When it comes to garlic, most people think of it as a seasoning in the kitchen and for daily sterilization. However, in the aquaculture circle, garlic is a "natural treasure" privately kept by veteran farmers - it doesn't require high costs, has no risk of drug residues, and can also solve multiple core problems such as water quality, diseases, and growth. Today, we'll take you on a deep dive into the scientific and ingenious uses of garlic in aquaculture, with full practicality!
I. Core Principle: The "Hardcore Power" of Allicin
All the cultivation benefits of garlic stem from its core active ingredient - allicin.
Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound produced by the decomposition of alliin in garlic under the action of alliinase after garlic is crushed. It has strong volatility and bactericidal activity.
It doesn't need to worry about drug residues, and there are no harmful substances after metabolism. It conforms to the trend of green breeding and has extremely low irritation to aquatic animals such as fish, shrimp and crab.
Ii. Five Major Applications, Covering the entire scene of aquaculture
1. Antibacterial and disease-resistant
Allicin can destroy the cell membrane structure of bacteria and fungi, inhibit the reproduction of pathogens, and is a powerful tool for preventing and assisting in the treatment of common aquatic diseases.
For diseases: common bacterial and fungal diseases such as gill rot, enteritis, red skin disease, and water mold disease.
Practical method: Mash the garlic and extract the juice. Mix it with 0.5% to 1% of the feed weight and feed it continuously for 3 to 5 days. In the early stage of the disease, it can increase to 1.5%, and the effect is better when combined with an appropriate amount of vitamins.
2. Improve water quality
In aquaculture, the accumulation of leftover feed and feces can lead to an increase in ammonia nitrogen and nitrite, causing water pollution.
Mechanism of action: Allicin can decompose some organic pollutants, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria (such as vibrio) in water bodies, and reduce the production of harmful gases.
Practical method: Sprinkle diluted garlic juice all over the pond. Use 2-3 kilograms of garlic per mu of water surface (1 meter deep), once every 15-20 days. It can be used in combination with probiotics to double the purification effect.
3. Promote growth and increase appetite
Poor appetite and slow growth in aquatic animals are often related to weak intestinal digestive function.
Principle of action: Allicin can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes in the intestines of fish and shrimp, improve the balance of intestinal flora, and increase the absorption rate of feed protein.
Practical method: Add 0.2%-0.3% garlic powder (or fresh garlic juice) when mixing daily feed. Long-term use can increase the growth rate of fish and shrimp by 10%-15% and reduce the feed conversion ratio.
4. Enhance immunity
Long-term feeding of garlic can activate the non-specific immune function of aquatic animals and enhance their disease resistance and stress resistance.
Applicable scenarios: Seedling free-range, sudden weather changes (temperature drop, heavy rain), sudden water quality changes and other stress periods. Early feeding can reduce deaths caused by stress responses.
Practical method: For 3 days before and after stress, mix 1% of the feed weight and feed it to help fish and shrimp smoothly get through the critical period.
5. Deworming and detoxifying
The volatile odor of allicin can repel some parasites (such as ringworm, anchor head 鳋), and at the same time has a degrading effect on some toxic substances in water.
Practical method: For the problem of parasites, sprinkle garlic juice (3 kilograms per mu) and salt (5 kilograms per mu) all over the pond for two consecutive days. When detoxifying, it can be combined with vitamin C for better results.
Iii. Precautions for Use: Do not overlook these details
The dosage should be precise: Excessive use can irritate the gills and intestines of fish and shrimp, leading to a reduction in food intake. Operate strictly in accordance with the above proportion.
Prepare for immediate use: Fresh garlic juice is highly active. After being mashed, it should be used within 2 hours to prevent allicin from evaporating and becoming ineffective. Garlic powder should be stored in a sealed container to prevent moisture.
There are certain considerations when combining: allicin should not be used simultaneously with alkaline drugs (such as quicklime), as it will reduce the efficacy of the drugs. When mixing the ingredients, a small amount of oil can be added to promote the absorption of allicin.
Targeted use: Garlic is a "preventive + auxiliary treatment" tool. If fish and shrimp have seriously fallen ill, it is necessary to promptly combine it with regular fishery medicine and not rely solely on garlic.