Grasshopper breeding technology
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Leeches, also known as water fleas, bloodsuckers, and aquatic worms, are a widely used and highly valued medicinal resource in traditional Chinese medicine. These small yet powerful creatures have been utilized for centuries due to their remarkable healing properties.
First, constructing a breeding pond is essential. Choose a sunny and wind-protected area with good drainage. Dig a pool that is 3 meters wide and 1 meter deep, with the length adjusted according to the scale of your farming operation. Install an inlet and outlet at opposite corners to ensure proper water circulation. After building the structure with bricks, apply a thin layer of cement. Add some stones and branches at the bottom to provide shelter for the leeches. For small-scale farmers, existing puddles or ponds near homes can be used by simply releasing water and introducing leeches.
Second, selecting high-quality breeding stock is crucial. Wild leeches, commonly referred to as "cattle leeches," are abundant in ponds, streams, rice fields, and jungles. They can be collected from these areas and used as breeding stock, but it's important to identify them correctly. Alternatively, you can purchase them from reliable suppliers. A general stocking rate is about 10,000 eggs per cubic meter of water.
Third, feeding leeches requires attention. These hermaphroditic organisms reproduce rapidly, laying 60 to 90 eggs at a time. Their diet includes snails, fleas, and mammalian blood. In artificial breeding, they can be fed a mix of blood-based feed, grass powder, or animal manure. Additionally, 25 kg of snails per acre can be provided to encourage natural reproduction. Pig, cattle, or sheep blood can be offered once a week, placed every 5 meters. Leeches will quickly gather when they smell the blood and disperse when the scent fades.
Fourth, effective management techniques are vital. Maintaining clean water is key, even though leeches can survive in sewage. Ensure adequate dissolved oxygen, especially during hot summer months, by regularly changing the water. 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 gather them. Select large, healthy individuals for breeding and place 100–150 grams per mu (about 667 square meters) into the breeding pond for wintering.
Fifth, storage and processing are important steps. After collection, leeches should be soaked in lime water for 20 minutes, then dried or sun-dried. The resulting powder can be sieved and sold as medicine. The processed leeches should be flat, with a slightly raised back and a smooth ventral surface. They should be brittle but not too fragile. A gummy and shiny cross-section is preferred. Store them in dry containers such as bottles, cans, or plastic bags to prevent insect infestation.
Sixth, leeches have significant medicinal value. According to traditional Chinese medicine, leeches are salty, bitter, and toxic. They are used to treat blood stasis, swelling, and detoxification, particularly for conditions like bruises and internal injuries. However, they should not be used on pregnant animals.
With the increasing use of chemicals and pesticides, wild leech populations are declining, making artificial breeding more important than ever. This method is cost-effective, efficient, and easy to manage. A single aquaculture pond can yield over 400 kilograms of finished product, worth more than 20,000 yuan. The potential for profit and the ease of entry make leech farming a promising opportunity for many farmers. With proper care and management, it can become a profitable and sustainable business.