (from Current Contents)
Abstract:
Fish sperm cryopreservation is documented by a large body of technical research. However, there are no reports of the economic requirements for using this technology in aquatic species. This study establishes a generic analysis of the investment and operating costs required to integrate sperm cryopreservation into existing fish hatcheries and can serve as a template for implementation of cryopreservation programs. Equipment and supplies were identified in a species-independent description of sperm cryopreservation, and capital and operating costs were documented for private and public hatcheries at three production capacities (3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 0.5-mL straws). Compared to public hatcheries, investment costs were found to be 70% higher, and operating costs 20% higher for private hatcheries due primarily to interest on borrowed capital. Equipment costs were dependent on the scope of work. Investment in required equipment incurred costs of $5,460 to $10,458 (public) or $9,497 to $18,190 (private), depending on production level. Purchase of optional research equipment increased initial investment by 300% without increasing output. Per unit costs decreased at higher production levers for all scenarios, but greater economies of scale were associated with private research hatcheries. Production costs ranged between $6.13 and $1.86 per straw (private), to $1.59 to $1.18 per straw (public). Increased commercialisation is expected to occur as research protocols for fish sperm cryopreservation are applied in the private sector and markets for cryopreserved sperm are established.
(Louisiana State Univ, Ctr Agr, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA)