Astragalus farming is a simple, cost-effective, and efficient method that can be easily adopted by rural families. It offers a wide range of feed sources, requires minimal investment, and produces quick results. This guide provides practical technical tips, important precautions, and the latest methods for successful astragalus cultivation. Due to the high incidence of jaundice in spring, it's essential for farmers to adopt scientific breeding practices.
**Breeding Seedlings**
For breeding, select healthy young fish. Female quail should be at least 35 cm long, weighing between 50-150 grams, with a transparent zone and swollen abdomen, indicating readiness for egg-laying. Males should be over 55 cm long and weigh more than 150 grams, with blood-streaked markings on the ventral side and a clear fluid when pressed. Use 2-3 females per male for optimal breeding results.
Hormonal stimulation using LRH-a can enhance breeding success. Females receive 10 µg per 50 g body weight, while males get 15-25 mg per tail. Injections should be done 24 hours before females, with injection depth not exceeding 0.5 cm and volume under 1 ml.
Artificial insemination involves holding the female by the head and pressing the abdomen. If the cloaca is blocked, carefully cut it open to extract eggs. Sperm is collected from the testes of selected males, filtered through a 100-mesh sieve, and mixed with eggs for 5 minutes. At least two males are needed for each batch to ensure proper fertilization.
**Temperature Control and Incubation**
Maintain water temperature around 4°C during hatching, with a depth of about 10 cm. Water should be changed regularly, but avoid excessive temperature fluctuations. The shorter the incubation time, the higher the water temperature.
**Fry Cultivation**
Use concrete tanks for fry rearing. Add a small amount of manure water and plant aquatic plants like water hyacinth on the surface. Stock fry at about 200 per square meter. After 1-2 months, when they grow to 10 cm, transfer them to larger pools.
**Disease Prevention and Treatment**
Before stocking, disinfect the pond with 100g/m² quicklime. Every 30 days, apply 20ppm calcium peroxide to improve oxygen levels at the bottom and prevent sludge buildup. Disinfect with 15 ppm lime every 15 days. Administer 20g of allicin per 100kg of fish daily for 5 days to prevent diseases.
Common diseases include:
- **Tail Disease:** Characterized by inflamed, necrotic tails. Prevent by avoiding overcrowding and maintaining clean water.
- **Turnip Disease:** Causes skin lesions and weakness. Treat with Quanling Chiling and lime.
- **Cold:** Avoid sudden temperature changes during water exchange.
- **Intestinal Disease:** Symptoms include loss of appetite and abdominal swelling. Improve feeding practices and use bleaching powder or lime for treatment.
- **Capillary Nematode Disease:** Use trichlorfon in feed to control parasites.
**Artificial Fattening**
Construct ponds in sheltered areas with good water flow. Ponds should be 20-100 m², 70 cm deep, with walls 30 cm above water level. Plant water hyacinth to provide hiding spots. Maintain clean water and proper feeding.
**Feeding and Management**
Feed astragalus with oysters, clams, snails, small fish, and vegetables. Feed in the evening initially, gradually shifting to 2 PM. Adjust bait rate based on water temperature (5-6% initially, then 1-2%). Change water every 3 days, keeping it shallow at first, then 15-20 cm. Keep the water "fat, live, tender, and cool."
**Cultivation Methods**
**Cage Culture:** Ideal for large bodies of water. Cages should be 20 m², with mesh density and proper placement to allow water flow and maintain oxygen levels.
**Plastic Greenhouse Aquaculture:** Enables year-round production without soil. Two styles: open system for large-scale operations and closed-loop systems for urban or water-scarce areas.
**Rice Field Cultivation:** Combines rice and fish farming, offering low costs and dual harvests. Ensure proper drainage, build ditches, and install barriers to prevent fish escape. Soak seedlings in saltwater before stocking to protect against disease.
This comprehensive guide ensures farmers can successfully cultivate astragalus with minimal risk and maximum yield.
Changzhou Ziying Metal Products Co., Ltd , https://www.ziyingmetal.com