TYPES OF SNAILS

3 Productive types for alternative livelihood and as protein sources

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This story talks about the types of snails that are more suited for commercial production in Africa to mark the beginning of the series that will discuss in detail snail production and marketing.

The Benefits of Snail Farming

1. It is very stress-free to run. 2. It is very productive and cost-effective. 3. It is responsive to the environment. 4. They are profitable. 5. Snails have less fat and cholesterol. 6. They are used for health-related products and are highly medicinal. 7. Snails have traditional healing benefits. 8. It is a very good export opportunity. 9. They contain nutrients like iron, vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium and have very low fat.

types of snails

1. Achatina Marginata 

The giant West African snail, or banana rasp snail (Archachatina marginata) is a species of air-breathing tropical land snail. They can grow up to 20 cm long, and live up to 10 years. The natural spread of this species is very slow. However, unintentional spread by individuals for food and folk medicine is very common.

2. Achatina Fulica 

Outside of its native range, this snail thrives in many types of habitats in areas with mild climates. It feeds voraciously and is a vector for plant pathogens, causing severe damage to agricultural crops and native plants. It competes with native snail taxa, is a nuisance pest in urban areas, and spreads human disease. 

3. Achatina Achatinae

It is a species of very large, air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Achatinidae. The name “Achatina” is from “achates”, Greek for agate. It survives in a more humid environment. Achatina Achatina is the most preferred by farmers because it grows and can grow so big.

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