CONFIDENTIAL OSMAN GROUP ONLY An Analysis of ... - Haller

CONFIDENTIAL
------------
OSMAN GROUP ONLY
EI.. WAFAA FI.SH FAlM
An Analysis of Performance with Recommendations for the Future Scope for
Development of Intensive Tilapia Culture
by.
John D. Balarin
Research and Development Consultant
Tilapia culture Section
Baobab Farm Limited
P.O. Box 90202
MOMBASA
Kenya
For and on Behalf of
El Wafaa Farm Co.
P.O. Box 2655
CAIRO
Egypt
BAOBAB FARM LTD.
1 986

Copyright of this Document
This review of EI Wafaa Fish Farm Egypt has been undertaken by
Baobab Farm Ltd. on behalf of EI Wafaa Farm Co., Cairo. The contents
mentioned herein and pertaining to the Baobab System are the property of
Baobab Farm and should not be released to a third person without the
written consent of Baobab Farm.
The conclusions drawn are those of the consultant and are founded
on the details available to the mission at the time of study. These
conclusions are liable to change as more information becomes available.
Bibliographie Note
For all future reference purposes this document should be cited as
folIows:
Balarin, J.D. (1986) EI Wafaa Fish Farm. An analysis of performance
with recommendations for the future scope for development of intensive
tilapia culture. Baobab Farm PUbI., Mombasa, Kenya. p.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Origin of Mission
On 6th August 1985 Eng. S. Hassan requested by telex to visit
Baobab Farm. Subsequently in a telephone conversation of 11th November
1985 Mr. Osman requested that J. D. Balarin, Research &Development
Consultant to Baobab Farm, visit EI Wafaa Farm, Cairo, Egypt. Ensuing
telex correspondence led to Mr. Balarin visiting Cairo from 8th to 15th
January 1986.
1.2 Terms of Reference
No formal letter of agreement was received but in a telex of 12th
and 14th November 1985, Eng. S. Hassan requested a 3 day consultancy
visit to help improve a 2 million tilapia fry per year sex reversal
hatchery system and 7 acre pond production unit.
On arrival in Cairo however the following requests were put
forward:
a. Appraisal of the hatchery system and make recommendations for
improvement .
b. Study the farm production to develop potential maximum production
from ponds.
c. Examine the scope for introduction of an intensive Baobab Tank
Culture system.
d. Establish market scope and potential.
e. Examine a 150 acre site and a tank culture project as potential
areas for expansion.
Within the above TOR item d was considered beyond the scope of the
consultancy and item e was not possible as time did not permit.
The report is presented as an appraisal of the seope for
aquaculture development in Egypt with reference to the results of EI
Wafaa.
1.3 Organisation of Mission
The persons met and interviewed during the mission are listed in
Appendix 1 and the Itinerary described in Appendix H. The consultant
arrived on 8th January and stayed at the Green Pyramids Hotel. Eng. S.
Hassan escorted the mission to EI Wafaa Farm. Facilities were toured
and on the spot advice given for improvement. Discussions were held
with Drs. Ghoneim and EI Mashak on a technical level and economics were
reviewed with Eng. Abou el Seoud and Eng. Gaafar.
Prior to leaving an executive summary [Appendix IIIJ was left
behind for reference purposes. Negotiated charges did not make
allowance for a detailed report and it waS made clear that areport
would be forthcoming provided payment was received within 10 days [telex
15th January 1986J. Any delay in payment would be interpreted that such
areport was not a priority and that if subsequent payment was received
as the report was a bonus i t would only be ~ completed when time

"
permitted. As payment was only received in May 1986 the final report
preparation was considerably delayed due an already busy programmed work
schedule for the rest of 1986.
1.4 Acknowledgements
The assistance and hospitality received from EI Wafaa Farm staff is
gratefully appreciated and a special thanks to Eng. S. Hassan and Mr. M.
Hassan. The final report was prepared by Baobab Farm and the services
of Sarah for typing and Tina for the drawings are gratefully
acknowledged.
Baobab Farm apologises for the delay in finalising the report
caused by an exceptionally busy work schedule, and the free time
contributed by J. D. Balarin is greatly appreciated.
2. EGYPTIAN AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT RATIONALE
The following is an extract form Balarin (1986) to serve as an
introduction to aquaculture development and problems in Egypt.
In Egypt, a very arid country, most development is concentrated on
the Nile River, its major water source. Maximum use is also made of all
other water resources. Traditionally, the presence of saline waters and
the need for reclaiming saline lands for agriculture has led to the
development of unique aquaculture techniques. However, the closure of
the Aswan High Dam and the resulting flood control [Fig. lJ, with
consequent deleterious effects on the fishery [Fig. 2 and Table lJ has
led to renewed efforts to develop more intensive methods of fish
production.
Early in its history, Egypt has realised the importance of the
efficient use of water and fish farming to supplement its fish
requirements. If the present level of fish consumption of 5.4kg/cap/yr
is to be sustained, by the year 2000 a population of 65 - 70 million
will require 350 OOOt/yr of fish. Assuming that the M.S.Y. of the
fishery can be achieved [Table 2J, this would still represent a deficit
in supply of nearly 100 OOOt/yr. Further, if nutrition is to be
improved to an optimum fish consumption level, demand might be as high
as 450 OOOt/yr. It is eIear therefore that unless this demand is
satisfied by imports, Egypt will have to look toward aquaculture. Its
development will have to increase at a rate of 6700 - 30 OOOt/yr. A
formidable task!
The need to increase fish production is emphasized by the fact that
fish is a relatively inexpensive source of protein [Table 3J. Increased
demand is likely to increase market value dramatically, a feature
already evident since the fishery collapsed in 1968 [Fig. 2J. More
recently, Government subsidies have been introduced to regulate imported
fish prices in order to maintain market values within the price range of
other economic groups. In 1983 however fish imports made up 37.4% of
the total consumption. Imports therefore represent a high national cost
and it is unlikely that Egypt could continue to afford to supplement its
needs in this way. A market therefore exists for aquaculture to lessen
the burden of imports and to provide for the increase in demand. Before
a strategy can be devised for aquaculture development, i t is necessary
to examine the status of the country, to determine the best approach,
and to decide on species choice cultural system type, and level of
intensification.
The following section attempts to identify potential development
approaches. Guidelines [Balarin, 1985 Table 4J are applied to a
national macro-analysis. Potential zones are identified but more
detailed feasibility studies on a micro-geographic scale are needed for
particular site and project developments.
2. 1 Site Selectioo
2. 1• 1 Water Resources
The absence of run-off due to poor rainfall [Fig. 3J implj.es that

any fish production will have to be concentrated around the Nile River
and i ts delta, as weIl as other near permanent water bodies such as the
coastal lakes, Lake Quarun, Lake Nasser and various oases [Table 5,
Fig.4]. The potential of other artificial lakes [Table 6, Fig. 5] and
rice fields [Fig. 6, Table 6] is not to be overlooked. Perhaps equally
as important is the potential of marine coastal sites along the
Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the Suez Gulf. The total area
available varies from 534 374ha [Table 6] upto 861 173ha [Table 7]. If
only 20% of this area were used for extensive or semi-intensive fish
farming the present level of fish consumption could be sustained until
the year 2000.
Present trends in irrigation and land reclamation however could
have far reaching consequences, changing the present approaches to
aquaculture development. According to Sadek [1984], already 17.4% of
the coastal lakes have been reclaimed, with plans by the year 2000 to
reduce their area to 41.4% of the original [Table 8J. This would
represent a 58.6% loss for the fishery, a potential loss of 30 000 - 80
OOOt/yr, according to Sadek's [1984] recalculated production estimates.
Not only does this represent a loss in fishing grounds but also it would
disrupt the howash activities in these lakes. The loss would therefore
mean an additional burden on production. It might be possible that
during the soil leaching period of land reclamation, aquaculture might
provide some fish production. But this solution is only temporary and
longer term aquaculture developments need to be considered.
Over 98% of all available freshwater resources are being used in
Egypt, 84% for irrigation alone. all future developments plan for the
e~ficient use of all new water resources. In addition 16 3000 million
m /yr currently wasted, are to be used for doubling the area of
irrigated lands. Therefore, all fish farms currently using drainage
waters may soon find their ater source drying up. Such reliance should
therefore be avoided, preference being given to "irrigated", "seepage",
or "leveed pond" aquaculture.
The development of irrigation agriculture and indeed the actual
existence of 47 OOOkm of drainage/navigational canals suggest an
additional scope for aquaculture development in over 40 OOOha of
waterways. Enclosures for grass carp in such systems would not only
yield fish protein but could effectively control weeds.
Freshwater currently not being used for aquaculture has some form
of pollution renderring it unusable. In addition, the reuse of surplus
drainage water could bring with it the threat of pesticides from the
cultivated lands. Other water resources available for fish farming are
mainly saline waters unsuitable for crop irrigation and this will
strongly influence the choice of fish species.
2.1.2 Climatic Conditioos
Although arid climatic condi tions restriet fish farming to
available water resources, the likely high seasonal temperatures [Table
9] favour fish growth. In Egypt, latitude has an overriding influence
on temperatures, the increase in daily and seasonal amplitudes in the
south, raises water temperatures. In the north the Mediterranean Sea
has a tempering effect [Figs. 7&8] and the Red Sea has a warming effect.
Therefore water temperatures in the north tend to drop below levelS
considered optimum for warmwater fish. The fish farming zonation
suggests that only the south eastern corner of Egypt [Fig. 9, Table 10]
is suited to all year round intensive production of warmwater species.
In general, climatic conditions are better suited to temperate fish
species such as carp, mullet, and se~ ~ass. Shallow waters as found in
seepage ponds, reclamation ponds and rlce paddies may benefit from the
hot conditions. Pond design to maximise solar heating for tilapia
production in winter should be usef~l. Alternatively, heated overwintering
units may be an alternative'
2. 1. 3 Topography and Soll
Most of the Nile Valley and the coastline near water sources are
flat areas, good for fish farm layout. The low lying areas may benefit
from gravity flow as in the case of pawash or fill by seepage. But this
presents drainage problems. Most f~r'ms therefore require pumping and
electricity cost amounts to 17% of operations cost [Fig. 10].
Whereas topography is good fof conventional pond construction,
unstable soils are a major drawback. Only the Maryut region is reported
to have areas of clays suitable for Jeep pond design. It is probably
for this reason that farmers have traditionally developed a range of
unconventional systems [Table 11] to compensate for poor dyke
construction.
Soils also tend to be saline due to poor rainfall. Site selection
must consider the likely change in ;.rater salinity due to leaching as
ponds fill and particularly when pl"rlning to farm fish species such as
carps, little tolerant salinity.
Competition with agriculture for land is clearly evident,
relegating aquaculture to marginal "o,ils. Integrated development such
as rizipisciculture or combined land use such as land reclamation
aquaculture are likely to become i~portant as more and more land is
turned to agriculture.
Caution needs to be exercised in those areas where there is
possible overlap between industry a(lJ aquaculture and where sites are
likely to be exposed to pollutants.
2.2 Speeies Seleetion
Over 33 indigenous species [ToDle 12J and 10 exotics [Table 13]
have been reported to be used in aquaculture. The most popular ones in
the private sector are tilapia [70~] and mullets [30%]. In public
farms, 10 _ 20% carp are included. Clarias lazera, sea bream and sea
bass are of minor importance. More recently however there has been an
increased interest in carps with the ~stablishment of several hatcheries
[Table 14]. The choice of suitable species however varies with the
location and same of the criteria for their selection are described
below.

2.2.1 Bioeconomical Criteria
Biological criteria for the selection of fish species have been
restricted until now to temperature tolerance [Fig. 9J. When selecting
a site it is important that the species performance falls within an
economic rate, a favourable genetic capacity, and the ease of
reproduction. If a project is to be viable, in particular in marginal
areas, these factors are of prime importance.
As not much reference is made to subsistence fish farmers, it would
appear that Egypt is viewing fish farming as an economic enterprise to
provide food. Considerable efforts have thus been made to farm the
highly prized mullets and more recently sea bass and sea bream [Table
15J. However, despite the early history of mullet farming and its
suitability to saline waters, there is as yet no active mullet hatchery.
All seeds have to be collected from the wild [Table 14J. Survival rate
is poor. Losses upto 80% implying a wasteful technique. This is a
rather precarious, unreliable source of seeds upon which to build a
major industry. any disaster affecting natural stock recruitment could
result in the total loss of the fish farming production of those
species. Conversely in the long term, overfishing of seeds could affect
the fishery. It is therefore vital for mullet farms to succeed or for
that matter any species which seeds are dependant upon natural stocks,
that hatcheries be developed.
From 1980, mullet fry distribution have risen from 42.4 million to
138.9 million. Carp fry production has risen from 5.5 million to 50
million. However of the latter, only 20% have been distributed,
implying 80% hatchery losses. There is a great need to improve carp
hatchery performance and to maximise survival during fry transports.
There would appear to be no specific hatchery/nursery for tilapia
other than the ''natural nurseries" described for Lake Nasser. A number
of state farms operate nursery ponds to rear fry captured at harvest.
Most tilapia seeds appear to be obtained from wild entry at the time of
filling, or wild spawning in ponds. No genetic stock control appears to
be practiced. Because of tilapias' tendency to breed for smaller fish a
result of the negati'e selection occurring in wild pond spawning and
because of the unknown heredity of wild seeds, genetic improvement of
tilapia stocks should be considered to increase yields.
2.2.2 Biotechnological Criteria
In one way or another the cultural systems described in Table 11,
are still all unique to Egypt, the technology having evolved through
traditional fish farming. The species combination and stocking
practices are age old, tried and tested operations which are successful
under the prevailing conditions. From Fig. 11, it would appear that the
howash system does not have a deleterious effect on the fishery even at
high levels of harvesting. The use of wild stock is a relatively
unsophisticated technique and clearly howash do exhibit some form of
production. It is possible however that this productivity might be
increased by slective stocking, as could be all other systems utilising
wild caught fish.
Production of more expensive fish, such as shrimps and Sea Bass has
only recently started in Egypt. The technology is in a very early stage
of development and it is unclear as to when large scale production will
become possible. Similarly, techriological for intensifying production
is still in its infancy. Cage culture and pelleted feeds are at a more
advanced pilot test stage [Table 16J. Recently, emphasis has been
placed on integrated livestock and fish farrning.
2.2.3 Pathological Criteria
Reported disease outbreaks and parasites in farmed and wild fish
are summarised in Table 17. This represents a vast pool of pathogens
likely to affect farmed fish. Of particular concern are the Heterophyes
pathogenic to man and are reported to occur in tilapia and mullet. The
introduction of exotic fish could bring with it a complement of
pathogens and upset the present apparent equilibrium. Careful
sanitation measures are recommended to avoid this. Already it appears
that Argulus spp have been introduced with carp from Europe. The cold
winter conditions may cause Saprolegnia infections in less cold tolerant
species, but this has not yet been described as a major problem.
Handling of warrnwater fish in winter is not recommendable.
Schistosomiasis [bilharziaJ is generally weIl established
throughout Egyptian waterways. The risk of infection to farm workers is
high. Precautions should be taken and regular medical check ups
organised.
2.2.4 Marketing
Traditional nilotic fish and marine species are highly acceptable
to the market. Mullets and tilapias are therefore favoured but there
remains the question of exotic fish such as carps. Increased production
suggests that there is a good outlet but the demand has not been
quantified in any available report. Egypt has a strong tradition of
fish eating and there might be a strong preference for traditional
species. This would need to be examined before embarking on any major
venture involving non-traditional fish.
FAO/WBCP [1977J reports that commercial fish dealers come to the
farms to collect fish. It is perhaps for this reason that for the same
species, farm gate prices [Table 15J are higher than beach prices as the
commodity is nearer the market outlet. Strategie locations near markets
is important to reduce transport costs and thereby to command a high
price.
2.3 Process Selection
Depending upon availability of water the possible combinations of
species and system types compatible with site conditions are listed in
Table 10. The options are given according to Table 18 which does not
include the cult~ral systems peculiar to Egypt [Table 11J. As
intensification will be necessary to increase fish production to meet
demand, the same criteria for adopting intensive cage or tank systems
apply to the selection of more intensive methods to enhance the output
in these traditional systems. Considered bere are socio~economic
constraints to develop intensive aquaculture.

...
2.3.1 Manpower Availability
The recently trained 430 extension personnel represent a
substantial resource of manpower to help develop the industry. As all
have received training in the last four years it is likely that they are
familiar with up todate technology. This does however raise the
question of practical experience, for despite arecent training there is
always a passage of time before the trainee appreciates the practical
application of that training. Statistics suggest a production of 25 000
to 60 OOOt/yr which for 430 agents represents a responsibility for 60 to
140t/man/yr. This is an enormous task and for future expansions, Egypt
will need to reduce this ratio to a fraction of its present level.
As there is a long tradition of fish farming, farmers are using old
methods which have been in use for generations. Appreciation of
techniques and experienced manpower must be high arnongst farmers. What
is needed therefore is additional manpower to train farmers in methods
of improving production. Trainees originating from traditional farming
families should be given priority to become extension agents.
2.3.2 Technological and Financial Assistance
Current foreign aid inputs into Egypt represent a vast pool of
funds for development which includes credit facilities for farmers. As
fish farming has always been considered as a business venture, loan
fadlities are also likely to exist to support aquaculture enterprises.
There is a considerable local input into aquaculture research
spearheaded by IOf. With the establishment of the Abbasa National fry
farming Centre and other Government Stations [Table 19, figs. 12 & 13],
there will be even greater opportunities for research. It is apparent
from Table 16, fig. 14 that considerable work is already underway in
intensive cage culture technology. Improvement of the howash system
also represents an area where long term trials should indicate the
direction for future development.
Egypt therefore has a vast pool of knowledge and the necessary
facilities to conduct research to improve its fish farms. However,
practical orientated research is too recent to have any significant
effect on national production but trends are evident.
2.3.3 Availability of Industrial Inputs
Aquaculture sites are within developed agriculture areas and
therefore by-products should be readily available for fish feeding
[Table 20]. But there is a conflict in interest. Agricultural byproducts
[Table 21] are vital to the livestock industry. Pressure on
land use has caused stockfeed production to be increased to supplement
the loss in grazing. This means that there is little surplus for use as
fish feeds. Similarly manures are likely to find use on crop lands as
fertilizers. Egypt however uses inorganic fertilizers at the rate of
2374kg/ha/yr. There might be scope for the use of inorganic fertilizers
in fish ponds although a better approach would be integrated farming.
This is already evident with the increase in rizipisciculture and
integrated duck/fish farms.
Industrial development in Egypt is weIl advanced. Equipment,
spares and maintenance services are generally available to cater for
most fish farmers needs.
2.3.4 Existing Infrastrueture
In 1981 energy use in Egypt was the equivalent of 595kg
coal/cap/yr. This suggests a weH established distribution network.
But, as fish farms are likely to be located in marginal areas, it is
doubtful that they would have access to this grid. fuel pumps would be
necessary. All major centres being served by road and rail, as weIl as
water transport, the delivery of fish to market and the commodities to
the farms are unlikely to be a problem. However it should be noted that
prime areas for intensive warmwater fish production do tend to be remote
[fig. 16] and development in these areas would be problematic.
The existence of an important fishery from Lake Nasser to the Delta
Region implies that refrigerated routes exist for fish transport.
Projects located at a distance along these routes are likely to reach
prime market centres.
Widespread irrigation suggests a great scope for integration but
"restrictions on water use may hamper such development.
The networks of Government stations [Table 19, fig. 12], fry
collection centres and hatcheries [Table 14, fig. 13] as well as other
experimental sites [Table 16] show that the infrastructure to support
the fish farm industry is weH developed and likely to assist greatly
future projects.
2.4 Conclusions
In the last five years Egypt has made rapid advances to develop its
fish farming industry. It also has a long established traditional
aquaculture sector. The latter has adopted non-conventional
technologies adopted to the peculiar conditions of unstable, highly
saline soils and to make maximum use of all water resources available.
Statistics are uncertain as to the categorisation of such traditional
systems and the recent rapid developments are as yet not properly
documented. They have not yet fully realised their potential. A clear
analysis of the present status of aquaculture is therefore not possible.
But, if Egypt is to sustain its own fish production to satisfy its
needs, there is a good possibility that aquaculture could meet most of
that demand. The immediate scope would be to intensify established
tradi tional methods. However, there is only limited knowledge
suggesting ways in which this could be implemented. Further, most areas
are outside the optimum zone for maximum growth of the favoured
tilapias. Mullet fry are in short supply due to high losses during
transportation. Efforts need to be directed towards maximising survival
of mullet and enhancing pond productivity. Carps have developed rapidly
with numerous hatchery units, but as a non traditional species it is not
yet clear to what extent it will be accepted on the market. Total
integration with either irrigation or livestock, offers great potential
for the most economic development of aquaculture. Illustrated in fig.10
is that greater than 600kg/ha/yr must be achieved for profit. Manpower
'I-
.-

and food representing over 60% of cost and economic returns depending
upon situation can vary between 8 to 50%/yr [Table 22J. Manpower
requirements for the extension of new concepts are high not only from
the quantitative point of view but also qualitatively.
In conclusion, Egypt may be considered as having an above average
chance of success in aquaculture development [Table 23J. Positive
points are suitability of land and water sites, Government support
services, a tradition of fish farming, a business approach as weIl as a
low fixed costs, high demand and good market. Negative points are the
lack of technology for maximising production and for products handling.
It is therefore only a question of time before Egypt obtains the
required experienced in more intensive techniques and maximises
aquaculture production.
3. EI.. WAFAA FARM PROJECT
3.1 History
The Osman Group are involved in food security projects in Egypt.
Fish was considered as of possible potential and research was planned to
establish an appropriate technology for the region. In 1979 there was
an interest to assist a project at Ismailya which had been established
by Eng. Hassan. In 1981 3 ponds were built at EI Wafaa, increased by 3
in 1982 and 3 again in 1983. Carp/mullet and wild tilapia were farmed
but in 1984 imported tilapia strains were obtained from Israel. In 1985
2 ponds of 1.5 acres and a M.T. hatchery were established valued at LE
120 000. Mike Sipe [Florida J, Marsdan [Jodan J and Aquaculture
Production Technology [IsraelJ have all been consulted for economic
inputs as it is planned to expand the project to 50 acres at a site near
Ismailya.
3.2 Description
The layout of the farm is illustrated in Fig. 15. The objective is
to produce 2 to 5 million sex-reversed fry and 25t fish from 9 acres of
ponds and a hatchery unit. The site is located 20 km from Cairo Centre,
opposite Tura. The farm also has a duck production unit capable of 250
000 ducklings per year, now set to expand to 10 000 breeders and 1.5
million ducklings.
A new hatchery for tilapia sex-reversal has been built on site,
consists of 8 x 2.6m diameter hexagonal concrete tanks. Fry once
treated are grown-out in the ponds receiving pumped water from the
nearby Nile River. Breeding takes place in ponds and are transferred
within one week of ernerging.
3.3 Production Perfonnance
3.3.1 Hatchery
A summary of the first production of the newly constructed Sex
Reversal Process [SRPJ hatchery is given in Table 24.
Six SRP cycles were carried out during 1985 using 300 female
O.niloticus: 150 male fish. A total of 474 000 fry were produced, 79
000 per cycle approximatesly 260 fry/female/month. This closely
approximates that achieved in Baobab Tilapia Arena systems and is
acceptable. However problems arose in the sex reverse process. Only
65$ of stocks survived [= 56% if cycle 6 which was aborted half way is
includedJ. This is less than the expected rate of 75%.
Stocking of SRP tank~ was at an average of 6045/m 3 of which harvest
was a low 3900 fry/m. This is at a rate 2.5 fold less than
recol!lllended.
Fry grew from 25mg to 343mg which is a good SGR of 8.7%/ind/dy but
considerably lower than that postulated in the manual.
Observed during the SRP was that after day 10, fry began to die and
exhibited severe deformaties, particularly of the head. Increased
feeding and transfer of water use from weIl 11 to weIl 111 between
cycles 3 and 4 did not improve condition. Food initially was 45%
protein diet imported from Israel on 1st April and 8th May which was
fully used up by 17th July. After this new food was purchased from
Norway and used for the rest of the cycles. This would mean that food
was being stored for 2 to 3 months before final use and could suggest
that aflatoxin or rancidity may be the cause of deaths.
3.3.2 Ponds
The ponds were put to full production for the first time on 2nd
April 1984 using 56 000 x 4-5g all male tilapia hybrids imported from
Israel. Mullet, prawn and carp were used in polyculture. The overall
performance analysis is presented in Table 25, Fig. 16 and 17. Details
of select pond water quality and performance is given in Fig. 18 and
select water temperature data in Fig. 19. Table 26 and 27 present
greater detail of the performance of tilapia in the systems during 1984
and 1985 respectively and this is illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21.
3.3.2.1 Pond Performance Data
From Table 25 and 26 it is possible to summarise pond performance
in 1984 as foliows:
At a total stocking rate of 62 500/ha [+ 18 500 J of which tilapia
comprised 44.3% [24 150/ha + 13 000 J the yield amounted to 9.4 t/ha/yr
[+2.9J of which 67.9% was tilapia at a yield of 6.96 [+2.5Jt/ha/yr.
Tilapia survival amounted to 62.4% [+34.1 J but mullet prawn and carp
overall survival was a low 33.3% [+6.6J primarily due to a loss of
prawns and mullets. Feeding at a rate of 73.5kg/ha/dy [+31.6J pelleted
feed or between 1.7 to 10% biomass per day a food conversion rate of
3.31 [+1.62J was achieved. Tilapia grew at an overall SGR of 2.32%1dy
[+O.33J attaining an average size of 261.3g [+45.9J in 190 days.
In 1985 the results are not complete but from sampIe data [Table
27J performance can be sUl!lllarised as foliows:

Stocking at between 20 to 737 thousand tilapia per hectare a
production of 10.7t/ha/yr [+7.8] was achieved at a SGR of 3.5%1dy
[+0.51]. The F.G.R. of 2.11 [+0.77] was obtained for a feeding rate of
64.4kg/ha/dy.
3.3.2~2 Pond Performance Analysed
The values achieved in production were not performed under any
experimental control. Stocking rates varied between 26 000 to 740
OOO/ha, feeding rate also was variable, as were polyculture ratios, pond
size, aeration, starting size, starting date, harvest date, etc. In
addition unexplained losses as well as wild entry masked any consistency
in stock control.
It is difficult given the above conditions to draw accurate
conclusions from the data nevertheless results show system potential and
general trends are apparent. The variation in stock rate and feeding is
apparent in Fig. 16. Increased stocking rate gives rise to increased
production [Figs. 17b, 20e & 21d]. From Fig. 17d it appears that
feeding at 50kg/ha/yr can sustain a biomass of 8 to lOt/ha. The F.G.R.
of less than 2:1 [Fig, 17c] suggests this to be on optimum feeding level
although there does appear to be a possible loss in growth performance
[Fig. 17a] but due to the variation in the data this may not be
significant. From Fig. 2Ob, the implication is that S.G.R. is affected
by increased density and that smaller average harvest size [Fig. 2Oc] is
correlated with increased stocking despite an increase in feeding rate
[Fig. 20a]. This affect on S.G.R. is also apparent from Fig. 21c for
1985 data.
From Fig. 18, fish growth [tÜapia] appears not to be affected by
time in the system and does not suggest that crowding may be to blame.
The trend is apparent at onset implying factors within the system or
stock interaction are to blame. Of interest however is that temperature
has a significant influence. Both ponds 4 and 9 start of slower than
the others can be correlated to lower water temperature condition [Fig.
18]. Unfortunately no complete seasonal water temperature record for
all ponds was available but what data was, is given in Fig. 19. Glearly
evident is that for 6 months of the year from November through to the
end of April pond conditions are below optimum for tilapia growth.
Dramatic temperature rise is evident"in May which stabalises until
October when temperatures begin to drop. Effectively therefore only for
4 months of the year at El Wafaa are pond temperatures suitable for
maximum tilapia growth. Ponds conditions under a greenhouse [fig. 19c]
appear better with sub-optimum conditions for less than 2 months in
December and January.
3.4 RecCllllleDded Mode of Operation
From the trends apparent above it is possible to arrive at a nurnber
of conclusions and predict the expected stock rate, survival and likely
productivity of the El Wafaa Farm. These projections are sumrnarised in
Table 28 and an operation schedule suggested in Table 29.
3.4.1 Hatchery System
Because of low temperature condition breeding is unlikely to take
place until April. Broodstock should therefore be safeguarded during
winter by overwintering in the greenhouse and transferring to broodponds
only in April as water conditions warm up. The first seasons spawn
would therefore only be ready for transfer to the SRP system in May and
into nursery ponds in June. This implies that only 6 cycles are
possible per year [Table 29] and that the first seasonal SR fry would
only be ready for on-growing by late June. Effectively 3 months
production time would be lost if the operation was dependant upon the
first seasonal SR fry for on-growing. In other words, at the onset of
the season in order to maximise production through utilising the full 6
months potential growing period for tilapia, the El Wafaa Farm would
have to overwinter SR fry so as to be in a position to stock the
production ponds in April.
3.4.2 Production Ponds
The extent to which the ponds are used for overwintering very much
depends on any possible seasonal variation in the price of SR seed. It
is very likely that seed sales early in the season would fetch a
premium. Table 29 illustrates an option whereby half of the SR fry are
overwintered and half sold mid-season. At the end of winter SR fry are
sorted and stocked into production ponds and any surplus is sold.
Should sales exhibit a premium price all SR fry could be overwintered.
It is anticipated therefore that all ponds would be brought into
production as early in the season as is practically possible thereby
maximising on the warm months. The main sales of table fish would be in
September/October. However if market surveys suggest aperiod when fish
are at a premium, certain stocks could be overwintered to cater for that
market.
The stock programmes adopted are all explained in the notes
accornpanying Table 28 and are derived from Table 25, 1984 results.
4. APPRAISAL OF EL WAFAA FARM
The following points were discussed in detail during the mission
and are surnmarised here for future reference.
4. 1 Hatetlery
4.1.1 S. R. P. Manual
The manual appears over-ambitious and over-designed and in the
light of the first year of operation a number of changes are apparent.
Discussed below or suggestions which appear in the order in which they
are given in the manual.
Item 1.1: The operating period is given as April to September. Frorn
Fig. 19, conditions are still too cold in April and production will only
be between mid-May to mid-October as shown in Ta~le 29.

The stock density in SRP tank of 10 000 to 13000 fry per sq.m. is
excessive for at a rate of 27% of this, mortality was 44.3%. Factors
causing loss were not clear and therefore it is suggested that the
system be tested experimentally over a range of densities to confirm the
optim~ level. Su~gested is a duplicate trial of 4 densities from
1500/m to 13 OOO/m. The result would establish the potential of the
system.
Item 1.2: The basis of estimating 5000 fry per female in 6 cycles is
high i.e. 833 fry per female per cycle. In fact the manual implies only
one third breed at any one time equivalent to 277 fry per female per
cycle. This was in effect achieved during 1985 as 260 fry/female/cycle
[Table 28J. Stock calculations should therefore be based on this rate.
The required use of 500g fernale fish is not all together practical.
Although perhaps likely to yield more fry per female, larger fish are
not as efficient in fry production per uni t body weight. Further, in
view of the handling involved [i.e. twice per cycleJ it may be better to
use smaller stocks as large fish tend to be more violent and liable to
damage themselves at each handling. A smaller fish of 150g - 200g is
more advisable and infact approaches the size used in the first year.
From Table 29, a 28% mortali ty of broodstock or 5% per cycle was
experienced. This implies there is a high stress due to handling.
Whereas the manual only allows 20% replenishment of brood after every
season, this should be increased to 50% to 'allow for losses.
, No schedule is provided allowing for broodstock development. It is
suggested that one tank in the SRP be untreated every season during
cycle 6 and overwintered in p:6 and grow-out in P.6 to replenish brood
fish [Table 29 J.
At a broodstock density of 1/m 2 , P.5 the breeding pond could hold
all brood fish to realise 2 million fry but the limiting feature is that
brood are to be overwintered. The greenhouse can only hold half of the
required total. Table28 and 29 has therefore been calculated on this
basis. Either a second overwintering greenhouse unit is considered or
alternatively overwintering is done in the P ponds. As Table 29 shows P
ponds have limited use in winter it is suggested that they are first
tested for brood overwintering as it is not clear what portion of stock
will survive.
'
Item 2.1: The expected size of 0.5 to 1.5g in 30 days of hormone
treatment is excessive. During the first year EI Wafaa achieved 0.34g.
Given the crowded conditions ~13 000/m 2 J expected of the system it is
unlikely that fry would more than double or tripIe in size during the
SRP Ci.e 0.3 - 0.5g].
Item 2.3: No feed quality is mentioned. Generally tilapia brood fish
require 25 - 30% protein and fry between 40 - 50% protein. Feeding of
broodstock for only 5 days in a 30 day cycle may not be enough. In
other words fish are fed for only 15% of the time. Further, as fish are
only to be fed while in the holding tank this does not take into account
that these fish have been recently handled and transferred some distance
to be stocked at a higher density in a confined space. Undoubtablya
large number will be stressed by this experience and are not likely to
be physiologically in astate to feed or digest this food.
Suggested is that a minimal ration [+ 1%] be fed occasionally while
fish are in P.5.
Item 2.4: Flow through at 5-6 m3/dy per 2.5m 3 tank represents a daily
exchange of 2/dy or 8%/hr. This is exceptionally low given the high
density, high feed input. Low oxygen was experienced in the system
possibly as a feature of the inefficiency of the aeration method as weIl
as a build up of organics.
Suggested is that the system be operated on aeration on a regular
flow of at least one exchange rate per hour or 20m 3/hr for the current 8
tank system.
Item 3: Stocking in March as recommended may be too early in the season
as temperatures are still below 20 0 C[Fig. 19] this would be stressful
and fish are unlikely to breed until conditions warm up in May.
The transfer of brood to the concrete pond [T-21] over a distance
of 150m is stressful and could account for the mortality. Ideally this
Tank should be adjacent the handling point. Alternatively P1 could be
modified for spawning or a cage system [i.e Hapa] could be used in
either P4 or p6 to hold the brood for the 4 - 5 days that i t takes to
reactivate the cycle.
Screens need to be placed over the supply inlet to P5 to prevent
wild fish entry. No mention is made of the treatment to clear the pond
of wild spawning. Drying out is the cheapest but if not feasible use of
lime or a bio-degradable fish toxin e.g. Tobacco leaf wastes.
Item 3.3: Fry sorting is not described. The best option is to use a
series of large bags made of netting materials mounted on a steel hoop
much like a handling net. However the net size determines the size of
fry to be graded and can be effectively carried out in the first SRP
tank.
The holding over of 10 S.R fry in cages after each treatment is an
unnecessary and costly exercise and it is unlikely that such a small
sampIe as 10 fish would have 30Y statistical bearing on the population.
This set should be done away with. Instead, sampIes can be taken from
the pond if sex ratios wish to be determined.
The water temperature recommended 25 - 28°C was never achieved
during the first year [Fig. 19d]. Infact the SRP room had a much lower
temperature condition th30 the ponds [Fig. 193]. This can be attributed
to the heavy concrete structure of the building acting as an insulation.
Essentially a greenhouse effect needs to be created. Suggested are use
of Nile or pond water instead of borehole water as the latter is
considerably cooler; Some form of recycling system to store heat
perhaps by using the adjacent greenhouse pond or solar heater panels on
the roof. With recycling filtration and screening of incoming water
would be necessary. Transparent roofing panels could be used to permit
further solar heating as weIl as pruning of s~rrounding trees which

shade the building.
Item 6.1: Ose of a~onia solution sounds expensive and hazardous.
Spraying of diesel oil should be exercised with extreme caution as
fish and oil do not mix. Paraffin has been used successfully in Asian
fish ponds but both methods remain to be evaluated for toxicity to fish.
As an alternative to pond draining to retrieve fry, it is feasible
that an intermediate step could be introduced. Two weeks after stocking
"swim-up" fry should appear along the banks in the shallows of the
ponds. This is a classical behaviour pattern of tilapia exploited in
the Far East. These fry are scooped up in a large hand net fitted with
a mosquito net bag. Carried out at regular intervals throughout the day
upto 70% of fry can be collected in this way. The remaining fry can
then be removed by draining. Fry collected in the hand net by this
method can either be held in a 2 x 3m hapa [cage of mosquito netting]
held in the pond [P.5] or transferred directly to a S.R tank and are fed
treated M.T. food. This minimises handling, for draining and collection
of fry from the pond bottom is a very cumbersome process and liable to
result in high mortality from injuries.
Item 6.2: Broodstock are perhaps better treated by dipping in
prophylactics during the transfer from P4 to T-21.
When brood are again removed from holding tank to P4 it may be wise
to recheck the mouth'of female for any incidental breeding which may
have taken place while in the holding tank.
Item 6.3: It is not clear why fry of greater than 9 - 11mm are to be
destroyed if the system has been cleared of wild spawn and is
efficiently screened. These fish could represent a genetically faster
growing stock. Depending upon the numbers involved it may be advisable
to set up a system to select for these larger fry and on-grow them as
future broodstock.
Fry entering the SRP tanks do not appear to und ergo any form of
prophylactic treatment other than to use diesel in the tanks to kill
bugs. It is feH that all fry sortin,g, treatment and removal of bugs
should be done outside the SRP room. Aseparate sorting tank system
should be set up outside. The fry coming in should undergo a
prophlactic treatment similar to that described for the broodstock. In
addition a foot bath should be placed at the entrance to the SRP room so
as to maintain a sterile environment. Water used in the SRP room should
also be pretreated either by·U.V. or ozone sterilisation to counter any
possible pathogen build up in the system. The use of borehole water
for this purpose was commendable but it appears that the tanks are
covered in a ferric deposit. Groundwater quality is therefore
questionable and may not be advisable to use for fry production until
fully analysed to verify that no likely fish toxins are present.
The mention that daily removal of accumulated dirt suggests the
tank system is not self-cleaning. Daily cleaning of the tanks is
therefore likely to be stressful to the fry. An increased water flow is
recommended [see Item 2.4 above]. Further the screen mechanism on the
drains outlet is very cumbersome and expensive. A modification is
suggested and illustrated in Fig. 22. A was te water P. V.C. pipe is used
as the draining unit covered in micro-screen material providing a,
simpler easy to manage screening system and the water level is
controlled by the outside drainage stand pipe. When cleaning aspare
pipe unit can easily be supplemented while the screens are taken for
cleaning.
The air loop is perhaps an inefficient way of aeration as the air
bubbles are large. To improve aeration smaller bubbles are necessary.
Either use special perforated pipes or place sand bags over the existing
system to create an air stone effect.
The paragraph [pg. 12] describing net covers to the tanks is
confusing. The implications are that originally the design was for
outdoor use hence net covers are necessary against predatory birds. It
is not clear therefore why this is mentioned for El Wafaa where the SRP
tanks are housed inside a bUilding. If the use of the building was
intended to act as a greenhouse it failed and this leads to cautioning
against any modifications to designs without due consideration. Had the
building been open sided or had the tanks been outdoors, water
temperature conditions would be considerably warmer.
Item 7.1: Feed quantity appears under-estimated according to the data
provided e.g.
- 2 million fry if achieve 0.5 to 1.5g in day 30 = 2000kg biomass
- Therefore 2000kg of fry of 19 average size at an average F.C.R. of 2:1
= 4000kg feed requirement.
The estimated one tonne of feed for 2 million fry implies at a 2: 1
FCR that fry only average O.25g after 30 days of feeding. Thus either
item 7.1 is under-estimated or expected growth, item 2.1 is overestimated.
There is no consistency in the calculation.
Item 7.2: The level of M.T. is slightly on the high side and can be
anywhere between 30 - 60mg/l average 45mg/l. The use of ethyl-alcohol
is expensive. The ratio of weight of food to alcohol can be lowered to
2:1 and even less by experimenting. Drying of food under a distillation
process to retrieve the alcohol is technically feasible and perhaps
economic for a large scale operations.
What appears to be neglected however is feed storage. El Wafaa
have been purchasing feed at great expense due to the necessity to
import and stock piling before use for M.T. treatment. It must be
cautioned that under the tropical humid conditions experienced in summer
this feed is unlikely to have a shelf life of more than 3 - 4 weeks.
Fungal moulds tend to develop quickly under such conditions and
aflatoxins poisoning may be a dominant feature of the mortality
experienced. Further high temperatures lead to rancid conditions if
diets are high in fats, an additional toxic response.
Food therefore should be stored at below 15 to 20 0 C and especially
M.T. treated feed should be held in a fridge. Unless feed can be
manufactured locally every effort should be made to shorten the shelf
~ ..-... ~ -,~,!

life or improve storage conditions.
Item 7.3: Feeding at 10 - 12% of biomass to fry of 10 - 15mg starting
size is too low. Fig. 23 is provided to indicate the required levels
and Fig. 24 shows the required protein component. Particle size also
needs careful attention [Fig. 23J.
Item 8.0: Examinations for parasites is important for eure but even
more essential is to prevent infections entering the system through
prophalactic measures as described above under Item 6.3.
The items discussed above may already have been covered in other
sectors of the SRP manual for the section given to the consultant
appears incomplete. Reference is made to other manual procedures not
enclosed. Nevertheless the above serves as a suggested improvement to
operations.
4.1.2 General Impression
The following are comments of a general nature not discussed above.
Tank Design: The tanks with a 20cm wall are overdesigned. To retain
3.0m 3 of water 10cm reinforced block work is cheaper and more than
adequate. Further for M.~ treatment it is common practice in the Far
East to use even shallower units.
Drainage: The drain systems are outsized. A 5 - 10cm pipe would have
been adequate elliminating the need for such deep draining trenches
which are hazardous. Planking or grills should be considerd to protect
the open drains.
Water Supply: Use of small pipe diameter and pressure pumping is
limiting to water flow. The system could have used larger pipe units
and on a supply channel principle elliminating expensive taps and
valves.
Office: The office should be accessable from outside the SRP room.
Currently workers wishing to see the management pass through SRP room
potentially bring pathogens into the system. Separate doors should be
considered.
4.1.3 Conclusions
As the SRP system was not actually operative during the visit,
comments are restricted to personal observation and from discussions
with staff. In summary the high losses during the rirst year can be
attributed to:
- Poor quality of borehole water i.e ferric deposits evident.
- Low water temperature conditions.
- deteriorating food quality due to length of storage.
- Poor aeration and low water exchange.
- Lack of staff experience.
- Potential pathogen risk.
- Over-estimates for the design of the system.
4.2 Pond Production
Pond performance in 1984 achieved a level of production equivalent.
to 9.4t/ha/yr. This is exceptionally good and there is little that can
be done to improve this condition. Survival was low but there does not
appear to be an explanation for the losses except perhaps: predation.
The only improvement to pond production would be management to
ensure fingerlings overwinter so as to get early stocking in the warm
season. This is adequately described in Table 29.
5. SCOPE FOR INTENSIVE TILAPIA TANK CULTURE
From section 2.0 it is apparent that Egypt is in a marginal
situation for intensive tilapia culture. From Fig. 9, Table 10 only the
South East corner of Egypt [Zone AJ experiences all year round warm
conditions suitable for continuous production of tilapia. EI Wafaa Farm
is located in Zone C, and it is likely that for 6 months of the year
intensive production of tilapia is not possible. Nevertheless, EI Wafaa
requested that the consultant examine that given this condition whether
intensive tank culture was economically feasible. Considered therefore
is the use of ponds to overwinter tilapia fingerlings to be stocked into
tanks for fattening in Mayas soon as temperatures warm up [Fig. 19].
The system considered does not cater for the overwintering in ponds but
the cost of this is offset against the expected cost of purchasing seed
at LE 60/1000 [after Gaafar pers. comm.J.
5.1 A Pilot Baobab Tilapia Farm Described
The system described in the following text considers a complete
model Baobab Tilapia Farm as illustrated in Fig. 25. Modifications to
suit EI Wafaa conditions are considered later.

5.1.1 Site Organisation
The Baobab Facility is to receive a supply of freshwater pumped
from the river [No. 4, Fig. 25J to a raised flume. The water first
paSses through two tiers of 20 fry on-growing raceways, each 10 x 1.5m
and only 0.5m deep [No.10 Fig. 25 & 26 J. Wooden flashboards are used to
check the rate of water flow gauged at between 125 - 250m3/hr, depending
upon stocking density. The drop between raceways is to facilitate
reaeration and a sediment trap [No.13, Fig. 25] is also positioned at
the end of the second series of raceways. Sedimentation of large
particulate wastes occurs here before the water enters a raised supply
channel [No. 14, Fig. 25J and is reused a third time in the 10 fattening
tanks [Fig. 27J. Water reuse in this fashion is not deleterious to
growth, provided oxygenation is good. It does represent a reduction in
pumping cost. To facilitate this reuse, the raceways need to be
elevated above ground to achieve sufficient head for gravity supply.
Considering the relatively low cost of energy in the country, pumping
may not necessarily be expensive and the option is available that water
reuse in this fashion could be restricted to the second raceway only.
Raceways are then built on the same grade as the tanks. The tanks then
receive first-hand water but the volume required would be increased by a
factor of 2.
The hatchery based on the "Baobab Arena" [No.17, Fig. 25J and
nursery facilities are located ad jacent the' on-growi ng raceways. The
distance over which fish have to be transferred is small and therefore
un).ikely to be stressful. Overall, the Baobab Facility measures 65 x
40I1l, covering only 2 600m 2 and is capable of a minimum production of
10t/yr, with a potential maximum of 2Ot/yr through skillful management
and provided environmental parameters permit all year round production.
Construction detail of the hatchery is given in Balarin [1983J and
design of raceways presented in Fig. 26 and tank design Fig. 27. Basic
office, food store and pump house plus perimeter security fence is also
coosidered.
5.1.2 Operations Strategy
The proposed mode of operation is Qutlined in the model shown in
Fi~. 28. This model, based on the production cycle described in Fig.
29, allows for a twelve month growing period between hatchling and 250g
marketable size.
•
The recommended strategy, therefore, is that fry produced in the
hatchery are reared for 10 weeks in nursery units, feeding on a high
protein diet. Mortality is normally high, as much as 20% of the fry
dying at this stage. Selected fish are then moved on at between 1 - 5g
size. They are transferred to the fry on-growing raceways and und ergo a
ri~orous grading programme selecting for 50% of stocks. Generally
fas ter growing are male fish [70 - 90% J. Fry graded out as undersized
ma1 be sold or used as food minced and used in diet trials. The
remaining stocks at 25g size are suitable for stocking into the circular
fattening tanks. Six months would then have passed and it will take the
fish a further six months to reach harvest size. The process is
continuous and each tank is stocked in sequence.
In theory therefore, the circular fattening tanks should und ergo
two production cycles per year. With 10 such tanks, the unit should
produce 20t of fish per year plus trash and seed fish. However for the
purpose of a pilot unit this model is overdesigned, six tanks and 12 ongrowing
raceways would have been adequate, a potential 10t/yr
production.
The system is capable, through better managemen t, of undergoing
four production cycles per year. This is achieved by stocking at a
larger initial size. Although this provision has been allowed for, i t
is anticipated that the system would never reach its maximum potential
capacity primarily because of:
_ Temperature extremes - cool winter [i.e loss of 6 months production in
EgyptJ
- Requirement for skillful management.
- Possible food quality problems.
Therefore, 10t has been set as the maximum achievable yield for a
pilot unit and the system can be considered aS being of a production
range of 10 to 12t/yr.
5. 1.3 Technical Detail of Proeess
The technical details of the process of intensive tank culture of
tilapia have recently been reviewed by Balarin and Haller [1982J.
Relevant data pertinent to this project are discussed below [after
Balarin, 1979J. The basic concept of operation involves models:
- Stocking programme
- Growth rate
- Feeding rate
- Water flow requirement.
Sophisticated technology has been kept to amInImum. Graphic
models have been developed for ease of understanding yet with the
potential to be computerised and automated.
5.1.3.1 Stocking programme
An example of a stocking programme model is given in Fig. 28.
Different rates for stocking density are set for each stage, varying
with unit type, unit size and prevailing environmental and water quality
conditions. Allowances are made for mortalities, stock removal due to
growth differentials and sales of seed or market size fish. The values
for each stage can be calculated, given known conditions.
High density stocking also prevents reproduction. Males in defence
of territory at high densities often become exhausted at the number of
intruders which have to be kept out of a chosen "nesting" site.
Territorial behaviour therefore falls away. Should successful mating
occur, however, cannibalism of eggs and fry by the surrounding stock
results in a poor success rate.

Set stocking rates are therefore laid down wi th some flexibility
for stock manipulation depending upon ultimate market size. Baobab Farm
employs the following rates:
Fingerlings [1 - 25gJ 1000 2000/l]l3
Adults [25-250gJ = 200 500/m5
5.1.3.2 Growth rate
Given prevailing seasonal water temperature conditions, it is
possible to calculate a model growth curve. This may vary according to
diet, water quality and species and can be determined empirically during
pilot scale developments. Regular random sampIe weighings then become
the management tool to assess performance against that expected.
This permits early detection of any deviation from the norm and
corrective measures can be initiated. An overall specific growth rate
[SGRJ expected under the prevailing conditions at the site is about
1.5%/d. A market size of 250g can therefore be expected six months
after starting with a 25 - 30g fish. This is a conservative estimate as
the project should aim for a production cycle of six months [SGR = 2%/dJ
as climate permits only a 6 month growing season [Fig. 19 J.
5.1.3.3 Feeding rate
Feeds are generally formulated from locally available ingredients.
Were the tilapia project attached to an irrigation project, the bulk
feed ingredient could be from crop byproducts, such as brans, broken
grain or oil seed expeller cakes. These are incorporated into a mix
with animal and plant protein ingredients. Where no such waste products
are available, diets are formulated from recognised suitable ingredients
[Table 20 & 21]. The proportions vary according to the protein content
required for each stage of on-growing and consideration is also given to
achieve aleast cost formulation. Mineral and vitamin supplements are
added to achieve a nutritional balance. Recent developments in feed
formulation have been reviewed by Jauncey and Ross [1982J. Generally for
tilapia a 25 - 30% protein, low fibre pellet is required. Some of the
poultry feeds in use in Egypt may suffice.
From the protein and digestible portion of a ration, it is possible
to calculate, for given temperatures, the required rate of feeding for
optimum growth. An attempt is made to achieve an economic food
conversion ratio [FCR] approximating 2: 1. A conservative FCR 'of 2.5: 1
is assumed for this project. After each random sampie, feed rates are
adjusted accordingly to optimize growth and maintain an economic FCR.
Under Baobab Farm conditions the following formulae applies:
Log Y = 1.3-0.46 log X [b = 0.46+ 0.39J
Where: Y feeding rate as percent body weight/day
X mean body weight [gJ
5.1.3.4 Water flow requirement
A continuous water exchange is preferred to aeration by
oxygenation. This flow provides all the fish's oxygen requirements and
flushes excretory waste products from the system. System design
facilitates cleaning. In a circular tank, the inflow is set at a
tangental angle creating a spiral ebb to the central drain. Solids are
carried out in the current thus created. By manipulation of water flow
and angle of inlet pipe, it is possible to vary the velocity of the tank
current. This is important to create a current fast enough to move
large faecal particles but not to cause excessive swimming of the fish.
High velocities result in energy expenditure at the expense of growth.
If the current were too slow, it may not only result in faecal build up
but can lead to successful reproduction. Generally in tanks where male
tilapia can hold station and defend a nesting territory, breeding
occurs. In the tank there are no reference marks, Le. stones,
vegetation or depressions. In defence of territory, whenever a male
pursues an intruder, he is carried some distance from the nest by the
current. Disorientation results. The male therefore finds difficulty
in recognising his nest and gives up any thought of breeding. High
flow, therefore and high density stocking prevent successful
reproduction in tanks.
A flow rate of between 0.5 - 1.0Llmin/kg,
is generally adequate at Baobab Farm.
5.1.4 Production technique
varying with size range,
This section elaborates on the production process with reference to
choice of systems design and techniques as recommended for Egyptian
conditions.
5.1. 4.1 Breeding
The proposed technique will be initially to produce fry of
O.niloticus and select for faster growth. As the system develops, i t
might be envisaged that all male fry will be produced either by male
hormone treatment or hybrid crosses. The surplus seed produced could be
available for sale as seed.
The Baobab Breeding Arena described by Balarin [1983J exploits the
natural breeding behaviour of the mouth brooding group of tilapia. The
unit comprises three concentric zones. The male fish are permitted to
set up territory in a centrally located arena the floor of which is
covered in sand [nesting materialJ. Fernales can pass through a
selective screen and have freedom of movement over the whole tank while
males cannot enter the outer fernale breeding area. Fernales, once mated
swim to this area to brood the young. Fry, when ready for release, are
deposited by the parent in the shallows from where they enter the
outermost ring. This ring, designated as a fry collection ring, is
drained daily and fry transferred to nursery raceways.

The unit proposed is capable of producing 250 000 fry per year.
Allowing for 50-60% mortality or grade-out, this is over 40-50% more
than that needed for production of lOt of market size fish. The surplus
caters for research needs, optional sale as fingerlings, or future
expansion in production. It is doubtful however that such a system would
be functional for more than 6 months in Egypt. Water temperatures are
restrictive. It is considered therefore in this study that fry for a
tank system would have to be bred and raised in ponds. Sex reversal is
optional but overwintering for outgrow next season is a must.
5.1.4.2 Hearing
Three basic systems approaches are proposed for the growing of fry
to market size.
[a] Nursery [from hatching to 5g]:
Shallow concrete raceways units [Fig. 26] are designed so that
there is ereated a warm shallow area in which the thermophilie fry
eongregate to feed on epilithic algae and powdered artificial feeds.
The fry benefit from the elevated temperature created by this design.
Provision is also made for a deep water retreat in the event of climatic
extremes.
[b] On-growing raceways [from 5 - 25g]
Similar in appearance to the nursery raceways [Fig. 26] these units
are much deeper in order to accommodate larger fish and are of a design
which can facilitate grading. It is for this latter reason and for
better management that smail raceways are preferred for fry rearing.
Also, as numerous units are needed for different size stocking, it is
costly to construct round tanks. Raceways share a common wall and are
therefore less expensive.
[e] Fattening tanks [from 25 - over 200g]
Circular concrete tanks are seleeted for rearing tilapia to a
saleable size. The design makes for efficient removal of wastes. The
continuous current prevents reproduction and forces the fish to swim,
the exercise leading to good quality f~esh. The water inlet is directed
at a tangental angle so as to create a spiral current, carrying wastes
toward a eentrally located drain [Fig. 27]. Tanks of this design are
capable of holding 50kg/m3. At a possible two to four prod~otion cycles
per year, yields can be in the order of 100 - 200kg/m Iyr. Under
Egyptian climatieconditions it is unlikely that raceways would be
feasible for fry ongrowing. Raceway use for grading is possible.
Fattening in tanks would be restricted to 6 months in Summer only.
5.1.4.3 Harvest and marketing
When a tank of fish comes of size, or before-hand, depending upon
demand, fish are netted and a saleable size selected out by sorting or
grader-box. It is advisable to keep an excess of saleable size fish in
storage tanks to act as a dispatch point and reserve for oceasional
sales. Undersized fish may be on-grown or sold, depending on available
tank space and their size category, i.e. whether they are near a size
that will fetch a premium price or not.
Marketing is to be the responsibility of the manager. Once a
customer is identified, fish can be harvested and dispatched fresh. It
is preferable, however, if fish, or the larger portion, can be sold at
the gate. Sales promotion, transport costs and man-time are then
minimal.
5.1.5. Plan of Implementation and Production
The development of the Baobab Tilapia Culture Facility is envisaged
in two phases:
Phase 1
Phase 2
10 - 12t/yr [pilot scale]
scale up to optimum scale of economics.
The stages in eonstruction and management of Phase 1 are aecording
to the following plan:
5.1.5.1. Stage 1: Preliminaries
With the completion of the present mission, this stage can be
considered as complete. Following the realisation of the need for a
pilot Fish Farm Centre, the allocation of a site and acceptance of the
detailed projeet draft all that remain are for specific detail and
design specifieations of the Baobab Facility. The present mission only
appraises the viability of establishing such a faeility. Detail design
and tender doeuments would have to constitute aseparate item.
5.1.5.2. Stage 2: Construction
It is antieipated that the eontractor should begin work on other
aspeets of the Fish Farm at the same time as starting on the produetion
facility. It is recommended that the first priority is to be the
construetion of water supply and installation of pumps so that water is
readily available for ground eompaetion and the curing of concrete
struetures.
The order of construetion of the Facility is as folIows:
Ca] Water supply and drainage [10 weeks]
[b] Breeding arena [6 weeks]
[c] Fry rearing raeeways [6 weeksJ
Cd] Fry on-growing raeeways [8 weeks]
Ce] Fattening tanks [8 weeks]
5.1.5.3. Stage 3: Produetion
As soon as the hatchery is complete and the cement cured, it is
anticipated that stoeking can eommence by introducing brood fish to
start up the production cycle. These fish should be imported as fry some
months before and reared to size in the existing fish farm facilities.
A stock of O. niloticus, estimated at a few hundred, is already held in
the eentre. Arrangements eould be made to purchase or otherwise use
these fish for initial stock production until suf~icient brood stock can

e imported. The purity of the stocks requires verification. It is not
recommended that their use be prolonged, but only as an initial carryover
until better stocks are available.
Initiating start-up as soon as is practicably possible will mean an
early production turnover. The construction period of operation is not
expected to yield much production. A conservative minimum 50%
production is expected in the first year with 100% in the next year,
eventually reaching a maximum as the project is scaled up. Low initial
production is expected in order to account for start-up problems,
inexperience, research needs and general plant organisation. The
realisation of production potential depends upon management and staff
quality as weIl as research demands.
5.1.5.4. Stage 4: Technical Assistance
An engineer is of particular importance during construction and
should be on site at least one month before the project is due to start.
A biologist should be responsible for operations and it is recommended
that he undertake a visit to Baobab Farm, Kenya, for a preliminary
introduction to the system before construction starts.
Technical consultations will be required at project start-up, first
stocking and at harvest. These consult~ncy missions should also be
considered as sessions for project appraisal, progress reporting and for
on site staff training. Addi tional annual project reviews or trouble
shooting services are advisable. After at least two years of operation,
it is considered that the staff can begin to offer assistance to other
projects in Egypt.
5.2 Modifi~tions to Suit Egyptian Conditions
From the rationale described in Section 2.0, it is feasible that .
intensive Systems could technically be developed in Egypt however there
is one majo~ drawback, climatic conditions are marginal. Modifications
to the operqtions are necessary.
5.2.1 Hatcnery Operation Modifications
As proposed in Section 3.4, it is feasible that the cycle described
in Table 29 could equally apply to intensive tank systems. Fry are bred
in ponds, ~ex reversal or otherwise treated and on-grown in ponds
achieving 25 - 50g in the first season. Fish of this size are then
overwinter€!d and in May of the next year as condi tions warm up can be
transferred to the tanks for on-growing to market size.
An
intermediate grading stage using raceways should be considered.
5.2.2 Tank Operation Modificatioos
Given that water conditions are only suitable for tilapia growth
between May to October [Fig. 19J, this is the likely period when tank
culture systems can operate. Management must therefore be geared to
produce fing~rlings of a size suitable to reach a marketable size within
3 or 6 months from stocking in the tanks.
From Fig. 30 it is apparent that tilapia of 200 to 750g fetch a
premium price of LE 2.00/kg. The minimum target size of 200g can be
aChieved in 90 days from a starting size of 50g. Thus the hatchery and
on-growing overwinter must be geared to produce fish of 25 and 50g by
May of the next season. All tanks should then be s tocked wi th the 50g
fish at the start of the season by end of July these would be saleable.
The 25g fish can in the meantime be grown on ready for stocking into
tanks in June and would be saleable by end of October. Two cycles a
year are therefore permissable at EI Wafaa using a combination of tank
system, overwintering ponds and the S.R.P. hatchery. These would mean
peak sales b~tween July and October aperiod when there is generally a
shortage of tish due to high water levels in the Nile. The only benefit
to using a tqnk system is the saving of space. Production per unit area
would increa~e 10 fold in efficiency of space.
5.3 Modelli4g Economies of Sca1e
This final section is presented as a financial analysis of cost
parameters a.ffecting economic viability and determining the optimum
economics. the mode of operation is as described above in Section 5.2.
such that the systems are only in operation for 6 months of the year.
Production is therefore 50% of potential and as a safety factor upto 30%
allowance ha~ been made for variation in production. A range is used in
calculation which represents possible losses due to uncontrolled
conditions o~ poor management. The technical aspects adopted are those
as described by Balarin and Haller [1982J. Costs are derived from
estimates a:s provided by Engs. Hassan, Abou el Seoud and Gaafar.
Economic fa.ctors as employed by accountants at EI Wafaa were
incorporated. Other notes wi th respect to economic calculations are

......
attached to the respective tables.
5.3.1 Capital Cost
The cost of construction of the 5 model units is given in Table 30
and illustrated in Fig. 31 with a detail of proportionate distribution
of costs shown in Fig. 32. From Fig. 31 it is apparent that units of a
size below 50t/yr are disproportionately more costly to construct
relative to the tonnage output. Larger uni ts cost between LE 4000 to
5500 per tonne fish per year. It should be borne in mind that climate
permitting these units could achieve double this output representing a
halving of capital item. From Table 22 it can be calculated that at
1977 - 1980 prices a hectare of pond cost approx. LE 2014/ha capable of
an average 2.3t/ha/yr yield. This gives a capital item of LE 875/t/yr.
Allowing for 15%/yr inflation, at current prices this would represent
approx. LE 2000 to 2675/t/yr which equalls that calculated in Table 30.
In other words tank systems per tonnage production represent the same
capital expenditure as per pond systems.
The greatest expenditure in tank systems is the construction of
tanks [Fig. 31J. Bearing in mind that safety factors were taken into
account during costing and further that the Osman Group has its own
construction company it is very likely that this construction item could
be substantially reduced if built inhouse. Further reduction is
possible in pump costs if the pump head could be maintained at a
minimum, an important feature in site selection.
5.3.2 Operation Costs
A detailed operation cost analysis accounting for the given
potential range of operation is given in Table 31, illustrated in Fig.
33 with detail of cost distribution shown in Fig. 34.
It is evident that the economics of scale of operation indicates
that for systems above 50t/yr there is a considerably reduction in cost
per unit weight of fish produced and ranges between LE 1.75 to 2.5/kg
production. From Fig. 33 it is clearly evident that at the prices for
tilapia given in Fig. 30, for good management the break-even point
approaches a 100t/yr unit and for poor management is a unit over
300tlyr. The average size uni t therefore is about 200t/yr. However
profit margins are very small. This is contrary to that reported in the
summary report [Appendix IIIJ as greater safety factors have been
incorporated both in construction cost and operation costings. For
example depreciation [10%] and overheads [20%J add considerably to cost
factors such that miscellaneous costs range between 30 to 38% [Fig. 34].
In addition fingerlings make up 10 to 18% of operations. It should be
noted that these have been costed at LE 60/1000 which is almost double
the estimated production cost and therefore also includes profit
allocated to the hatchery operations of the farm. Making allowances for
these inclusions it is feasible that the tank systems could realise
profit but it is doubtful that this will be anywhere near substantial.
From Table 22 pond production costs 1977 - 1980 prices averaged LE
253/kg which at current rates would approximate LE 585 - 890/kg,
substantially lower than the tank unit and yielding areturn to capital
of 26%. More recent data, [Fig. 10] indicates that for larger pond
farms compared to Fig. 31 for tanks, the most striking difference is
that tank systems as costed have a disproportionately higher cost of
over 50% attributed to miscellaneouS items and seed purchase. This
emphasises the statement above that these items have been oversubscribed
in the budgets put forward in Table 31.
5.3.3 Conclusions
It is beyond the scope of this consultancy to consider cost
sensitivity and arrive at a working model for implementation. The
objectives of this mission have been met in that economic parameters
have been used to indicate potential. Any further calculations need
more detailed and accurate cost estimates which were not available
during this mission and would have to be the subject of aseparate
study.