This study presents an economic analysis of tiger and humpback grouper at different production scales in Indonesia. The results highlight the non-viability of smallscale tiger grouper farming, with a 5-year projected negative cumulative cash flow of -IDR 18,102,650.00 and a negative net present value (NPV) of -IDR 22,059,576.28. An increased production scale of tiger grouper highlights a marginal viability for mediumscale farms (with a 5-year projected cumulative cash flow of IDR 198,320,673.00, a positive NPV of IDR 105,578,440.42; a benefit cost ratio of 1.25; an internal rate of return (IRR) of 88% and a payback period of 0.99 years), and an economically viable large-scale cage culture (with a 5-year projected cumulative cash of IDR 707,746,923.00; a NPV of IDR 406,801,749.07; a benefit cost ratio of 1.33; an internal rate of return of 157%; and a payback period of 0.57 years). The economic analysis of humpback grouper at different production scales highlighted a positive cumulative cash and NPV, a benefit cost ratio over 2, an internal rate of return over 300% and a payback period\1 year. A sensitivity analysis revealed that increased survival rate up to 80% would increase cumulative cash and NPV of small-scale tiger grouper cage culture. Additionally, improved profitability performance was associated with decreasing major production costs, increasing production and price of the product.

The structure of cost and return for cobia cage culture in Taiwan was studied by considering two major factors, geographical location and production scale. Although the geographical location had little influence on the input intensities, the production scale would have a significant impact on the cost structure. However, the performances of profitability were significantly affected by not only the individual main effects but also their interaction. As a result, the studied effects on the cost and return were quantitatively estimated by a series of statistical models, in turn quantitatively measured by a set of indices. A short-term strategy of the management suggested that the best choice regarding profitability is to locate the farming system with a large-scale operation in the coastal waters of Pindong. Additionally, the profitability could be further increased by selecting better quality fingerlings and feeds based on a set of the computed indices. A long-term strategy of the management strongly recommends that to increase the system size in cobia production would be much more profitable due to the positive economies of scale. Finally, a future study shall be interested in whether current speed has a limiting effect on the profitability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genotypic characteristics of Cronobacter isolated from powdered infant formula (PIF) manufacturing facilities and to identify a potential source of contamination. A total of 42 Cronobacter isolates (5%) were detected in 835 environmental samples collected during the surveillance study. These isolates included C . sakazakii ( n = 37), C . malonaticus ( n = 3), and C. turicensis ( n = 2). The isolates were divided into 14 sequence types (STs) by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and 21 pulsotypes (PTs) using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The dominant C. sakazakii sequence types were ST3 ( n = 12) and ST21 ( n = 10), followed by ST136 ( n = 6). The major PTs were PT22 ( n = 12) and PT17 ( n = 4) based on 100% similarity. Strains isolated from samples collected at the same production facility showed closer phylogenetic relation than those collected from distinct facilities. The result of extensive traceback sampling showed that PIF residues (PIF dust in production areas), fluid beds, drying areas, floors, and soil samples collected adjacent to the production facilities were the primary positive areas for Cronobacter . The present study outlines an effective approach to determine prevalence and genetic diversity of Cronobacter isolates associated with contamination of PIF.

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In recent years, cobia has become an emerging farmed species in Asia due to its quick growth and high economic value. This study collects biological and economic data affecting the economic performance of cobia farming in three countries, namely Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. The data are collected by questionnaire sampling and analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis in order to compare the key factors affecting the production and economy of cobia farming in these three countries. The results show that Taiwan, China, and Vietnam have significant differences in input intensities and profitability. China has the highest input intensity (3372.42 TWD/m 3 ), as its high stocking density increases feed input. Taiwan has the highest unit input cost (103.44 TWD/kg), as the high quality of the product increases the price of cobia in Taiwan, which offsets the high product costs. In terms of profitability, the benefit-cost ratio is over one in all three countries, indicating that the profitability of cobia farming is good in all three countries. Profitability analysis shows that fingerlings in China achieve 36.50, which is the highest among the three countries; whereas Taiwan has the highest feed profitability of 0.78, which reveals that the fingerlings produced in China are competitive in both price and quality, while Taiwan has the best feed management efficiency. The production costs and profitability of Vietnam fall between those of Taiwan and China. Feed cost is the main expenditure in cobia culture; thus, good feed management could effectively reduce production costs and increase business performance. The feed quality and input management model of Taiwan, in conjunction with the fingerling quality and stock model of China, could provide future reference for farming management in such areas as feed input and selection of fingerling.