Bullfrogs, named for their loud and resonant croaks resembling a bull's call, are large edible frogs known for their tender meat, delicious flavor, and rich nutritional value. They also hold certain medicinal value and offer high farming profitability. Let's delve into the essential techniques for bullfrog farming:
1. Site Selection
Bullfrogs are amphibians, so the choice of farming site should ideally align with their natural habitat. Opt for a tranquil environment with ample sunlight, sheltered from strong winds, and with convenient transportation access. Since bullfrog farming relies heavily on water, ensure the site has access to good-quality water sources and convenient drainage. It's preferable to establish the farm near unpolluted rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or flowing springs.
2. Stocking
Half a month before stocking, disinfect the frog pond by spreading 50kg of hydrated lime per acre over the entire pond area. After 10 days, the bullfrog fingerlings can be introduced. Stocking specifications typically involve releasing 50 fingerlings weighing 50 grams each per square meter, or 20 fingerlings weighing 100 grams each per square meter. Before stocking, immerse the fingerlings in a 20mg/L potassium permanganate solution for 10 minutes.
3. Feeding Management
Bullfrogs are fed a combination of animal-based feed and formulated feed. Animal-based feed includes natural prey like moths, caterpillars, locusts, and small fish, as well as artificial feed such as earthworms, mealworms, silkworm pupae, and animal offal. Formulated feed consists of expanded pellet feed. Feeding should occur three times a day, primarily with animal-based feed supplemented by formulated feed, twice with animal-based feed and once with formulated feed.
4. Water Quality Management
Maintain a water depth of 40 centimeters in the frog pond and replenish or replace the water every 7 days. Flowing water is preferred, and monthly disinfection with hydrated lime and bleach powder is recommended.
5. Disease Prevention and Control
Common bullfrog diseases include red leg disease, bloat, skin ulceration, and gastrointestinal diseases. Preventive measures include monthly disinfection with hydrated lime or bleach powder, regular water changes, and maintaining clean water quality. Sick frogs can be treated by soaking in a 2-5% saline solution for 15 minutes once daily for three days.
These are the fundamental techniques for bullfrog farming. Farmers should conduct daily inspections to prevent frog escape, especially after heavy rainfall, when checking for signs of digging and attempts to escape is crucial.
