How many snakes are needed to collect 1 gram of dried venom?
The venom output of different species of venomous snakes varies greatly. Comparing the venom they discharge by dry venom rate, the king cobra averages 101.9 mg per bite, the sea snake only 2.5-5.0 mg, and the many-banded krait 4.6 mg. That is to say, the venom output of the king cobra is 41-20 and 20 times that of the sea snake and the many-banded krait respectively. Obviously, the king cobra's venom output is so large that obtaining 1 gram of its dried venom is easy, requiring only about 10 snakes. However, to obtain 1 gram of dried venom from a sea snake or a many-banded krait, it would take 200-400 snakes.
For the same species of venomous snake, differences in individual size mean different sizes of venom glands, and consequently the venom output also varies greatly.
What precautions should be taken when collecting venom?
Collecting venom is a highly dangerous task, and the following points must be observed:
(1) Safety work must be done well. The venom collection room is not a reception room or a visiting room; especially during venom collection, unauthorized idle personnel unrelated to the matter are strictly forbidden to enter, to prevent mistakes.
(2) No matter which species of venomous snake is being collected or which venom collection method is used, the venom collection personnel must be serious and conscientious, and must not be negligent. While ensuring the quality of the snake venom, the string of "safety first" must be kept taut, and vigilance against being bitten by a snake must be maintained at all times.
(3) Venom collection personnel must have the quality of caring for snakes. When grasping the snake's neck to collect venom, they should master an appropriate degree of tightness. If grasped too tightly, it hinders the venomous snake's biting action on the vessel, and it may die from suffocation; if grasped too loosely, there is a risk of being bitten by the snake, so the snake's head should be allowed to move slightly, but only to the extent that it does not affect its biting action on the vessel.
(4) After venom collection, the action of letting go must be quick. When the snake's head approaches the edge of the container opening, first release the snake's body and then the snake's head. When a certain amount has been collected and fatigue is felt, one should rest appropriately, wash off the mucus on the hands, and wait until the hands are dry before collecting again. Collecting venom under overload and fatigue is strictly forbidden, as it may lead to snake bites caused by lack of concentration.