Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Soft-Shelled Turtle Greenhouse Aquaculture Technology

Soft-shelled turtle (Amyda Sincnsis). Commonly known as soft-shelled turtle, water turtle, Chinese softshell turtle and wangba, etc., it is an oviparous reptile that lives both in water and on land. Soft-shelled turtle meat is delicious and nutritious, with effects of clearing heat and nourishing yin, calming the liver and extinguishing wind, and softening hardness and dispersing nodules. Soft-shelled turtle is not only a delicious dish on the table, but also a widely used tonic medicine. Artificial breeding of soft-shelled turtles is increasing. As winter approaches, what should be noted in greenhouse aquaculture of soft-shelled turtles?

First and foremost, the temperature must be kept stable and must not change greatly. As a semi-aquatic poikilothermic animal, the soft-shelled turtle (Amyda Sincnsis) is very sensitive to changes in environmental temperature. Too high or too low temperatures or sudden and drastic temperature changes are all unfavorable to the survival, growth and reproduction of soft-shelled turtles, especially the juvenile and young turtles that are the mainstay of current aquaculture.

The most suitable water temperature for growth of soft-shelled turtles is 28-32°C. Beyond this range, feeding and growth of soft-shelled turtles will be affected. The daily variation of water temperature is best controlled within 1-2°C, and preferably not exceeding 3°C. Drastic water temperature changes make it difficult for juvenile turtles to carry out adaptive physiological regulation, and the body's metabolic processes are prone to disorder, more easily leading to the occurrence of diseases such as colds.

In overwintering aquaculture, light is easily overlooked. After the beginning of winter, sunshine duration is relatively short, and light can be appropriately supplemented in the winter greenhouse. According to relevant research data, supplemental light significantly improves the growth rate of soft-shelled turtles and can also increase the survival rate. At present, many farmers neglect this point, and it is suggested that they might as well give it a try.

In winter, temperature and humidity should also be properly controlled. This year the cold air in the south arrived relatively late, and the outdoor temperature is relatively stable. If the farmer's greenhouse is well sealed, ventilation can be appropriately increased. For a greenhouse running north-south, it is suggested that the ventilation flow on the south side can be increased, and slightly less on the north side; for a greenhouse running east-west, the ventilation volume can be increased on both the east and west sides. At noon when the light is stronger, aeration can be properly carried out for 1-2 hours to promote the discharge of carbon dioxide from the lower water layer, which is beneficial to the growth of juvenile and young turtles. Humidity below 40% is relatively ideal. It is relatively easy to control before the Beginning of Spring, and after the Beginning of Spring the humidity will rise, so attention should be paid to the reasonable control of ventilation and humidity.

In winter, water quality management must be stricter than in other seasons. The water quality indicator most prone to deterioration in winter greenhouses is ammonia nitrogen content, generally controlled below 0.3 mg/L as relatively ideal. Too high ammonia nitrogen makes soft-shelled turtles prone to gastrointestinal discomfort and leads to diseases such as rotten skin, rotten legs and rotten mouth.

In terms of controlling water color, transparency and pH, it is best to keep the water color yellow-green. If the water color is too dense, after fine-tuning with an appropriate amount of quicklime, appropriately add photosynthetic bacteria and Bacillus, and properly turn on the aerator at noon to cultivate the water color. In this way, the dissolved oxygen in the water body will be relatively ideal, more conducive to the growth of juvenile and young turtles.

Overwintering juvenile and young turtles are small in size and poor in resistance. In addition to ensuring good feeding, greenhouse aquaculture should also appropriately add compound multivitamins, microbial preparations, and Chinese herbal medicines for protecting the liver and promoting bile secretion, to protect gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary functions, making them a guarantee for improving the survival rate and growth speed.