Economic Viability of Cassava Residues in the Nile Tilapia Diet

Fish feed represents between 50% and 70% of intensive aquaculture production costs. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of the production of Nile tilapia under a diet with cassava residues in it. To evaluate the economic efficiency in relation to the inclusion of residues in the tilapia feed, the approximate cost of feed per kilogram of live weight (CMR) gained during the experimental period was determined, and later the cash flow of the production was raised for analysis of indicators: NPV (Net Present Value), CBI (Cost Benefit Rate), and IRR (Internal Rate of Return) submitted to different discount rates from existing financing sources in the region. It was found that tilapia under the diet with the inclusion of tapioca sweep in the diet, showed greater economic efficiency, and consequently higher NPV (R $ 4,583.33), IRR (15%) and CBR (1.17). In this sense, the viability analysis showed that cassava residues in diets of tilapia diets, indicate to be a viable strategy to better develop aquaculture production, in a more sustainable way, enhancing the technical and economic viability and minimizing the environmental impacts.