Scorpions are among the most valuable fur animals in the world, known for their omnivorous diet and ease of availability. A single female can give birth to 6 to 14 offspring per litter, and with extended artificial rearing and domestication, their population can grow steadily over time. This necessitates careful selection and breeding practices to maintain a superior genetic line.
First, weight is an essential factor in selecting breeding stock. The selection process should ideally begin before May, and it's advisable to avoid purchasing older breeders, as they may have been culled due to poor health or injected with melatonin. To determine if a scorpion is old, assess its body weight, finger shape, age-related growth, and skin tightness. Young scorpions (bred ones) typically weigh around 3.5 to 4.8 kg in August and September, while those in November weigh between 6 to 9 kg for males and 5 to 8 kg for females. Scorpions that are too light may not be suitable for breeding. Additionally, breeders should observe behavior, eating habits, and defecation patterns, as well as check for thick foot pads or swollen ankles, which may indicate prior vaccination or disease history. If none of these criteria are met, the animal should not be introduced or retained.
When selecting young scorpions, it's best to do so in three stages. The first stage occurs in May and June, during the pre- and post-weaning period. At this point, the primary selection is based on weight, coat color, litter size, and growth rate. The second stage takes place in late August and early September, where about 20–25% more individuals are kept than planned, allowing for elimination of redundant or less desirable specimens. The selected group is then evaluated for quality. The third stage happens in mid-November, just before the shedding season. At this point, males and females are kept in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. However, if the population is small, some surplus individuals should be reserved to prevent aggression among females during breeding. A year of dedicated breeding work follows.
Second, coat color plays a significant role in selecting breeding stock. Ideal seedlings should have dense fur, complete needle hair, bright coloring, and consistent dorsal and ventral hair. Needle hairs should be dark black, white, or curled—these should not be used for breeding. The fur must be even, well-grown, and fine. The best colors are the finest gray and the highest quality plush. The top-grade fur is considered the best, and third-grade coats should be excluded. Female fur with lower quality is classified as second-grade and should be avoided.
Third, body shape and physical features are crucial. Breeding stock should be well-proportioned, active, and healthy, with clean eyes and moist noses. Males should have large bodies, thick hind legs, long tails, and fluffy fur. Females should have slender bodies and high limbs. Short, fat females are generally not recommended for breeding. Regardless of gender, any obvious defects such as one eye, a single testicle, or few teats should disqualify the individual from being selected.
Fourth, the selection and retention of productive breeding stock is critical. After the first year of breeding, the farm should have a clear understanding of each male’s fertility, the estrus cycles of females, calving success, and milk production. Since females tend to have their peak productivity between the second and fourth years, all males and females should be evaluated before the first shedding. Those showing frequent vomiting, shaking, or urinating in food bowls should not be retained. Individuals with high litter sizes, full milk production, strong maternal instincts, gentle temperaments, dense and fine fur, and quick recovery after weaning should be selected. About 70% of the population should be kept as a core group, ensuring no inbreeding across three generations. Male and female scorpions from the same year should be paired for breeding. Continued pure-bred efforts will ensure future generations maintain high-quality standards, ultimately improving the overall quality of the scorpion population.
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