Jinchengjiang Bamboo Rats

Jinchengjiang Bamboo Rats

　　Bamboo rats, scientifically known as Rhizomyidae, are also referred to as bamboo mice, mole rats, pork rats, bamboo field mice, bamboo root rats, or winter-furred rats, among other names. They belong to the order Rodentia, family Spalacidae. They are named for their diet, which primarily consists of bamboo, and wild populations are particularly precious.

　　Physical Characteristics

　　Their bodies are mole-like, stout and resembling those of mole rats. The head is blunt and round, with a large snout, small eyes, and ears hidden within the fur. The tail is uniformly covered with long, fine, and sparse hair, through which the skin can be seen. The forelimbs are relatively small and slender, with short but strong claws suitable for digging. The claws of the second and third digits are nearly equal in size.

　　The skull is robust and solid, with an expanded zygomatic arch, prominent bony ridges, and well-developed muscles. The upper incisors are especially thick and large, with a total of 16 teeth. Among them, the Chinese bamboo rat has a stout, cylindrical body. Its limbs are short but thick and clawed, serving as both locomotive organs and tools for digging and foraging. The tail is short, the incisors are large, and the molars are small, reflecting typical features of rodents.

　　Adult bamboo rats are approximately 30–40 cm in length, with certain species, such as the large bamboo rat, reaching up to 45 cm and weighing 2–4 kg. Their toes are strong and their claws sharp. The body is covered with long hair, though the tail is either hairless or has short, sparse fur—longer than that of mole rats. Body color varies with age, ranging from dark to light shades. Juveniles have darker fur than adults. The entire body is deep gray-black. Adult rats have brownish-gray fur on the back with long, bristly guard hairs, slightly lighter fur on the muzzle and sides, and sparser, pale-colored abdominal fur that is white with a dusky tint, interspersed with shiny fine hairs. Through the fur, the pink skin can be seen, and the feet and tail of some individuals are gray-brown.

　　Bamboo rats grow rapidly, reaching about 2 kg in weight by 6 months of age. Wild bamboo rats primarily feed on bamboo roots, miscanthus grass, tender bamboo shoots, and shoots, but after domestication, they can consume various types of straw. Under artificial breeding conditions, sexual maturity begins at around 5 months of age when the rats weigh over 1.2 kg. Breeding typically starts after 6 months of age, with an average annual production of more than 10 offspring.

　　Breeding Characteristics

　　Maintaining a female-to-male ratio of 2:1 is ideal, ensuring 3–4 litters per year. Bamboo rats can come into heat all year round. Each estrus period lasts 1–3 days, with mating occurring 1–2 times daily. Each litter produces 1–6 offspring.

　　Female bamboo rats give birth approximately 60 days after becoming pregnant. Pregnant females should be housed separately, with regular cleaning of the enclosure and the maintenance of dry, soft bedding. Six to seven days before delivery, the female becomes visibly restless, her activity decreases, and she moves more slowly. Before giving birth, she often makes “coo-coo” sounds. During delivery, the pups are born along with the placenta and amniotic sac. The mother consumes the placenta and sac as she gives birth, eventually biting off the umbilical cord and cleaning the amniotic fluid from the pups. The birthing process takes 2–4 hours, though it may be as quick as 1–2 hours. The squeaking sounds of the newborns can be heard during this time. Avoid watching or touching the mother during delivery and keep the environment quiet. Twelve hours after giving birth, the mother begins nursing the pups.

　　Newborn bamboo rats weigh only about 10 grams and are entirely hairless. The room temperature should be maintained between 8–27°C. In summer, if temperatures exceed 30°C and the environment is particularly stuffy, use fans or sprinkle water in the enclosure to cool it down. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 5°C, and it’s best to keep it around 15°C.

　　Pups are best weaned at around 30–35 days old. Juvenile rats (those within three months after weaning) should be fed fresh, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich food, such as juicy feed like carrots, sweet potatoes, bamboo shoots, and melon rinds, as well as concentrated feed like corn, wheat bran, and dry steamed buns. Juvenile rats reach sexual maturity after 4 months of age.

　　Species Value

　　Bamboo rats contain 57.78% crude protein, 20.54% crude fat, 17.36% crude ash, 0.84% crude fiber, and 0.05% cholesterol. They are also rich in phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamin E, amino acids, and steroids. Their levels of lysine, leucine, and methionine surpass those found in chicken, duck, goose, pig, cattle, sheep, fish, shrimp, and crab. The meat of bamboo rats is delicate, delicious, and highly nutritious. It is a low-fat, low-cholesterol delicacy and a valuable supplement to improve human dietary structure. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*: “Bamboo rat meat is sweet, neutral, and non-toxic. It supplements the middle burner, boosts qi, and detoxifies.”

　　Bamboo rats have high medicinal value. Modern medicine has proven that bamboo rat meat promotes the growth of white blood cells and hair, enhances liver function, and helps prevent vascular sclerosis. It has positive effects against aging and delaying puberty, making it a natural beauty and health product. The gallbladder, liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs of bamboo rats can all be used medicinally. The oil extracted from the Chinese bamboo rat can treat burns and scalds.

　　The fur of bamboo rats is soft, dense, lustrous, and of good quality, making it ideal for fur garments. The fur of the Chinese bamboo rat is especially soft with thick underfur, making it premium material for coats, collars, and hats. The hide, in particular, is excellent for making high-quality leather and shoes. Bamboo rat whiskers are a high-end material for making brushes. As bamboo rats offer a combination of fur, meat, medicinal uses, and ornamental value, they remain consistently popular in both domestic and international markets, yielding significant economic benefits and are considered high-end export commodities.