Breeding key technologies
As the primary economic shellfish cultivated along the coastal areas, quail farming has experienced significant growth in our city in recent years, with an aquaculture area of 12,000 mu. This species offers fast growth, quick capital turnover, and substantial economic returns. In this article, we share the techniques of quail farming practiced in our city for reference by fellow aquaculturists.
1. Site Selection and Farm Construction
The selection of a suitable aquaculture site is crucial for success. Quails thrive in mudflat environments, so we have chosen the intertidal zone, from the lower middle tide area to the low tide area. This region is exposed to air for 3–5 hours daily due to tidal cycles, and the water flow is gentle, making it ideal for cultivation.
When setting up the farm, the beach is divided into plots approximately 7–8 meters wide, with 0.5-meter gaps between each plot for drainage and easy access. The drainage channels help prevent waterlogging and allow workers to move around. The preparation process involves turning the soil, compacting it, and leveling the surface. First, the soil is turned to a depth of 25–30 cm for soft substrates and 35 cm for hard substrates. The first pass is deeper, while the second is shallower, ensuring even mixing of the upper and lower layers. This process suffocates existing organisms and brings buried creatures to the surface for elimination. After plowing, any hard clods are broken down, and the surface is smoothed using a fine-toothed tool to ensure softness. Finally, the area is flattened using a pusher plate to create a level surface. Fences made of polyethylene mesh are installed around the plots to prevent other aquatic species from being washed away during high tides. The mesh is anchored with wooden stakes, with the bottom buried 15–20 cm deep and the top extending 50–70 cm above the ground.
2. Seedling Selection and Transportation
We select seedlings that are at least 1.5 cm in length, with strong bodies, bright white shells, yellow fronts, and red or green sides. They should be uniform in size, free from impurities, and emit a "click" sound when gently shaken, indicating tight shell closure. Upon arrival at the site, they are immediately placed in seawater and transported in foam baskets, with about 25 kg per basket. Baskets are tightly connected and kept moist, with seawater sprayed every three hours to prevent dehydration. The transport time is limited to 36 hours to reduce mortality. Temperature also plays a key role; seedlings should not be exposed to temperatures below zero. If they do not burrow within 10 minutes after sowing, it indicates poor vitality or death.
3. Seedling Planting
Seedlings are planted during the mid- to late-tide period, allowing sufficient time for them to burrow into the substrate. Before planting, seedlings are soaked in seawater to remove impurities and then carefully placed on the surface. After transportation, they are left in a cool place for one hour, and the baskets are shaken to reduce water retention. During planting, seedlings are gently placed on the surface using a basket, and two people work together on either side when there's no wind. The planting density is typically 65 kg per mu.
4. Cultivation Management
After 2–3 days of planting, survival rates are checked by counting dead shells and the number of burrows. If necessary, replanting is carried out. Daily inspections are conducted after low tides to remove debris, fill potholes, and eliminate predators. During spring and summer, heavy storms can cause excessive sediment buildup, which may suffocate the seedlings. To address this, bulldozers are used to clear the mud. In summer, high temperatures and prolonged sunlight can lead to hot water accumulation, causing burns. Therefore, regular maintenance is essential to keep the surface smooth and well-drained.
5. Harvesting and Profitability
Quails reach a body length of about 5 cm after 10 months of cultivation and are harvested just before or after the Spring Festival. The harvesting method includes digging, catching, and hooking. On average, our city’s aquaculture yields 550 kg per mu, with profits exceeding 1,500 yuan per mu. This technique has proven highly effective and economically viable, contributing significantly to local aquaculture development.
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