Heliciculture, the cultivation of snails for commercial or subsistence use, is also known as snail farming. Snail species including the Helix aspersa and Helix pomatia, as well as the Achatina species, are commonly cultivated in this manner. Growing snails can be done on a micro scale for home use or on a commercial scale.
Snail farming is done primarily to supply restaurants with what is considered a delicacy in many cultures: snail flesh. Due to its low fat and high protein content, snail meat is a favorite among health-conscious diners. It's a green and sustainable option for getting protein from animals.
The following are typical components of a snail farm: 1. Choosing the best snail species for farming based on environmental, economic, and cultural considerations.
2. Housing and Environment: Providing the snails with an appropriate habitat, which may involve the use of customized cages, pens, or containers to manage environmental factors like temperature and humidity and to keep predators at bay.
3. Sufficient feeding, including a variety of plant materials and calcium sources, is essential for optimum growth and shell development in snails.
4. Reproduction entails controlling the snail population so that enough babies are born to sustain future generations.
5. The term "harvest" refers to the act of gathering mature snails at the correct size and weight for consumption or sale.
6. Getting the word out and setting up shop to sell snail meat to individuals, eateries, and marketplaces.
As a result of the increasing demand for both nutritious and unusual foods, snail farming has become increasingly popular as a viable and lucrative agribusiness endeavor in many nations.