Economic assessment of an intra-specific cross of silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus Mitchell) for commercial farming

The native freshwater silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus, has the potential to form a large pond-based aquaculture industry in Australia, but at present, production is based on genetically un-improved stock. Research for improved growth rate has identified a significant level of hybrid vigor in fingerlings of the Murray River x Cataract Dam cross (MC). This study investigated whether the profitability of a commercial farm could be increased by using this intra-specific cross. Results indicate that silver perch bio-economics are sensitive to growth rate; use of MC increased annual return by AU$33,092, 20-year NPV by AU$324,895 and saved 56 days average grow-out. Cash flows became positive earlier for a farm using MC, which was also more risk efficient with only a 4% chance of making an annual return of less than AU$0. Although use of MC should result in improved profit to farmers, high feed costs and the small size of farms remain as major constraints to industry growth.