Research Article

Estimation of mink farming efficiency in Poland on an example of production performance of a particular farm

Ewelina Konopka, Dorota Kołodziejczyk, Stanisław Socha

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 12(3), 2013, 25‒36

Abstract. The aim of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of mink farming in Poland on the basis of pelt production and auction sales results of an exemplary mink farm located in Western Pomerania, Poland. The analyzes covered the period 2006-2009 (seasons 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009). The economic analysis covered the revenues and expenses of the farm. The analysis of revenues included the sales of both breeding material and pelts. Pelt sales results were based on the reports of two auction houses: Finnish Fur Sales and North American Fur Auctions. We applied the system of cost accounting by type, which distinguishes two types of costs, direct and indirect costs. The economic efficiency of the farm was assessed basing on economic indices and the farm reproductive performance. The aim of Polish mink farms is breeding animals for pelts. Feed costs and salaries are the most important items in terms of the total cost of pelt production. The income per pelt heavily depends on the costs incurred for its production. Reproductive performance of mink is also a significant factor of the profitability of the farm. Analysis of the farm economic performance indicators showed a very high level of remunerativeness index (144.2-227.3%). The results of our study imply a high profitability of the farm, since the profitability index ranged between 44.2% and 127.3%. The analysis of farming efficiency reveals its strong dependence on the current fur markets condition (fashion trends) and the level of animal husbandry on the farm.

Keywords: auction, cost, mink, pelt, price, profitability, revenue