The importance of black carp broodstock rearing cannot be overlooked

The quality of broodstock rearing not only determines whether spawning can be induced successfully, but also directly affects the broodstock's egg-carrying capacity, hatching rate, and the survival rate and growth speed of the fry. Therefore, according to the different stages of gonad development in broodstock, a comprehensive and effective rearing regimen should be established to create favorable conditions, meet the ecological requirements needed at different stages of gonad development, and ensure that the broodstock's gonads mature.

1. Post-spawning rearing

During this period, black carp feed voraciously, but after induced spawning, they consume enormous energy and suffer a certain degree of damage, so they should first be fed some snail, mussel and shellfish meat to help them recover their strength. After 5 to 10 days, soybean cake, malt and other concentrated feeds should be added appropriately to help them regain condition.

2. Autumn and winter rearing

Rearing during this period is often easily neglected, but in fact autumn and winter rearing is even more important. The reasons are:

1) After post-spawning rearing, the black carp's physique is restored and its appetite is strong. Autumn and winter mark the beginning of the second reproductive cycle, which is the foundation for reproduction the following year. Therefore, feeding must be intensified, mainly with live feeds such as snail, mussel and shellfish meat, with an appropriate increase in concentrated feeds to promote gonad development.

2) Autumn and winter rearing is the guarantee of safe overwintering for broodstock. As water temperature gradually drops, the feeding intensity of broodstock declines, so concentrated feeds should be used exclusively at this time to facilitate fat accumulation and safe overwintering.

3. Spring (pre-spawning) rearing

After the beginning of spring, feeding should resume as early as possible. In ponds where conditions permit, replace 1/3 to 1/2 of the “old water” and add fresh water, keeping the water level at about 1 m, to improve water quality and raise water temperature, which is conducive to feeding by the black carp. At this time, feeding is mainly with live snails, clams and mussel meat, supplemented with a small amount of soybean cake or malt, to avoid the fish growing too fat from eating only concentrated feeds, which would affect spawning. Particular attention must be paid to flushing water regularly to keep the water clean. The number of flushings should be determined by water quality and the feeding situation of the broodstock; when water temperature is low and water is lean, fewer flushings can be done; when water temperature rises and water is dense, the number of flushings should be increased. In the half month before spawning, the number of flushings must be increased, preferably once every 1 to 2 days, to keep the water clean and promote the maturation of the broodstock's gonads.