Mudworms, commonly known as loaches, are classified under the family Cobitidae. They are typically found in freshwater environments such as rivers, ditches, paddy fields, ponds, and lakes. These fish are not only abundant but also highly valued as an economic resource due to their nutritional benefits and market demand.
Loach meat is tender, flavorful, and often referred to as "water ginseng" for its health-enhancing properties. It is believed to help improve digestion, boost immunity, and even aid in treating conditions like diabetes, acne, and night sweats in children. Regular consumption of loach can also contribute to beauty and cold prevention.
In the domestic market, loach is priced between 10 to 16 yuan per kilogram, while international prices are significantly higher—reaching up to 70 yuan per kilogram in the Korean market. With increasing global demand, the potential for artificial breeding of loach is very promising.
This article aims to provide practical guidance on loach farming techniques for farmers, covering both artificial breeding and ecological farming in paddy fields.
**I. Artificial Breeding and Seedling Cultivation**
1. **Broodstock Selection**: The best broodstock comes from natural waters or selected wild populations. Healthy adults aged 2–3 years with no signs of disease or injury are preferred. Females should weigh between 15–25 grams, while males should be at least 12 grams.
2. **Stocking Ratio and Pond Preparation**: In April, a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 to 1:1.5 is recommended. Ponds should be 80–120 square meters with water depth of 70–80 cm. Stocking density is 0.5–1 kg per square meter. Before stocking, the pond must be disinfected, and fish should be dipped in 3%–5% saline for about 5 minutes.
3. **Feeding Management**: Feed high-protein compound feed (at least 35% protein) along with small amounts of animal minced meat. Feed quantity is 5%–8% of fish weight, given twice daily—30% in the morning and 70% in the afternoon. Freshwater should be added every 7–10 days, and lime slurry applied every 15 days at 15–20 g per cubic meter.
4. **Artificial Ovulation**: When water temperature reaches around 22°C, select females with soft, swollen bellies and visible ovaries. Use HCG, LHRH-A2, or DOM for induced spawning. Injection is done into the dorsal muscle at a 45-degree angle, with 0.2 mL per fish.
5. **Spawning Facilities**: Spawning boxes made of 40-mesh screens are used, with palm leaves as nesting material. A 1:1.2 to 1:1.5 female-to-male ratio is ideal. Spawning usually occurs 11–13 hours after injection and lasts 7–8 hours.
6. **Incubation Techniques**: Eggs can be incubated in hatching cylinders, loops, or cages. Optimal hatching temperature is 20–28°C, with hatching taking 30–35 hours. After hatching, fry are transferred to rearing tanks and fed with rotifers and egg yolk.
**II. Ecological Farming in Paddy Fields**
Paddy field aquaculture is an eco-friendly method that maximizes land use by combining rice cultivation with loach farming. It increases economic returns without harming the ecosystem. On average, 70–100 kg of loach can be harvested per mu, with no loss in rice yield.
Key advantages include:
- Biological pest control through loach feeding on harmful insects.
- Soil aeration and improved rice growth.
- Reduced feed costs and lower farming expenses.
**III. Paddy Field Preparation**
1. **Field Selection**: Choose paddy fields with good water supply, clean water quality, and strong water retention. Ensure proper drainage and irrigation systems.
2. **Field Modifications**: Raise the field ridges to 50–100 cm high, install anti-escape nets, and dig fish ditches and pits to facilitate loach movement and harvesting.
3. **Fertilization and Stocking**: Apply fermented organic fertilizer in the fish ditches before stocking. Loach are stocked 10 days after transplanting rice, with densities ranging from 30–40 fish per square meter for 3–4 cm individuals.
**IV. Feeding and Disease Management**
Loach have a broad diet, including insects, plant matter, and commercial feeds. Feeding should be balanced and adjusted based on fish size and activity. Disease prevention includes regular pond cleaning, water quality monitoring, and early treatment.
Common diseases like Saprolegnia, Print disease, Fin rot, and Trichodiasis can be treated with salt baths, disinfectants, or copper sulfate mixtures.
**V. Harvesting Methods**
Cage traps are effective for catching loach, especially at night. Using bait like fried rice bran or silkworm cocoons inside reed cages yields high catch rates, often reaching 80%.
This guide offers comprehensive insights into loach farming, suitable for both beginners and experienced farmers aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability.
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