Grasshoppers, also known as leeches, are a valuable component of traditional Chinese medicine, primarily used for extracting alfalfa. In terms of clinical use and export revenue, China requires about 1,000 tons annually. However, due to the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with excessive harvesting in recent years, wild populations have significantly declined, failing to meet medical demands. Despite this, grasshoppers possess strong vitality, rapid reproduction, low breeding costs, simple management, and high economic returns, making them an excellent option for rural communities seeking to increase their income.
The key techniques for artificial grasshopper farming are outlined below:
First, site selection and pond construction. Choose a shaded area with good drainage and irrigation. The pond should be approximately 3 meters wide and 1 meter deep, with no strict length limits. The pond should be designed to allow water to flow in and out diagonally. At the bottom, place stones and branches to provide shelter for the grasshoppers. Small-scale farmers can use a simple earth pit behind the house, just fill it with water.
Second, source and breeding stock. Grasshoppers can be collected from the wild or purchased. Artificial breeding is highly profitable. Known as "Cattle Grasshoppers," they often feed on cattle blood. These creatures are hermaphroditic and lay eggs. They spawn between March and April, typically laying 1-4 eggs at a time, with each female producing 60-80 young. Summer and autumn are peak breeding seasons, and capturing animal blood during this time is efficient. A single session can yield 2-3 kilograms, which is faster than raising carp or turtles. When selecting breeding stock, choose healthy, large individuals weighing around 25 grams. These grasshoppers produce more eggs and have a higher hatching rate. Early spring stocking allows them to grow and be ready for sale within six months.
Third, feeding and management. Grasshoppers are hardy and easy to care for, mainly requiring proper feeding and water quality control.
1. Feeding: Grasshoppers primarily feed on the blood of snails, cockroaches, and other small animals, as well as mammals. For artificial rearing, the main diet consists of animal blood and rice bran. Approximately 2.5 kg of snails per mu of water can be introduced to naturally reproduce and serve as food for the grasshoppers. Animal blood can be fed once a week. Adding a bottle of "Liver Fighter Chang Lingling" weekly can double production and prevent disease.
2. Water quality: Grasshoppers are adaptable but require clean water in artificial breeding environments. Maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen, especially in summer and autumn when frequent water changes are necessary.
3. Winter management: Grasshoppers stop feeding and hibernate in the soil during winter. Those stocked in early spring usually reach market size by the following season. Seedlings should be caught before hibernation. Drain the water first, then use a net to collect them, selecting only the strongest individuals. Reserve 10-15 kg per mu for wintering, and ensure they are kept in warm, protected areas. Keep the temperature above 0°C to ensure survival through the cold season.
4. Processing and sales: Once caught, grasshoppers are placed in lime for 20-30 minutes to kill them. They are then dried or sun-dried and sieved to remove any remaining lime powder before being sold.
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