What is the outlook for crocodile farming in 2019 and what are the key technical points?
The crocodile is an ancient animal, from the same era as the dinosaurs, dating back about 100 million years. The dinosaurs have gone extinct, but the crocodile has survived to this day and is called a “living fossil.” In recent years, crocodile farming has gradually opened up a market in our country, so is crocodile farming profitable in 2019? What are the key technical points for farming?
I. Is crocodile farming profitable in 2019?
At present, crocodile farming is mainly concentrated in the southern provinces, chiefly Guangdong, Hainan, Fujian, Anhui, Hubei, Zhejiang and Shanghai.
It is understood that the whole crocodile is a treasure, with a reputation as "soft gold." The tough and smooth crocodile skin can be made into beautiful leather handbags, leather clothing, leather suitcases, leather belts, leather bags, leather shoes and other valuable daily necessities. The quality is excellent and the price is high; a fine crocodile skin handbag can cost as much as ten thousand yuan, and crocodile bones and teeth can also be made into valuable handicrafts.
In addition, crocodile can be cooked into various valuable delicacies. Crocodile meat, bones and internal organs are rich in protein and in the amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and various rare biological elements needed by the human body. They are nutritious and delicious, can lower cholesterol, nourish qi and blood, strengthen the body and boost human immunity. The crocodile has important medicinal value and dietary health benefits; crocodile eggs, tail glue, internal organs, bones and tongue are all excellent anti-freeze beauty and health care products.
However, wild crocodiles are endangered protected animals and may not be hunted, so these needs must be met by artificial farming. Therefore, the crocodile farming market in 2019 is expected to be fairly promising, since demand for crocodiles from related industries such as the food industry, leather industry, medical and health care industry and beauty industry is growing day by day.
II. What are the key technical points for crocodile farming?
In fact, the most important thing in artificial crocodile farming is to meet the needs of their physiological and ecological activities, simulate the natural ecological environment, and build breeding and reproduction areas so that they can complete activities such as foraging, growing, mating, laying eggs, hatching and hibernating within a small area. Below we will look in detail at the key technical points of crocodile farming.
1. Site selection for the farming site
It must be chosen in an area free of pollution (industrial, agricultural, domestic, soil and other aspects). In addition, there must be sufficient water, good water quality and fresh air. Fish ponds can be used for farming, but fencing facilities must be well built to prevent crocodiles from escaping and causing accidental injury. The farming site also needs to be disinfected regularly.
2. Crocodile food
Crocodiles are carnivorous animals. In the juvenile stage they prey on aquatic invertebrates, such as aquatic insects and crustaceans, and as they grow they shift to eating more vertebrates. Generally, as the body gradually grows, the prey they capture also shifts from small to large. The vast majority of crocodiles have a broad diet and eat both vertebrates and invertebrates. In addition, it should be noted that when the ambient temperature is about 32°C, the crocodile's food intake is the largest; below 25°C, appetite decreases significantly; below 20°C, appetite disappears completely.
3. Crocodile reproduction
Female crocodiles over 10 years of age lay an average of 40-70 eggs per year each. According to practical experience, about 40 young crocodiles can be bred, and the egg-laying period of a female crocodile can reach several decades.
Overall, crocodile farming has the advantages of low investment, quick results and significant economic benefits. If conditions in all respects permit, it is still worth a try!