Cultivation and Management Techniques of Broodstock in Autumn and Winter
July 04 13:27:53, 2025
First, focus on water fertilization. Pelicans and earthworms feed on plankton, so using fertilization can help increase the population of plankton, which serves as a natural food source for these species. If there is sufficient food available for quail and earthworms, their gonadal development will be better. Therefore, proper water fertilization plays a crucial role in raising healthy broodstock and ensuring successful breeding. Especially before winter, it's important to increase fertilization—typically around 500 kilograms per mu per week—to make the water thicker and more nutrient-rich. After winter, a small amount of fertilizer should still be added regularly, following the principle of "small, frequent additions." During this process, it's essential to use well-rotted manure or compost tea. Be cautious during thunderstorms and hot weather in the fall, as low oxygen levels can lead to fish stress or even mass deaths. In short, managing the stress during autumn and winter helps the broodstock conserve enough nutrients, ensuring they are ready for reproduction in early spring and supporting healthy egg maturation. Additionally, the main fertilization in the fall focuses on regular feeding, while in winter, organic manure is preferred. For carp ponds, about 70% of the manure comes from livestock, with cow dung making up 70% of that, and human waste accounting for 30%.
Second, ensure proper feeding. Rational feeding is key to raising healthy grass carp and bluefish broodstock. As water temperatures drop in autumn, grass carp’s appetite decreases, and green feed becomes scarce. At this time, concentrate feed should be the main component. Typically, each broodstock weighs between 10–15 kg, and about 50 grams of concentrate is fed daily. To aid digestion, fresh green materials should also be provided. Usually, green feed is given in the morning, making up 30–50% of the broodstock’s body weight, while concentrate in the afternoon should be around 2–3% of their body weight. As winter approaches, the amount of concentrate should be reduced. When the water is warm, feed every other day; when it's cold, feed once every three days. Herring primarily eat snails, clams, and quail meat, with small amounts of soybean meal or other concentrates as supplements. In autumn and winter, feeding should be adjusted appropriately, but it's important to ensure the fish remain well-fed and healthy.
Third, maintain good water quality by adding new water regularly. Fresh water helps keep the pond environment clean and supports the development and maturation of the broodstock’s gonads. The frequency of water changes depends on the season, water quality, and feeding conditions. In autumn and winter, it's common to flush the pond every 10–15 days, with each session lasting 3–5 hours, raising the water level by about 10–17 cm. However, care must be taken not to over-flush, especially in broodstock and pufferfish ponds, where maintaining some water fatness is beneficial for their health.
Fourth, focus on disease prevention and management. Preventing fish diseases starts with proactive measures. It's recommended to disinfect the feeding area with bleaching powder every 15 days and to keep the feeding tables clean and dry. When adding new water, install barriers to prevent predators from entering the pond. During the fall, strengthen pond inspections and manage potential flooding risks. Proper management includes full-time supervision, dedicated feeding schedules, and strict control over feeding practices. All these steps are essential to ensure the health and productivity of the broodstock.