Cultivation of zofobas on an industrial scale

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Zophobas breeding is a topic that interests many owners of exotic animals. These insects are excellent live food for large spiders, lizards, scorpions and other unusual domestic animals. Growing them for sale can be quite lucrative.

Basic information

Before considering the breeding of zofobas as a business, you should study what this insect is in general. So let's take a closer look at this. Zofobas belongs to the class of Coleoptera of the dark beetle family. In nature, this species lives in the radius of the junction of North and South America. These insects are also widespread in Cuba. The natural habitat for zofobas is tropical forests. Adults can be found in leafy litter or under rotten logs. A distinctive feature of this species is an unpleasant putrefactive odor. However, this "zest" only attracts animals.

The breeding season of this type of insect lasts throughout the year. Most often the femalelays eggs in bat habitats. Guano is usually used as a nutrient substrate for larvae. At home, this component can be completely replaced with wood chips. Suitable wood of any species, except for conifers.

Individual Development

Let's take a closer look at this. Industrial breeding of zofobas requires certain knowledge of the features of the life cycle of an insect. An individual lives on average 4 months. During this time, it goes through all the cycles characteristic of insects. The larva hatches from an egg measuring 1.5 mm. At the time of birth, the insect has a length of up to 0.5 cm and a weight of 1.5 grams. Each segment of the body has a very original coloration. There is a dark stripe on the front edge, a pattern of dots can be seen in the middle, and the general color of the insect is light yellow. The head and lower part of the grown larva become darker. The pupa is cream colored. The surface of the body is covered with powerful bristles. At this stage, the size of the insect can already reach 3 cm. In the adult stage, the insect grows to 3.5 cm and acquires a matte black color. After molting, adults first become white, and after a few hours - red or light brown. This color lasts for two days.

Development Features

How to grow zofobas? Breeding at home is not particularly difficult in the presence of a favorable atmosphere. Already after 8-12 days, larvae appear, which grow for another 1.5-2 months. For the whole lifethe female can lay up to 1,500 eggs. In one clutch there are usually up to 60 pieces. The ability to procreate in individuals occurs already at the age of 2 weeks. The female lays eggs about a week after mating.

How to breed?

So what do you need to know about this? Many breeders of exotic animals are interested in such an unusual source of income as breeding zofobas on an industrial scale. There are two ways of cultivating insects: this is cultivation with separate and mixed content, depending on the stage. The first option involves transplanting insects into a separate container with the onset of a new stage of development, and the second - growing in one cage.

Choosing a place

This aspect should be given special attention. The content and breeding of zofobas can be carried out in any container made of plastic or glass. The main condition is a large bottom surface. The most optimal container sizes are 30-50 cm along the perimeter and 30 cm in height. Smaller containers may be used for incubation. The main condition is the presence of a tight-fitting perforated lid for the free flow of air into the container. It is also recommended to arrange a lower burn. You can use special racks for work.

The temperature of the environment in which the breeding of zofobas is carried out should be between 26 and 28 degrees. The recommended humidity level is 70%. Lighting does not play a special role here, but everything is better-avoid direct sunlight.

Habitat

Zofobasa is usually grown in a substrate or mixture of peat, sawdust, coconut flakes, wood dust and similar plant ingredients. To give the soil friability, fine expanded clay, vermiculite and sand are used. Insects can get food both directly from the substrate and from special feeders.

Food

What does zofobas eat? Breeding these insects at home usually does not cause any particular difficulties. The diet is quite simple - bones, meat and ready-made food for cats and dogs. You can also add chopped vegetables, fruits, bran, cereals, and combined bird food to the diet. To improve growth and development, larvae should add animal protein to their food.

How to care?

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this aspect in the very first place. A population of 30-40 individuals will be sufficient for a stable supply of animal feed. When breeding, adults are placed in a mother cage filled with powdered milk or infant formula. In this substrate, the females will lay their eggs. The presence of clutches should be checked every 3-4 days. When they appear, it is necessary to replace the containers infected with masonry with new ones. Containers with masonry are placed in an incubation container and placed in a thermostat with a constant temperature of 28-30 degrees and a humidity level of 70-90%. Larvae after emergence should be kept at the same temperature and humidity as adults. When symptoms appearReady for pupation, the larvae should be transplanted into other containers. At the end of the incubation period, the completed pupae are placed back in the mother cage.

Unusual uses

Zophobas breeding is of interest not only to owners of exotic animals, but also to lovers of a he althy lifestyle. These insects are high in protein and useful trace elements. According to experienced experts, with the right cooking method, the larvae have a pleasant almond flavor. However, it is better to start enjoying this delicacy with small portions. Otherwise, a serious allergy may occur.

You can set up your own production of zofobas at home in such a way that you get 1-2 kg of delicacy weekly. Insects are prepared by roasting. The main thing here is to observe the correct temperature regime. Otherwise, the larvae can splatter the entire room with the insides. Frying is carried out until a golden crust appears on the insects. After that, they should be well s alted and peppered. In Latin America, this dish is considered a delicacy.

In production

Insect breeding on an industrial scale is used in large industries such as poultry farms. However, the breeding process in this case is not very pleasant, since dead birds are usually used as food for the larvae.

Conclusion

In this review, we have examined in detail how the cultivation of Zophobos is carried out. The main advantage of such a business is its simplicity. The larvae grow quite quickly. No special growing conditions are required. It is enough just to provide the necessary level of humidity and temperature. Even pet food is suitable as food for insects. You can also add some plant foods: cabbage, apples, carrots, and so on.

It is easiest to keep insects in special containers made of glass or plastic. Containers should be equipped with tight-fitting lids with perforations to allow air to enter. Wood shavings can be used as a habitat. Breeding insects can be carried out both separate and mixed type. The first option involves the separation of individuals in accordance with the stages of development, and the second - the provision of a common habitat.

We hope that the presented material was not only interesting for you, but also useful.