Silk Production in China

Overview

• China produces over 1 billion tons of silk annually (70% of global output).
• Silk has countless applications in daily life and industry.

Silk Worm Rearing Process

• Selection of Caterpillars:
  • Caterpillars are carefully selected to ensure quality eggs and healthy offspring.
• Incubation:
  • Caterpillar eggs are collected and placed in specialized incubation environments.
• Feeding:
  • Young caterpillars (larvae) are fed fresh mulberry leaves, chopped into small pieces.
  • Continuous feeding is essential for vigorous growth.
• Environment Maintenance:
  • Lime powder is used to disinfect breeding areas and maintain appropriate pH levels.
  • Clean environment is crucial for health and quality silk production.

Modern Technologies in Silk Farming

• Modern devices have been developed to optimize the feeding process.
• Technology contributes to quality improvement and efficiency in silk production.

Cocoon Making Process

• Square wooden frames provide a stable place for silk worms to hang during cocoon-making.
• Each farm can harvest millions of cocoons each season.
• Cocoon Screening:
  • Specialized equipment screens and removes inferior cocoons, keeping only high-quality ones.
  • Manual labor is essential in this screening process.

Boiling and Reeling Process

• Cocoon boiling separates silk fibers, kills bacteria, and removes impurities.
• Silk Reeling:
  • Traditionally done by hand; skilled farmers ensure finesse.
  • Silk reeling machines improve efficiency and uniformity of threads.

Final Product Processing

• Silk threads are wound into spools and crafted into fabrics.
• Silk quilts undergo final quality inspection to ensure excellence.
• China's silk quilts are renowned for superior quality.

Rabbit Farming in China

Overview

• China raises over 500 million rabbits annually (global production of around 2.2 billion).

Breeding Process

• Natural Mating vs. Artificial Insemination:
  • Natural mating is traditional; artificial insemination increases efficiency and conception rates.
• Both methods can be utilized for optimal outcomes.

Care of Baby Rabbits

• Baby rabbits are born small, weak, and dependent on mother’s milk.
• Nutritionally balanced diets are critical for the growth of adult rabbits.
• Pellet Feed:
  • Provides superior nutrition and economic efficiency.

Health Management

• Vaccination helps prevent diseases; disinfection methods contribute to a clean environment.
• Regular health checks and inspections help detect and address potential issues early.

Processing Rabbit Meat

• Hundreds of thousands of rabbits transported to processing plants.
• Processing Steps:
  • Evisceration to remove internal organs; some organs retained for processing.
  • Rabbits dried with spices before packaging.
• Distribution:
  • Fresh rabbit meat is cut into various parts for market distribution.
• Consumer Demand:
  • People of China consume up to 300 million rabbits annually.
  • Rabbit meat is popular in diverse street food dishes.