One of the most consumed livestock
meat by humans worldwide since prehistoric times is snail meat. Snail meat is
really high in protein (12- 16%) and Iron (45-50 mg/kg), and it also contains
almost all the ammo acids needed by humans. According to research the glandular
substances in edible snail meat cause agglutination of certain bacteria, which
could be of value in fighting different types of ailments. Snail farming is
really a profitable business to venture into, but a lot of Nigerians neglect
the business.
Furthermore, Snail meat has
traditionally been a major ingredient in the diet of people living in the high
forest belt (the forested area other than the savannah forest) in West Africa. In
country like Cöte d’Ivoire, for example, an estimated seven million kg are
eaten annually. In country like Ghana, it is also clear that the demand has currently
outstrips supply.
A study has also show that the high
iron content in the meat is considered very important in treating anemia. In
the past, this meat was recommended for combating asthma and ulcers.
Some of the advantages
of snail farming
1. On like any other livestock snails
are human and environment-friendly when compared to poultry and pigs, their
droppings do not really come with offensive smells.
2. Without been told the resources
required for snail farming is relatively low when compared to other livestock
farming processes.
3. Like I said earlier, the meat of
Snail can really serve as a good source of iron, protein, calcium etc. Snail
meat is low in fats and cholesterol when compared to other protein livestock
sources like pigs and poultry.
Different types of
Snail
Snail has various species. On this article
we are just going to concentrate on the Giant African Land Snail (GAL), most specifically
the species of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica.
1. The Achatina achatina species: This
particular species is commonly known as Giant Ghana African snail. This species
is a widely distributed snail species most especially in West Africa
(Particularly in Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia and
Togo). The Achatina achatina species can
grow up to 30 cm in body length and 25cm in shell height. Also an average adult
shell length is about 18cm, with an average diameter of 9cm. The Achatina
achatina species prefers warm conditions of 25-30◦C and relative humidity of about
80-95% for growing conditions.
2. The Achatina fulica species: This
particular specie called Achatina fulica (garden snail, foolish snail) is a
large snail that can reach about 20cm in length or occasionally more, also with
a shell length of about 20cm and a maximum diameter of about 12cm. The Achatina
fulica species originated from the coastal regions of East Africa (Tanzania,
Kenya) and by the 19th century, The specie has extended to southern Somalia,
Ethiopia and Northern Mozambique. The Achatina
fulica species can adapt to a wide range of environments trying to modify its
life to suit local conditions. A mature species of this snail can weighs about 250
grams.
3. The Archachatina marginata specie: This
particular specie called Archachatina marginata is a large snail that grows to
about 20cm in length and also weighs about 500 grams. The shell of this specie is
much less pointed than the Achatina species. The Archachatina marginata specie
can grow very well in a good drain place.
Some of the benefits of
snail farming
1. Snail can be reared for meat
production. Snail meat can either be cooked or fried and it really contains a
good amount of protein (about 12-16%) and Iron (about 45-50 mg/kg).
2. Snail can also be reared for
medicinal purpose. A study has shown that the liquid can be used to cleanse the
eyes of a victim of snake spittle.
3. Snail farming has become a source of
employment. A lot of unemployed youth, men and women in the society have
benefited from snail farming business in the society.
Furthermore, the following are the
step by step on how to start snail farming;
1. The location of the site: In snail
farming the location of the site plays an important role. A lot of species of
snails really thrives best in areas with a moderate temperature and high
humidity. If there is too much wind it can accelerate moisture loss in snails, if
you want to prevent moisture the land must be sited in a place that is protected
from the wind. And again the soil area is also very important, snails really grow
well on good soils.
2. The construction of snail house: In
snail farming the housing method are either; extensive, semi-intensive and
intensive depending on whatever you decide. Make sure it has escape proof so
that you don’t wake up one morning and find your snail in your neighbor’s house
or garden moving around.
3. The rearing density: One thing that affects
the growth of the snail is the stocking density. If there is high stocking
density, it will really slow down the growth of the snails and it will make
them to develop into small adults.
4. Feeding the snail: Snails are really vegetarians,
they will accept almost all types of food. Some of their foods are Leaves (pawpaw,
Cocoyam, eggplant, cassava, okra, cabbage) Fruits (Generally fruits that are rich
in minerals and vitamins but low in protein)
Tubers (which are yam, cocoyam, etc)
Don’t forget that snail are not fast
growing animals, most times it takes about fifteen months for Achatina achatina
to really reach full maturity even if they eat a huge quantity of food with
quality every day.
5. Predators and parasite: Some of the
predators that can really eat snail are; snakes, rats, mice, frogs and toads,
domesticated birds, man, etc. Try and beware of parasites because they can eat
the snails’ body tissue until the snails are reduced to putrefying mass and
pupate within the shell, which can make your investments to be a waste.
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