Muskrat Farming Combines Fur and Musk Utilization Value

The muskrat, whose scientific name is Ondatra zibethicus, is a semi-aquatic rodent native to North America. It was later introduced and farmed in many countries for its fur and musk value. It is medium-sized, with partially webbed hind feet and a laterally flattened tail, and it is a strong swimmer, mostly inhabiting the edges of rivers, lakes and ponds rich in aquatic plants. It is also commonly known among the public as the water rat, qinggen diao and other folk names.

In terms of farming characteristics, the muskrat has strong adaptability and good cold tolerance, and its diet is mainly plant-based. In daily feeding it can be given aquatic plants, green forage grass, corn, vegetables and other succulent feed; feed sources are wide and feeding costs are relatively low. Enclosures should adopt a layout combining land and water, with both a pool for swimming and nest chambers for resting and building nests, while also paying attention to regular water changes to keep water quality clean.

The utilization value of the muskrat is mainly reflected in two aspects. First is its fur: its downy hair is fine and dense and its guard hair is glossy, making it a traditional raw material in fur processing. Second is the musk secreted by adult male muskrats, which can be used as a substitute raw material in fields such as perfumery; this is also the origin of its name. In addition, its meat also has a tradition of being eaten in some production areas.

It should be noted that the muskrat has strong reproductive capacity and can produce multiple litters a year. Farmers should reasonably arrange the scale of farming according to enclosure conditions and sales channels to avoid blindly expanding the colony. At the same time, after escaping, this species may settle and reproduce in the wild, putting pressure on local ecology. Before introducing it, one should understand local relevant regulations, complete the relevant procedures in accordance with the law, and adhere to standardized farming.