Frog farms as proposed in agribusiness aquaculture: economic viability based in feed conversion

Abstract

Frog farming is an aquaculture activity that is represented little in the socioeconomic profile of Brazil, resulting in little technological investment and development in the food industry. However, the growing interest in the consumption of white and healthy meats has been projected the activity as an alternative source of protein. The objective of this work was to estimate the economic viability of a commercial frog pond in the Southeastern region of Brazil. The results demonstrated the high set up and operating costs, where the feed and handling were considered the two aspects that define the cost of the product. The viability of the enterprise is attained only with good zootechnical rates (feed conversion â"°¤ 1.5:1 in the fattening phase and â"°¤ 2:1 in the tadpole phase) and high selling prices (US$ 21.50 to 24.00 kg^-1 í  minimal prices). The internal rate of return observed under the most viable conditions was 41.69% and payback of 2.33 years, rates commonly used in aquaculture. Therefore, the commercial breeding of frogs is attractive if practiced with good feed conversion rates and favorable prices for market positioning in the sale of the meat as a gourmet product.