The goal of this study was to assess the potential of using hardwood lumber in CLT manufacturing. The goal was achieved by addressing four specific objectives. The first objective was to collect CLT manufacturers' perspectives for using hardwood lumber in the current manufacturing setup. The second objective was to determine hardwood sawmills' current ability to produce structural grade lumber (SGHL) from low value logs as a product mix through a survey of hardwood lumber producers in the US. The third objective was to conduct a log yield study of SGHL production from yellow poplar (YP) logs to produce 6'' and 8'' width SGHL to match the PRG 320 requirements. The fourth objective was to determine CLTs' production cost using SGHL and compared it with the CLTs manufactured from southern yellow pine (SYP). The results suggest that all three CLT industries visited and interviewed had sufficient technology to produce hardwood CLTs. The production of hardwood CLTs was mainly limited by the quality and quantity of lumber available. The hardwood sawmill survey results indicated that, currently, less than 10% of the sawmills had all the resources required to produce SGHL. The current ability of the sawmills was measured based on the resources necessary to begin SGHL production. Forty percent of the sawmills would require an investment in sawing technology to saw SGHL, 70% would require employing a certified lumber grader, and 80% would require a planer to surface lumber. Another significant finding was the sawmills' willingness to collaborate with other sawmills and lumber manufacturers. More than 50% of sawmills were open to potential collaboration with other stakeholders if necessary, which is crucial to commercializing SGHL for a new market. The log yield study of yellow poplar helped demonstrate that the mixed grade lumber production method to convert lumber from lower quality zones as SGHL yields higher lumber volume for sawmills and at the same time reduces lower-grade lumber volume. On average, SGHL production increased lumber volume by more than 6% compared to only NHLA grade lumber production when 65% of the lumber was converted to SGHL. The volume of lower lumber grades from 2 common and below decreased from an average of 85% to less than 30% when producing SGHL as a product mix with NHLA grade lumber. This study observed more than 95% of SGHL as Number 3 and better lumber grades. At estimated lumber value, 2x6 and 2x8 SGHL and NHLA grade lumber production as product mix from a log generate higher revenue for all log groups except for the diameter 13" logs. A lower percentage of higher-grade lumber was observed for diameter 13’’ logs than other log groups from this experiment, which resulted in lower revenue. Production cost of CLTs was determined based on the lumber value to manufacture 40' x 10' plain panels with different combinations by lumber grade of yellow poplar and southern yellow pine lumber alone. Production cost was determined by assuming that lumber value contributes 40% of CLTs' total production cost. The 3- ply CLT panels were manufactured using S. Selects lumber in a major direction, and No 1-grade lumber in the minor direction from YP had a production cost of $662.56 per cubic meter, which cost only $643.10 when SYP lumber was used at referenced lumber value. This study concludes that CLT panels from YP cost 3-7 % more than SYP-CLTs at the referenced lumber values. / Ph.D. / This research aims to expand the hardwood lumber consumption in the US by evaluating the opportunity to manufacture cross-laminated timber (CLTs). First, CLT manufacturing industries were visited to know their current capacity to process hardwood lumber. The results suggest that all three CLT industries had sufficient technology to produce hardwood CLTs, and the production was mainly limited by the quality and quantity of lumber available. Commercially hardwood can be used in CLT manufacturing if it can be used for structural application. Hardwood lumber must meet the structural application's minimum requirements to manufacture the structural grade CLTs, so we surveyed the hardwood sawmills to know if they have the required resources to manufacture the structural grade hardwood lumber (SGHL). Only ten percent of the sawmills had required technology to produce SGHL without additional investments. Production of the SGHL also required to generate more revenue for the hardwood sawmills, so we conducted the log yield study to know how the revenue structure of sawmill operation will change from the mixed grade lumber production. At estimated lumber value, 2x6 and 2x8 SGHL and 1-inch National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grade lumber production as product mix from logs generate higher revenue for all log groups except for the diameter 13" logs. Finally, the production cost of SGHL from the log yield study was evaluated and used to produce CLTs at 40% production cost from lumber at 15% profit margins for sawmills and compare with southern yellow pines CLTs. The results indicate that yellow poplar CLTs cost 3-7 % more than southern yellow pines CLTs at the referenced lumber values. This study concludes that hardwood lumber can be used in CLT manufacturing, so there is an opportunity for hardwood sawmills to expand the market. The first step for commercial production of hardwood CLTs is to produce SGHL on a commercial scale, given that sawmills can benefit from these new products in the current lumber market and meet the minimum requirements of the CLT raw materials.

The promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) led to a significant increase in the number of junior exploration companies. In this regard, International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 6 allows companies to develop their own accounting policies for exploration and evaluation expenditure. However, there is no definition of either prospecting or exploration in the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (Income Tax Act). The objective of this study was to perform a literature review and to carry out empirical research by using questionnaires that were distributed to junior exploration companies to investigate whether accounting and taxation practices are consistently applied. Accordingly, the findings confirmed that the accounting and taxation practices followed by junior exploration companies are not consistently applied. / Financial Accounting / M.Com. (Accounting)

The aim of this study was firstly to perform, from the existing literature, a SWOT ("Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats") analysis of the boerbok industry. Secondly, to design a case study where a number of management accounting evaluation techniques (i.e. performance measurement (short–term focus), capital investment evaluation (long–term focus) and risk have been identified to compare the financial results of different scenarios between boerbok, sheep and cattle farming. In the case study, Scenarios 1, 2 and 3 assumed a farm size of 200 hectares and capital available of R200 000, R500 000 and R900 000, respectively. Scenarios 4, 5 and 6 assumed a farm size of 500 hectares, with the same capital as the above amounts, respectively; and Scenarios 7, 8 and 9 assumed a farm size of 900 hectares, with the same capital as the above amounts, respectively. The study concluded, from the SWOT analysis, that the boergoat inherently has the potential to be an important source of red meat in future markets. The sum total of the management accounting techniques indicated that the boerbok is in general financially the best specimen choice for farming, e.g. in seven of the nine scenarios it has the highest score. The recommendation is that the user must determine which of performance (short–term), return on capital (long–term) or risk are the most important considerations before a decision is made regarding to the choice of preferred specimen. The study's recommendation is to select boerbok farming in case both short–term financial performance and long–term return on capital are the most important factors. If risk is the major consideration, cattle farming should be selected. If the overall financial analysis outlined in the study is considered, boerbok farming should be selected, followed by sheep farming. Note that these recommendations are made for specific scenarios; therefore, the general recommendation is that each decision–maker should take his/her own unique situation's variables into account in this financial analysis. The limitations of the study, which arose because a number of assumptions were made, are as follows: The results of the investigation are only valid for the Potchefstroom and surrounding areas and, carrying capacity, based on this area's average, may even differ in the area; Dosage is based on the needs of the environment as in January 2011; Buying and selling prices are as at January 2011; The input costs for livestock handling infrastructure may differ, as farming practices and approaches differ; The physical shape of the farm could have a direct impact on the fencing expenditure; Lamb and calf growth percentages may vary as a result of different farming practices and approaches; and The combination of initial capital and farm size may influence the results. As a result of these constraints (assumptions), it is very risky to generalise, but the practical value of the study is that a Microsoft Excel programme was developed, which can be used for calculations, similar to calculations in this study, which is available at the following web address: http://sites.google.com/site/rooivleisvergelyking/. Therefore, variables such as farm size, capital available, carrying capacity, costs and prices can be changed for each unique scenario, and the results will be calculated accordingly. The contribution of this study is that it supports the decision regarding the choice between the types of red meat farming for several unique scenarios, because every land user can determine which of these species are recommended according to the different management accounting evaluation techniques. The value of the study is that it is the first attempt where the viability of three species of red meat farming is compared by means of a case study with different scenarios. The gap for further research that should be done is as follows: The number of evaluation techniques can be extended to give more substance to the results; The number of species in the comparison can be extended; An analysis of the behaviour of costs between the different scenarios can be done; and The optimal combination of farm size and capital available can be determined. / Thesis (M.Com. (Management Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The aim of this study was firstly to perform, from the existing literature, a SWOT ("Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats") analysis of the boerbok industry. Secondly, to design a case study where a number of management accounting evaluation techniques (i.e. performance measurement (short–term focus), capital investment evaluation (long–term focus) and risk have been identified to compare the financial results of different scenarios between boerbok, sheep and cattle farming. In the case study, Scenarios 1, 2 and 3 assumed a farm size of 200 hectares and capital available of R200 000, R500 000 and R900 000, respectively. Scenarios 4, 5 and 6 assumed a farm size of 500 hectares, with the same capital as the above amounts, respectively; and Scenarios 7, 8 and 9 assumed a farm size of 900 hectares, with the same capital as the above amounts, respectively. The study concluded, from the SWOT analysis, that the boergoat inherently has the potential to be an important source of red meat in future markets. The sum total of the management accounting techniques indicated that the boerbok is in general financially the best specimen choice for farming, e.g. in seven of the nine scenarios it has the highest score. The recommendation is that the user must determine which of performance (short–term), return on capital (long–term) or risk are the most important considerations before a decision is made regarding to the choice of preferred specimen. The study's recommendation is to select boerbok farming in case both short–term financial performance and long–term return on capital are the most important factors. If risk is the major consideration, cattle farming should be selected. If the overall financial analysis outlined in the study is considered, boerbok farming should be selected, followed by sheep farming. Note that these recommendations are made for specific scenarios; therefore, the general recommendation is that each decision–maker should take his/her own unique situation's variables into account in this financial analysis. The limitations of the study, which arose because a number of assumptions were made, are as follows: The results of the investigation are only valid for the Potchefstroom and surrounding areas and, carrying capacity, based on this area's average, may even differ in the area; Dosage is based on the needs of the environment as in January 2011; Buying and selling prices are as at January 2011; The input costs for livestock handling infrastructure may differ, as farming practices and approaches differ; The physical shape of the farm could have a direct impact on the fencing expenditure; Lamb and calf growth percentages may vary as a result of different farming practices and approaches; and The combination of initial capital and farm size may influence the results. As a result of these constraints (assumptions), it is very risky to generalise, but the practical value of the study is that a Microsoft Excel programme was developed, which can be used for calculations, similar to calculations in this study, which is available at the following web address: http://sites.google.com/site/rooivleisvergelyking/. Therefore, variables such as farm size, capital available, carrying capacity, costs and prices can be changed for each unique scenario, and the results will be calculated accordingly. The contribution of this study is that it supports the decision regarding the choice between the types of red meat farming for several unique scenarios, because every land user can determine which of these species are recommended according to the different management accounting evaluation techniques. The value of the study is that it is the first attempt where the viability of three species of red meat farming is compared by means of a case study with different scenarios. The gap for further research that should be done is as follows: The number of evaluation techniques can be extended to give more substance to the results; The number of species in the comparison can be extended; An analysis of the behaviour of costs between the different scenarios can be done; and The optimal combination of farm size and capital available can be determined. / Thesis (M.Com. (Management Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) led to a significant increase in the number of junior exploration companies. In this regard, International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 6 allows companies to develop their own accounting policies for exploration and evaluation expenditure. However, there is no definition of either prospecting or exploration in the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (Income Tax Act). The objective of this study was to perform a literature review and to carry out empirical research by using questionnaires that were distributed to junior exploration companies to investigate whether accounting and taxation practices are consistently applied. Accordingly, the findings confirmed that the accounting and taxation practices followed by junior exploration companies are not consistently applied. / Financial Accounting / M.Com. (Accounting)

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / O ensaio foi realizado no Setor de Suinocultura do Centro de CiÃncias AgrÃrias do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal do CearÃ, com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho zootÃcnico, os indicadores do metabolismo do nitrogÃnio, o bem-estar animal e o custo de produÃÃo de leitÃes no prÃodo de creche, submetidos a dietas à base de sorgo-soja enriquecidas com caseÃna + lactose isoladas. O experimento teve a duraÃÃo de 42 dias, sendo dividido em duas fases experimentais, a saber: fase 1(21-42 dias) e fase 2 (42 a 63 dias). Foram utilizados 40 animais de linhagem comercial, desmamados com idade aproximada de 21 dias, apresentando um peso mÃdio de 4,76kg. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com 4 tratamentos e 5 repetiÃÃes, apresentando 2 animais por repetiÃÃo. Foi realizado um desdobramento fatorial 2X2, sendo 2 cereais energÃticos (milho e sorgo) e 2 suplementos lÃcteos (leite desnatado em pà e caseÃna + lactose). A comparaÃÃo entre as mÃdias foi realizada pelo teste de Duncan a 5%. As dietas experimentais foram isoenergÃticas, isoprotÃicas e isonutrientes para lisina e met+cis. Na fase 1 foi utilizado 21 % de PB e 3350 kcal de EM ⁄ kg. e na fase 2, 18,5 % de PB e 3250kcal de EM ⁄ kg. As dietas experimentais foram em nÃmero de 4 por fase, da seguinte forma: T1 (milho +LDP), T2 (milho+caseÃna +lactose), T3 (sorgo+LDP) e T4 (sorgo+caseÃna+lactose). Foi concluÃdo que a substituiÃÃo do milho pelo sorgo granÃfero e a inclusÃo da lactose + caseÃna à viÃvel quanto ao desempenho zootÃcnico. A utilizaÃÃo do sorgo e da caseÃna+lactose nas dietas para leitÃes desmamados nÃo ocasionou diferenÃas significativas para os indicadores do metabolismo do nitrogÃnio nas duas fases experimentais. Os tratamentos nÃo influenciaram os indicadores do bem-estar animal. NÃo foram registradas interaÃÃes significativas (P>0,05) entre os alimentos energÃticos e os alimentos lÃcteos, nas fases 1 e 2 do perÃodo de creche, para o desempenho zootÃcnico e para os indicadores do bem-estar animal. A melhor resposta econÃmica para a produÃÃo de leitÃes no perÃodo de creche foi obtida com a dieta contendo sorgo + caseÃna +lactose (T4). / The research was developed in the Division of Swine Pro duction, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Science Center, Federal Un iversity of CearÃ, with the objective of evaluating the animal performance, the occurrence diarrhea, the nitrogen metabolism indicators, animal well-being, and the production cost of piglets submitted to diets containing sorghum-soybean me al and isolated casein+lactose. The assay had the duration of 42 days and it was divided in two phases: 1 (21-42 days of age) and 2 (42-63 days of age ) during the nursery period. The experiment used a total of 40 piglets of a commercial line, weaned at 21 days of age (average weight of 4,76 kg). The exper iment followed a randomized blocks design, with 4 treatments, 5 repetitio ns and 2 animals per repetition, unfolded in a factorial 2 x 2 design, comp osed by two energetic feeds (corn and sorghum) and two milk products (dried skim milk a nd casein + lactose). Mean values were compared through the Duncan's tests 5 %. The diets were isoenergetics, isoproteics and isonutritives for lysine and methionine + cystine. In phase 1, a level of 21% crude protein (CP) and 3350 kcal ME was used and in phase 2, a level of 18,5 % crude protein (CP) and 32 50 kcal ME was used. The experimental diets were in number of 4 for phase: T 1 (corn+ dried skim milk), T 2 (corn + casein + lactose), T 3 (sorghum + dried skim milk) and T 4 (sorghum + casein + lactose). The use of sorghum and casein + lactose in weaned pig diets did not cause significant differences for nitrogen met abolism indicators, in both phases of assay. The treatments did not influence the w ell-being indicators. Related to animal performance and well-being no signi ficant interactions were registered (P>0,05) among the factors, during phases 1 a nd 2 of the nursery xxi period. The best economical answer for production of pi glets in the nursery period was obtained with the diet containing sorghum + casein + lactose (T4).

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T18:33:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alex Donega.pdf: 1640689 bytes, checksum: c3b70e0c374b81d46b9b19626c96910e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-05 / : Agriculture is considered an economic activity which contributes significantly to the production of part of the wealth earned in Parana state. In this way, the research on the efficiency of agriculture activity from the point of view of production costs becomes important, in order to know which costs can be reduced, to determine the possible constraints of inefficiency and to indicate the ways to increase efficiency, through the presentation of efficient and inefficient DMUs. Operations with machines, inputs, post-harvest, financial expenses and factor incomes are the input variables, and the final cost price of the sack is the output variable. The DEA model used is the output oriented BBC. The results show that 55.56% of the soybean crop, 38.89% of the wheat crop and 37.5% of the corn crop presented problems of efficiency in production costs during the studied period. It is possible to infer at least four possible explanations for the high level of inefficiency, namely: 1) Direct influence of the exchange rate on the price of herbicides, fertilizers and seeds (input); 2) Deficit in the static capacity of warehouses in Parana state; 3) Ratio between the variable "Financial Expenses" and the floating interest rate (SELIC rate); 4) Decrease in the sack price of the three commodities which coincides with a decrease in the efficiency of the crops. / A agrícultura é considerada uma atividade econômica que contribui significativamente para a produção de parte da riqueza auferida no Estado do Paraná. Desta forma, a investigação sobre a eficiência desta atividade sob a óptica dos custos de produção torna-se importante, a fim de se conhecer quais custos podem ser reduzidos, determinar os possíveis condicionantes da ineficiência e indicar os caminhos para o aumento da eficiência, por meio da apresentação de DMU s eficientes e ineficientes. As operações com máquinas, insumos, pós-colheita, despesas financeiras e rendas de fatores são as variáveis inputs e o preço final de custo da saca é a variável output. O modelo DEA empregado é o BBC com orientação por output. Os resultados remetem a interpretação de que 55,56% da safra da soja, 38,89% da safra do trigo e 37,5% da safra do milho dos anos pesquisados demonstraram problemas de eficiência nos custos de produção. É possível inferir ao menos quatro possíveis explicações para o alto nível de ineficiência, à saber: 1) Influência direta da taxa de câmbio no preço dos herbicidas, fertilizantes e sementes (input insumos); 2) Déficit na capacidade estática dos armazéns no Estado do Paraná; 3) Relação existente entre a variável "Despesa Financeira" e a taxa SELIC; 4) Queda do preço da saca das três commodities que coincide com uma queda na eficiência das safras.

Abstract Most of the steel produced in the world is based on the integrated blast furnace-converter route, which is based on the use of virgin raw materials. Large amounts of fossil-based, carbon containing reductants are used in blast furnaces, which results in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Fossil carbon dioxide emissions from steel production can be reduced by new technologies or moving from non-renewable to renewable energy sources. Biomass-based reductants could be one way to reduce the specific emissions from blast furnace-based steel production. The aim of this thesis was to examine the techno-economic and CO₂ mitigation potentials of using bioreducers in blast furnace ironmaking. Bioreducer feasibility was analyzed in the Finnish context, but the research methods used can be applied more widely. The metallurgical properties of bioreducers were evaluated and compared to fossil-based reductants. The impact of bioreducers on blast furnace behavior and on other steel plant processes was evaluated, with an emphasis on the reductions achieved in CO₂ emissions at the plant scale. The CO₂ emissions, energy consumption and production costs of bioreducers were evaluated, as was the availability of energy wood for bioreducer production. The results show that solid, liquid and gaseous bioreducers can be produced with thermochemical conversion technologies. However, their suitability for blast furnace use varies greatly. The highest substitution of fossil-based reductants in a blast furnace is achieved with charcoal injection. The carbon footprint of torrefied wood, charcoal and Bio-SNG is moderate compared to fossil-based reducing agents and their production is energetically feasible. The economic feasibility of bioreducers is currently weak in comparison to fossil-based reducing agents, but competitive when compared to other CO₂ emission reduction measures such as carbon capture and storage. The biomass availability assessment revealed that sufficient amount of energy wood could be available for bioreducer production in the areas where Finnish steel plants are situated. The feasibility of bioreducer production could be improved by producing a number of products from the biomass and taking advantage of the process of integration possibilities. / Tiivistelmä Suurin osa maailmassa tuotetusta teräksestä valmistetaan integroidulla masuuni-konvertteri reitillä, joka perustuu neitseellisten raaka-aineiden käyttöön. Masuuniprosessissa käytetään suuri määrä fossiilisia, lähinnä hiilipohjaisia pelkistimiä, jotka aiheuttavat hiilidioksidipäästöjä ilmakehään. Fossiilisia hiilidioksidipäästöjä voidaan teräksenvalmistuksessa vähentää uusilla teknologioilla tai siirtymällä uusiutumattomista energialähteistä uusiutuviin. Biomassasta valmistetut pelkistimet voisivat olla yksi mahdollinen keino alentaa masuunipohjaisen teräksenvalmistuksen ominaispäästöjä. Tämän työn tavoitteena oli tarkastella biopelkistimien käytön teknistaloudellista potentiaalia masuunikäytössä ja aikaansaatavia hiilidioksidipäästövähenemiä eri systeemirajauksilla. Työssä keskityttiin tarkastelemaan biopelkistimien hyödynnettävyyttä lähinnä Suomen tasolla, vaikka käytetyt tutkimusmetodit ovat sovellettavissa myös laajemmin. Työssä arvioitiin biopelkistimien metallurgisia ominaisuuksia, niiden vaikutusta masuuniprosessiin ja laajemmin muihin terästehtaan prosesseihin, pääpainon ollessa saavutettavan CO₂ päästövähenemän tarkastelussa. Työssä tarkasteltiin biopelkistimien valmistuksen CO₂ päästöjä, energiankulutusta ja tuotantokustannuksia sekä energiapuun saatavuutta biopelkistimien tuotantoon. Tulokset osoittavat, että biomassasta voidaan valmistaa kiinteitä, nestemäisiä ja kaasumaisia pelkistimiä termokemiallisilla konversioteknologioilla, joiden soveltuvuus masuunikäyttöön vaihtelee suuresti. Masuuniprosessissa suurin fossiilisten pelkistimien korvaavuus saavutetaan käyttämällä puuhiili-injektiota. Torrefioidun puun, puuhiilen ja Bio-SNG:n hiilijalanjälki on varsin maltillinen verrattuna fossiilisiin pelkistimiin ja niiden tuotanto on energeettisesti järkevää. Biopelkistimien taloudellinen kannattavuus verrattuna fossiilisiin pelkistimiin on tällä hetkellä heikko, mutta kilpailukykyinen verrattuna muihin CO₂ päästöjen vähennyskeinoihin, kuten hiilidioksidin talteenottoon ja -varastointiin. Energiapuun saatavuus biopelkistimien valmistukseen on suurin alueilla, jotka sijaitsevat lähellä Suomen terästehtaita. Biopelkistimien tuotannon kannattavuutta voitaisiin parantaa tuottamalla useita tuotteita ja hyödyntämällä prosessi-integraatiota.

This thesis is focused on the calculation of production costs with the introduction of licensed production of submersible sludge pumps in company Tomasek Milan - TOMEX. The aim of this work is the introduction of licensed production and determine the manufacturing cost. In the theoretical section describes the methods for determining a production layout, calculation methods and methods of return on investment. The practical part deals with the determination of a suitable arrangement of production, production calculations and evaluation of overall investment.

Text in English / The study was conducted in two different types of natural ventilated housing systems; one featured with conventional laying cages while other had free-range system features. The aim was to analyse productivity and economic benefit or loss of the Lohmann Brown Lite on different housing (Free-range system and Conventional cage system) with an evaluation of production cost. The total of 49 700 point of lay Lohmann Brown Lite layers pullets were placed in four natural ventilation free-range houses each consist of three rows of two tier conventional laying cages. The other 40 000 point of lay Lohmann Brown Lite layers pullets were place in four free-range houses each with placement of 10 000 chickens. The Cobb Douglas production model was used to determine the productivity of two different housing system by factoring the fixed cost and variable cost of the entire production process. The breakeven point tool was used to analyse the point where the total revenue equals the total variable and fixed expenses and the cost volume profit by measuring the profitability of each housing system (Nabil et al. 2014). The results of the study revealed different productivity between conventional cage system (82.94%) and the free-range system (77.46%). These results led to the acceptance of hypothesis 1 that “the production of Lohmann Brown Lite is the same when they are kept on the free-range system or conventional cage system. The capital investment and operation on conventional cage system showed breakeven at 43 months while free-range system showed breakeven at 60 months. The economic benefit analysis shows that the free-range system has cost benefit of R0.29 and conventional cage system has a cost benefit of R0.26. It means for every rand spent, farmer may get R0.29 Rand as profit for free-range system and every rand spent for conventional cage system can get R0.26 Rand. The economic benefit to farmer is greater on free-range system that lead to acceptance of hypothesis 2 that the economic benefit of egg production is greater on the free-range system compared to conventional cage system. Free-range housing system remain the best alternative to replace the conventional cage housing system. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M.Sc. (Agriculture)