Changing Traditional Farming Modes to Strengthen Winter Management of Fingerlings

In traditional fish farming practices in China, fish are not fed during the long winter period. As a result, they rely on the nutrients stored in their bodies to survive, which leads to significant weight loss and reduced survival rates after the winter season. This issue is especially common among fish species that overwinter, with studies showing that body weight can decrease by more than 10%, and mortality rates ranging from 8% to 15%. In some cases, particularly for fish with weaker constitutions, mortality can exceed 40%. Additionally, prolonged fasting weakens the digestive system, disrupts metabolism, and lowers disease resistance. It takes time for fish to recover after spring, which negatively affects subsequent aquaculture production. To improve this situation, it is essential to modernize traditional breeding methods, enhance overwintering management, and ensure proper feeding of fish during the cold season. This will help increase survival rates, shorten the breeding cycle, and improve overall efficiency. One key aspect of improved winter management is maintaining good water quality. Regulating pond water in winter is crucial, as it helps provide sufficient oxygen and reduce harmful substances. Raising the water temperature also supports fish survival and growth. Regular water changes—usually every 15 to 20 days—are recommended, with 10 to 20 cm of water added or replaced depending on the quality. Monitoring water temperature is important; when outside temperatures are higher, it’s best to drain part of the pond water and replace it with fresh water to gradually warm the pond. In late winter, a full water change can significantly improve conditions, helping fish eat and grow earlier. Timely feeding is another critical factor. Unlike traditional practices where fish are not fed during winter, proper nutrition should be provided to maintain energy levels. Fish should be fed regularly when they are active, typically once every two to three days during sunny weather, with a daily feed amount of 1% to 2% of their body weight. Once ice forms, small amounts of finely ground feed can be placed through ice holes to ensure continuous feeding. Applying top-dressing with organic fertilizer during winter is also beneficial. It promotes phytoplankton growth, increases dissolved oxygen, and provides insulation. Organic manure, such as well-fermented cow or pig dung, can be applied every 15 to 20 days at 100 to 200 kg per acre. For ponds with high sediment content, chemical fertilizers may be used in a 1:0.1 nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio, but only if water quality allows. Disease prevention is equally important. Common winter diseases include saprophytic infections, often caused by injuries or freezing due to low water levels. To prevent this, handle fish carefully during stocking, and soak them in a 3% to 5% salt solution for 10 to 15 minutes before placing them in the pond. Maintaining adequate water levels and keeping the pond clean under ice is essential. If diseases occur, treatments like formaldehyde solutions (0.5 ppm) or a mix of wolfberry juice, salt, and human urine can be effective. Other winter management practices vary by region, especially regarding ice sealing periods. During this time, creating ice holes allows for monitoring fish activity and water quality, while keeping the ice surface clean ensures light penetration and supports phytoplankton growth. These measures help prevent oxygen depletion and other potential issues. In conclusion, overwintering fish requires a shift from traditional methods to more proactive and comprehensive management. By focusing on water quality, feeding, disease prevention, and ice management, fish farmers can significantly improve survival rates and optimize aquaculture outcomes.

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