Some Variables Affecting Fish Farmers Knowledge with the Technical Recommendations and the Use of Animal and Plant Wastes as Nontraditional Feed

Hamed Mohamed Hamed

Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research, Abbassa, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

Received 5/ 1/ 2010 Accepted 10/ 2/ 2010

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify the knowledge level of fish farmers about applying the technical recommendations for using animal and plant wastes as nontraditional fish feeds.

Also, to determine the relationship between levels of knowledge of fish farmers regarding technical recommendations associated with using wastes as nontraditional feed and some independent variables studied. As well as identifying the types of feed used in fish farms and finally, determining the reasons for using animal and plant wastes as nontraditional source of feed. The results of the study showed that the level of knowledge of fish nontraditional feeds was lowest among all recommendations.

This study was applied on a random sample of fish farmers in Kafr El-Sheikh Province with a ranged number reached to 125. The data collection of this study for a period extends from December 2007 to March 2008 through a personal interview questionnaire. Data analysis for this study has been performed using a statistical analysis ratio Alms wip and tabular presentation box, Kay and compatibility factor to display the results. The result showed that, the level of respondents knowledge of plant and animal wastes that used as nontraditional source was low.

In respect to their knowledge about animal wastes that used as fish feed was 63.2%. but in respect to plant wastes was 57.62%.

The level of respondents knowledge of chemical and nutritional analysis for wastes was (71.2%) and waste treatment to increase value (72%). The general level of the farmer that used as nontraditional source was low (65.6%).

Also, the results clarifying that there was a connected influential positive relationship between the knowledge levels of fish farmers and age educational status, fish farm area ,number of family ,numbers work recycling in fish farm, and production means per fedan.

The results showed that the majority of Stockholder (70.2%) were using the artificial feeds as the main source for fish feeding.

Generally, the results illustrated that the main reasons which push the farmers toward using nontraditional feed source were high for buying the artificial feeds as needed.