Characterization of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) breeding in the province of Chincheros, Apurimac, Peru

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to characterize the production of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the province of Chincheros, Apurímac. Interviews were done to 85% of the producers (n=21) through a survey between November and December 2017. In general, 85.7% of the respondents were over 40 years old, where 42.9% had complete secondary education. The two main activities developed by the producers were agriculture (38.0%) and trout farming (33.3%). More than 50% produced more than three tons of trout per year. The pools were constructed with soil and cement (38.0%), the water supply was mainly from springs (85.7%). About half of the respondents had potable water and electricity services in their productive centres. Most purchase fingerlings as seed (85.7%), which are mostly bred for 7 and 8 months. Most episodes of mortality occur in the summer season (85%) and are attributed to changes in temperature and oxygen descent. Moreover, 75% of the producers use balanced food and the majority ration it three times a day. The weight of sale was between 200 to 250 g, which are sold mainly as whole trout at a price of between 15 and 25 soles per kilogram (1 US$=S/. 3.25).