PROFIT POTENTIALS IN GAME FARMING

ABSTRACT

Game farming can be complementary, supplementary, competitive or antagonistic to livestock production. Little is yet known about financial returns to game farming. Ten game farmers' economic returns were therefore compared with those of beef cattle producers. Investment per hectare was found to be comparable. Game farmers invest more in fencing and more in animals, expressed in Rand per animal unit. Gross and net incomes comparable to those of beef fanners can be obtained with game. Returns on capital are also comparable but low; neither game nor beef cattle farming appear to be attractive fields for investment. Game farming appears to be more risky than beef production. Game fanners should devote more attention to financial management and records.