Publication Date

1970

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Hancock, William O.||Hanlon, J. William

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Marketing

LCSH

Marketing; Fish-culture

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the propagation and marketing implications of pond-raised channel catfish in the United States. The purpose of the study was to determine the present status of the catfish industry and its potential for the future. Methods and procedures employed in gathering the data for this study included research of government papers and current articles that have been published. Unpublished papers, speeches, and personal interviews with those involved in the industry were also utilized. It was determined through this study that channel catfish that are pond-raised and fed a nutritionally balanced diet are becoming a popular food item not only in the South, where the majority are raised, but throughout the United States. The pond-raised channel catfish industry is presently in its early stages but is growing rapidly. The propagation of channel catfish and the marketing implications of this product are of interest to anyone concerned with the profit potential of a new and expanding industry. Government and university research have played an important part in the development of the pond-raised channel catfish industry. Research sponsored mainly through governmental efforts has aided the development of catfish feeds and has provided information which is available to any prospective catfish farmer on pond construction, catfish production, and harvesting methods. Channel catfish adapt easily to controlled production, have a conversion ratio of one and one-half pounds of feed to one pound of fish (better than the conversion ratio of chickens), and have a highly acceptable taste. Channel catfish also maintain their good flavor through sixteen months of frozen storage, an important asset for nationwide distribution. Due to the increasing popularity of catfish in the northern sections of the United States, experiments have been undertaken in which the catfish are raised in buildings and their total environment controlled. These experiments are proving successful and there are a number of catfish producers currently raising channel catfish in the North and distributing their product locally. Throughout history, the domestic consumption of the fishery product market has been governed by the quantity and variety of fish caught commercially. With pond-raised channel catfish, as with grain-fed livestock or poultry, the quality of the product can be controlled and a predictable supply can be produced for new and expanding markets. Currently there is a supply-controlled market for channel catfish. This is expected to last for several more years.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

v, 70 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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