A Detailed Guide to the Artificial Breeding Techniques and Methods for the Masked Palm Civet

In recent years, the masked palm civet has gradually come into our view. The wild masked palm civet is a nationally protected animal, but now a permit can be obtained for artificial breeding. Next, let us learn about the artificial breeding techniques for the masked palm civet.

I. The breeding prospects of the masked palm civet

The masked palm civet is rich in nutritional value and has delicious meat. It belongs to the “mountain delicacies and wild game” and has high economic value. The production of some brushes and paintbrushes also relies on the bristles and tail hairs of the masked palm civet. Its fat is one of the raw materials for producing cosmetics, and it can also be used medically to treat burns. Among these, civet skins with larger fur areas can be made into gloves, clothing, and so on.

An adult masked palm civet weighs 8-10 kg each, with a market price of 200-450 yuan per kg. The selling price is 1600-2000 yuan, and the net profit per animal can reach 500 yuan. Masked palm civets raised for more than nine months can be sold on the market, so the prospects for artificial breeding of masked palm civets are very broad.

II. Artificial breeding techniques for the masked palm civet

1. Construction of the masked palm civet breeding site

Masked palm civets like indoor group activities and climbing. They are nocturnal animals, so their demand for sunlight generally does not vary much, and there are no special requirements for the style of the breeding farm. Cage housing can be used in the form of cage rearing or group rearing. The cage is made of galvanized iron mesh, and inside it small rooms and dark chambers need to be built with bricks, providing climbing perches for them and keeping the environment quiet and dry. The best material for making the floor should be cement, which is convenient for washing and not easily damp.

Note: Masked palm civets are easily startled and are relatively timid animals. If startled, they may experience reduced appetite or even death, so when choosing a breeding site for masked palm civets, a quiet place must be selected.

2. Feeding methods for the masked palm civet

The masked palm civet is mainly fed plant fruits, which account for half of its dietary weight. In summer, it is mainly fed vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas; in winter, it is mainly fed oranges and pears. Animal feed can include the bones of some poultry, snake and rat meat, and so on. Different fruits should be fed according to different seasons to maintain diversity in the types of food.

3. Seed selection and mating of the masked palm civet

For artificially fed masked palm civets, the ratio of males to females is 1:2 or 1:3. Among them, male civets aged 4-6 years have the highest mating rate. When selecting masked palm civets, excellent breeds should be chosen with a moderate body size, strong physique, strong adaptability, thick fur, uniform coat color, and clear white spots on the head. It should also be noted that the best time to introduce masked palm civets is November each year, because masked palm civets introduced too early have poorer environmental adaptability and weaker physical constitution.

Overall, the profit from breeding masked palm civets is still very considerable, with rich economic benefits. Friends considering investing in breeding can manage according to these artificial breeding techniques for masked palm civets.