How Do Leeches Reproduce? Detailed Explanation of Breeding Methods and Technical Key Points
Leeches, commonly known as bloodsuckers, grow and reproduce in inland freshwater waters and are a traditional specialty medicinal aquatic animal in China. Their dried products, after being steeped and prepared, are used in traditional Chinese medicine and have effects such as treating stroke, high blood pressure, clearing blood stasis, amenorrhea, and traumatic injuries. So, how do leeches reproduce?
1. How do leeches reproduce?
They mainly reproduce through oviparity. Although leeches are hermaphroditic animals, they must undergo cross-fertilization to reproduce. One month after mating, the two leeches each produce one cocoon, and each cocoon contains 3 to 8 eggs.
2. Leech farming techniques
1. Farming environment
A leech farming site should be established in an environment with wind protection and suitable light. It should satisfy the light needs for leech growth in spring and autumn, and also provide good cold protection in winter. When establishing the farm, it should be reasonably built according to the living habits related to water quality, ensuring that water quality, temperature and humidity, light, and other conditions are suitable, so as to create a good growing environment for leeches.
2. Bait feeding
Leeches mainly feed on invertebrates such as snails and earthworms, as well as the blood of mammals. Natural feed is mainly river snails, supplemented by earthworms, insect larvae, and so on, while artificial feed is various animal blood. After feeding is completed, clotted blood residue should be removed promptly to avoid polluting the water quality.
3. Water quality management
Leeches are easy to keep alive and do not have strict requirements for the environment or water quality. The water temperature should be maintained at 15 to 30 degrees; too high or too low will affect growth. However, because artificial farming density is high, it is better to keep the water quality clean and ensure a certain dissolved oxygen content. In addition, water temperatures are high in July and August, so attention should be paid to appropriately changing the water to lower the water temperature.
4. Overwintering management
After winter begins, when the temperature drops below 10 degrees, leeches stop feeding and burrow into the soil or under fallen leaves to hibernate. For overwintering with drainage, cover the pond surface with straw or wooden poles to prevent freezing and keep the soil moist. For overwintering with ice, the pond water should be appropriately deepened to prevent it from freezing completely.
When leeches bite people or animals, they use their suckers to attach to the skin and burrow into the flesh to suck blood. Protective measures should be taken during the farming process.