A Comparison of the Costs and the Returns in Raising Seaweed, Crickets, and Superworms for Making Innovative Replacement Protein to the Animal Feed Industry

Abstract

              The objective of this research was to compare the costs and the returns in raising seaweed, crickets, and superworms for making innovative replacement protein to the animal feed industry. The samples, selected by purposive sampling, were 2 researchers who did the experiment on raising seaweed, 2 researchers who did the experiment on raising crickets and superworms, and a lecturer who was an innovative replacement project manager. The research instrument was an in-depth interview form with the structure. The data analysis was conducted by analyzing the costs of the investment returns, the payback period, NPV, IRR, and a breakeven point.

            The findings of the comparison of the costs and the returns and the financial analysis showed that the superworms should be supported to be raised by farmers. They were used as a source in producing replacement protein because raising the superworms spent low costs, the payback period was within 3.16 years, the rate of the net present value (NPV) was at 1,537,288 baht, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was by 18 percent, and there was the lowest breakeven point at 1,692 kilograms.