Detailed Explanation of Key Points and Methods for Snail Farming Technology
Snails belong to the mollusks, are hardy and easy to grow, and are suitable for growing in ponds, riversides, ditches and paddy fields. Snails have the effect of clearing heat and reducing internal heat, and are a popular late-night food in midsummer. Snails have the advantages of a high survival rate, few diseases and wide sources of seed stock, making them one of the more practical farming projects for farmers. The key points of artificial snail farming technology are as follows.
Living Habits
Snails often inhabit lakes, ponds, paddy fields and slow-flowing streams that are warm in winter and cool in summer, with soft bottom soil and abundant food. Their optimum growth water temperature is around 20-25°C. When the water temperature reaches below 15°C and above 30°C, they stop feeding activity. When it is below 10°C, they burrow into the soil and enter a dormant state, and when the water temperature returns to above 15°C, they emerge from their burrows to feed again. In artificial farming, field snails can be raised in specially dug ponds, or natural paddy fields, swamps and ditches can be used, and they can also be polycultured with fish. However, the farming water body must be non-toxic, harmless and pollution-free. If paddy fields are used for farming, pesticides must not be applied, plowing and harrowing must not be done, and wire or plastic mesh screens should be installed at the water inlet and outlet for control.
Pond Selection
It is required to select an area ranging from 3-20 mu, with a pond depth of 1-1.5 m, 1:3, and a relatively fertile pond bottom, but it must not be too deep. The water body of the river channels around the pond must be free of [pollution]. As for old ponds, since there are few shallow shoals, and according to the habits of snails, snails prefer to live on bottom soil with less silt, based on this characteristic, it is recommended that the pond shoals and pond ridges be covered to increase the adaptable area for snails. There is another method: use mesh sheets placed upright around the perimeter to further increase the snail farming area.
Pond Clearing and Preparation
After the pond is selected, fish pond clearing and preparation work must be carried out. Pond ridges must be built well, and excess silt must be removed, especially the silt on the shoals. If conditions permit, mud suction treatment is best.
Pond Disinfection
The use of pond-clearing agents is completely prohibited. Generally, [agents] can be used or [agents] for pond clearing and disinfection, but quicklime is the best. The dosage is 100-150 kg/mu with water (30-50 cm), and 50-75 kg/mu without water. Quicklime pond clearing has the following benefits: 1) increases pH; 2) increases Ca content; 3) can regulate water quality; 4) can perform sterilization.
Snail Seed Selection
1) Appearance requirements: the snail tip is short, small and swollen, the shell is slightly prickly, and the operculum is slightly red; 2) Size requirements: 60-100 grains/jin; 3) Quality requirements: when startled, the snail body quickly retracts into the shell, and it is free of disease, injury and insects.