The process of cultivating seedlings into marketable products requires strict adherence to best practices, especially when survival rates and profitability are low in large-scale farming. To ensure high survival and economic returns, it is essential to follow standardized techniques throughout the entire rearing cycle. After selecting healthy seedlings—free from disease, injury, and damage—it is crucial to implement scientific feeding, management, and food supply strategies.
First, selecting quality seedlings is fundamental. The seedlings must be robust, free of deformities, and not caught using harmful methods such as hooks, which can cause internal injuries and lead to early death. Seedlings should be sorted by size and kept in separate groups to avoid competition and stress. In large-scale yellow eel farming, a consistent supply of young quail seedlings is critical. Additionally, breeding should prioritize balanced sex ratios to prevent male-dominated populations that may reduce productivity.
Feeding techniques should follow the "four principles": **quality, quantity, timing, and location**.
- **Quality**: Feed must be fresh, nutritious, and free from spoilage. A mix of animal-based protein (such as meat scraps, fish, and insects) and plant-based ingredients (like bran, vegetables, and soy milk) ensures adequate nutrition. Protein content should ideally range between 35% and 40%.
- **Quantity**: Feeding amounts increase with temperature. For example, in November, feed about 3–4% of body weight daily, increasing to 8–10% during peak growth months.
- **Timing**: Eels are nocturnal feeders, so initial feeding should occur in the late afternoon. Over time, adjust feeding times to align with their natural rhythms.
- **Location**: Use fixed feeding stations made of wood and mesh to maintain consistency and encourage regular feeding behavior.
Management should focus on the "five prevention measures":
- **Water quality control**: Maintain clean, oxygen-rich water with a dissolved oxygen level above 2 mg/L. Water changes every 5–7 days help prevent stagnation. In summer, remove leftover food daily and change water more frequently.
- **Temperature regulation**: Shade aquatic plants or use artificial cooling in hot weather. During winter, drain excess water but leave a shallow layer and cover with straw to protect against frost.
- **Escape prevention**: Regularly inspect ponds for cracks, drainage issues, and weak structures that could allow eels to escape.
- **Disease prevention**: Monitor for signs of illness, especially after transport or during high-density periods. Use disinfectants and preventive treatments to minimize outbreaks.
- **Predator control**: Secure the pond area to prevent birds, mammals, or other predators from entering.
For bait supply, several methods can be used:
- Cultivate live bait like earthworms, snails, and aquatic insects.
- Collect small fish, shrimp, and mollusks from nearby waters.
- Harvest plankton, leeches, and rotifers from organic-rich environments.
- Utilize fly maggots by fermenting animal waste.
- Repurpose slaughterhouse by-products such as blood, organs, and bones.
- Prepare soy milk as a protein supplement.
- Raise mealworms using wheat bran and vegetable scraps.
- Recycle silkworm cocoons for feeding.
- Use plant-based leftovers like rice bran and bean cakes as supplementary feed.
During maintenance and overwintering, careful attention is needed. From mid-November onward, eels enter a slower growth phase, and feeding should be adjusted accordingly. When water temperatures drop below 10°C, they begin hibernating. At this point, proper drainage, moisture control, and protection from freezing are essential. Avoid disturbing the pond during hibernation to prevent tunnel collapse and ensure safe survival through the cold season.
By following these comprehensive techniques, farmers can significantly improve survival rates, optimize growth, and achieve better economic returns in yellow eel farming.
Neurosurgery Products,Hydraulic Operating Table,Medical Electro-Hydraulic Operating Table,Stereotactic Brain Biopsy System
CHANGZHOU RICHGENIUS MEDLAB CO.,LTD , https://www.rich-gen.com