Feeding and feeding management are essential components of the overall culture technology for giant salamanders. The quality of feeding and proper management directly affects the growth, development, and health of adult individuals. There is a strong correlation between the occurrence of polyps, water quality stability, and the survival rate of adults.
1. **Adult Eco-Physiological Habits**
(1) **Habitat**: In their natural environment, adult giant salamanders live in dark springs of the Yinhe River. In artificial breeding conditions, they are typically kept in artificial caves or controlled environments.
(2) **Diet**: Adults are carnivorous. Their food can be divided into two categories: fresh or frozen animal-based feeds (without excessive fat) and artificial compound feeds.
(3) **Water Temperature**: This is a key factor influencing both growth and gonadal development. The ideal range is 16–25°C, with the best temperature for optimal growth being 18–23°C.
(4) **pH Level**: The suitable pH range for adults is 6.5 to 7.5.
(5) **Lighting**: Giant salamanders are photophobic and prefer low-light conditions. They are active during dim lighting, and the recommended light intensity is between 100 and 500 lux.
2. **Feeding Methods and Practices**
2.1 **Types of Feed**
Baby giant salamanders are carnivorous, and in the wild, they feed on a variety of animals such as fish, shrimp, frogs, shellfish, loaches, and eggs of chickens and ducks. They also consume small mammals like lambs, rabbits, and quails. Artificial compound feed is also used, including specially formulated diets for giant salamanders. The feed conversion ratio for natural feed is generally between 3.5 and 6.3, while for artificial feed, it is around 2.8 to 3.6. Local breeders can choose feed types based on available resources.
2.2 **Feeding Strategies**
To improve breeding efficiency and reduce costs, it's important to understand the digestibility and nutrient absorption capacity of different feeds. A well-planned feeding strategy should consider factors like nutrition, growth, metabolism, environmental conditions, feeding frequency, and feeding principles.
(1) **Feeding Time and Frequency**: Under suitable temperatures, giant salamanders fully digest their food within 2–3 days. If the temperature drops below 10°C, feeding should occur every 5–7 days. As nocturnal creatures, they are most active at night. Therefore, summer feeding is usually scheduled between 8–10 PM, and winter feeding between 6–8 PM.
(2) **Feeding Amount**: Several factors influence how much to feed, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, water quality, disease status, and feed type. Water temperature plays a critical role because giant salamanders are poikilothermic. Their metabolic activity increases with rising water temperature. Feeding is most effective between 12°C and 23°C, with peak feeding and growth occurring at 18–23°C. When water temperature exceeds 26°C, feeding decreases, and above 28°C, they may enter a state similar to hibernation. At lower temperatures, dissolved oxygen and water quality become more important. Thus, feeding amounts must be adjusted according to multiple factors.
(3) **Feeding Methods**: Feeding practices should align with the natural behavior and ecological habits of the salamanders. To maximize feed utilization and minimize waste, the "four-time" feeding method is recommended: timing, location, quality, and quantity.
- **Timing**: Feed them at consistent times each day, adjusting slightly based on season and temperature. For example, 10 PM in summer and 8 PM in winter.
- **Location**: Encourage feeding in specific areas to promote group feeding, which enhances appetite and reduces feed loss.
- **Quality**: If using artificial feed, store it in a dry, cool place. Add oils such as fish oil or vegetable oil to improve protein utilization. The oil content varies with temperature: 5% at 18–23°C, 5–6% at 14–17°C, and none below 12°C. Natural feeds should be fresh and clean, avoiding spoiled materials.
- **Quantity**: Adjust feed portions based on individual size, growth stage, digestion ability, water temperature, and water quality.
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