(i) Stocking Healthy Seedlings In aquaculture, the main types of seedlings used include Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, and hybrid varieties. Through practical experience, it has been found that Chinese seedlings exhibit stronger disease resistance, fewer health issues, better adaptability, and faster growth. Therefore, for turtle farming, Chinese seedlings are the preferred choice. Healthy seedlings should be plump, have a uniform size, smooth skin, no physical disabilities, and show strong activity. It is recommended to purchase seedlings locally to ensure they can quickly adapt to the local environment. Before placing turtles in the pond, it is essential to disinfect them. This can be done by soaking them in a 2.5% salt solution for 8–15 minutes to eliminate surface parasites. Another method involves using a mixture of 1% salt and baking soda (in equal parts) for 20–30 minutes to prevent water mold. A third option is to soak them in a solution containing 20–30 micrograms of furazolidone and 15–20 micrograms of erythromycin for 20–30 minutes to prevent bacterial infections and reduce stress from environmental changes. (B) Creating a Suitable Environment Before stocking, it's important to cultivate good water color and maintain regular water changes throughout the culture period. Water feeding should be practiced to avoid leftover feed polluting the water. A certain area of water hyacinth should be kept in the pond along with some aquatic plants and leeches. Photosynthetic bacteria preparations should be regularly added. The pond bottom should have a moderate layer of mud, about 10–20 cm thick, and fine mud should be prepared on the bottom of the rearing area. Stocking density must be reasonable—high density does not necessarily mean high yield. High-density farming increases waste and pollution, making water quality control more difficult and increasing the risk of aggressive behavior among turtles. For outdoor farming, a stocking density of 2–3 turtles per square meter is generally acceptable. Additionally, the turtle farming area should be isolated from external disturbances to create a quiet and stable environment. (c) Providing High-Quality Feed Soft-shelled turtles are omnivorous, and their diet is complex. In intensive farming, to achieve optimal growth, survival rate, and product quality, it is necessary to use high-quality compound feed combined with fresh, non-polluted live food such as fish, snails, liver, eggs, and vegetables. These should be mixed with compound feed to support digestive health. However, some farmers, due to falling prices, opt for low-grade feeds to cut costs, which is not advisable. In some areas, diseases like “white floor†have been linked to insufficient fresh feed, although poor water management and inadequate prevention also play a role. (IV) Implementing Scientific Management 1. Bait Station Placement and Cleaning: Turtles tend to move along the edges of the pond. Therefore, bait stations should be placed around the edge at an angle of 30–45 degrees from the water surface for easy access and reduced interference. Each time before feeding, the bait station should be cleaned with a sterile brush. Disinfectants such as potassium permanganate or mild solutions are commonly used, and the stations should be disinfected every three days. Different disinfectants should be rotated to avoid resistance. 2. Feeding Practices: Fresh ingredients should make up 10–40% of the feed. They must be cleaned, disinfected, and used immediately to prevent spoilage. Feeding should be done in a way that keeps the food 2–3 cm below the water surface to minimize disturbance. In some regions, artificial feeding methods are not recommended. The feed should be completely consumed within 1–1.5 hours, and any leftovers should be collected for other uses. During hot seasons, feeding should start before sunrise and end after sunset to reduce disturbance and improve digestion. 3. Water Quality Management: Regular water changes are essential, with each change not exceeding one-third of the total volume. Using micro-flux water systems can further improve water quality. Chlorine dioxide (0.5–1 ppm), bleaching powder (2–3 ppm), and quicklime (15–40 ppm) should be used periodically for disinfection. After two to three days, photosynthetic bacteria (5 ppm) can be added to help clean the water. Also, cultivating white carp (60–100 per mu) and silver carp (30–50 per acre) can assist in water filtration. 4. Pond Design: Maintain green water surfaces and set up a shaded bench near the bait station. A 1.5-meter box should be placed 1 meter away from the station, filled with water hyacinth. This helps absorb harmful substances and provides shelter for the turtles. Ponds with shallow slopes should include sun-drying benches for cooling and resting. 5. Regular Monitoring: Routine inspections are crucial to monitor feeding, growth, health, and water quality. Dead turtles should be removed or incinerated promptly, and sick ones isolated for treatment. Tools must be dedicated and sterilized regularly to prevent cross-infection between healthy and affected areas. 1. Ensure aquaculture facilities meet ecological standards, including proper engineering, clean water sources, and effective water management. 2. Implement scientific feeding practices and daily operations, using high-quality, balanced, and pathogen-free feed. 3. Use healthy seedlings. Whenever possible, raise seedlings locally to avoid introducing foreign stock, especially imported ones, to prevent secondary infections. If imported, strict quarantine and observation are required. 4. Maintain daily hygiene and establish a closed production system to block pathogen entry. Regularly administer herbal medicines and supplements during peak disease seasons to boost immunity. Add antibacterial and antiviral agents during disease outbreaks and extend feeding times if needed. Soft-shelled turtles often show symptoms late, so consistent monitoring and early intervention are vital for successful farming. Dehydrated Lettuce,Dehydrated Lettuce Powder,Dehydrated Lettuce Slices,Canned Dehydrated Lettuce Slices Taizhou Shubenshu Food Co.,Ltd , https://www.lvweifoods.com
(5) Improving the Disease Prevention System