Grasshopper breeding technology
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Leeches, also known as water fleas, bloodworms, and aquatic insects, are a common and highly valued medicinal resource. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to their unique properties. With the decline of wild populations caused by pollution and habitat destruction, artificial breeding has become an important solution to meet the growing demand for leeches in the pharmaceutical industry.
First, constructing a breeding pond is essential. Choose a sunny and sheltered location with good drainage. The pond should be approximately 3 meters wide and 1 meter deep, with a length that can be adjusted based on the scale of your operation. Install an inlet and outlet at opposite corners to ensure proper water circulation. After building the pond with bricks and cement, add some stones and branches at the bottom to create hiding spots for the leeches. Small-scale farmers can use existing puddles or ponds near their homes for this purpose.
Second, selecting high-quality breeding stock is crucial. Wild leeches are commonly found in ponds, streams, rice fields, and wetlands. They can be collected and used as seedlings, but it's important to identify them correctly. Alternatively, you can purchase them from reliable suppliers. A recommended stocking density is about 10,000 eggs per cubic meter of water.
Third, feeding leeches requires careful management. These creatures are hermaphrodites and can lay between 60 to 90 eggs each time. They reproduce quickly and can grow within a year. Their diet includes snails, fleas, and the blood of mammals. In artificial breeding, they can be fed a mixture of animal blood, grass powder, or other organic waste. For larger operations, you can feed 25 kg of snails per acre to encourage natural reproduction. Pig, cow, or sheep blood can be offered once a week, placed every 5 meters. Leeches will gather quickly when they detect the scent, but they will disperse if the smell becomes too strong.
Fourth, proper management techniques are key to successful breeding. Water quality must be maintained by ensuring sufficient dissolved oxygen, especially during hot summer months when frequent water changes may be necessary. Avoid using pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or lime within 100 meters of the breeding area to prevent contamination. During winter, leeches enter dormancy. It’s best to stock them in early spring so they can grow and be harvested for sale. When collecting, drain the water first, then use a net to collect them. Select large, healthy individuals for breeding and place 100–150 grams per mu (approx. 667 square meters) in the breeding pond for wintering.
Fifth, storage and processing are important steps. After harvesting, leeches should be soaked in lime for 20 minutes, then dried thoroughly. The dried product is sieved and sold as medicinal material. High-quality leeches are flat, spindle-shaped, with a slightly raised back and a smooth ventral surface. They are brittle and should be gummy and shiny when cut. Store them in dry containers like bottles, cans, or plastic bags to prevent insect infestation.
Sixth, leeches have significant medicinal value. According to traditional Chinese medicine, they are salty, bitter, and toxic, and are used to treat blood stasis, swelling, and detoxification. They are particularly effective for treating bruises and blood-related disorders. However, they should not be used on pregnant animals.
With the increasing use of chemicals in agriculture, wild leech populations are declining rapidly. Artificial breeding offers a sustainable alternative. It requires minimal investment, is efficient, and easy to manage. A single aquaculture pond can yield over 400 kilograms of processed leeches, worth more than 20,000 yuan. This makes leech farming a promising opportunity for farmers looking to generate income and contribute to the medical field. It is a viable and profitable venture for those willing to explore it.