Extensive

Extensive farms run low numbers of animals, usually over a large area with minimal control by the farmer. Numbers of animals are low enough that natural food is sufficient and no extra food is added. The operating costs are low, but the production per hectare is low.

Semi-intensive

Semi-intensive farming is intermediate between extensive and intensive. Ponds are usually used and animals are stocked at a rate requiring feed and aeration. Most of the small scale aquaculture programme (Link) in Western Cape fits into this category.

Intensive

Intensive farms are stocked at a higher rate. The system is managed much more closely: Feeding, disease control, water quality and other factors are constantly monitored. The potential returns are higher than for extensive farms but the risks and financial investment required is higher.