Loach is a popular aquatic species known for its delicious taste, high nutritional value, and strong adaptability, making it a favorite among consumers. While traditional aquaculture methods have been widely used, the practice of raising loach in paddy fields is still relatively uncommon. This article provides farmers with detailed guidance on how to successfully breed loach in rice paddies, covering key technical aspects that can improve productivity and sustainability.
1. **Selecting Suitable Rice Fields**
Choosing the right paddy field is crucial. The ideal location should have a good water source, loose and fertile soil, and strong water and nutrient retention capabilities. It should also be easy to manage. Before stocking, the field ridges should be raised to prevent water from escaping. A sufficient amount of organic fertilizer should be applied, and the fields should be treated with quicklime to sterilize the environment and reduce disease risks.
2. **Choosing High-Quality Seedlings**
The quality of the seedlings directly affects the overall yield. Farmers should select loach fry that grow quickly, are disease-resistant, and have strong vitality. Healthy seedlings ensure better survival rates and higher production.
3. **Stocking Time and Density**
After transplanting rice seedlings, it's best to stock about 10 kg of loach per acre. Under proper conditions, this can result in approximately 75 kg of mud loach per acre without additional feeding. It’s important to avoid introducing other fish species into the same paddy, as they may compete for resources or disrupt the ecosystem.
4. **Field Management**
Effective management is essential for successful loach farming. A dedicated person should oversee the field, and when applying pesticides, only high-efficiency, low-toxicity options should be used. Pesticides should be sprayed at a depth to minimize direct exposure to the loach. While loach farming in paddy fields is generally safer than conventional aquaculture, certain chemicals like toxaphene, carbofuran, quicklime, and tea cakes must be strictly avoided. During hot weather, maintaining a deeper water level helps regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Regular checks of the pond structures are necessary to prevent birds or other predators from entering.
5. **Egg Hatching Process**
The breeding season for loach typically runs from April to September. Eggs are usually laid in the early morning on sunny days, and sometimes in the late afternoon or evening. These small, transparent, and sticky eggs need a suitable surface to adhere to. Before spawning, farmers should introduce materials like brown pieces, willow roots, or aquatic plants into the paddy to help the eggs stick. Once the eggs are laid, it’s advisable to collect the nests and move them to a separate fish pond for hatching, which reduces predation and improves hatch rates.
6. **Harvesting Techniques**
Due to their muddy habitat, loach can be challenging to catch. However, different seasonal strategies can be used: In winter, piles of pig or cow dung can be placed in the mud to attract the loach for easier collection. In spring, opening the water inlet and outlet and using bamboo rafts can encourage the loach to enter naturally. In autumn, draining the field and allowing the mud to dry slightly before re-flooding makes it easier to harvest the loach once they emerge. After harvesting, the loach should be carefully collected and stored properly.
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