Helix is a type of mollusks from helicid family. This family unites different types of snails, which are visually similar. Europe and the biggest part of Mediterranean territories are the motherland of snails. Different types of helix snails have spread on the biggest part of the continent. They are depredators of agricultural crops, as they are herbivores. Helix Aspersa is not an exception, but their role is not negative.
Grape snails are usual for our regions. They can be met in all gardens and valleys. However, Helix Aspersa maxima and Muller are the most popular among cuisine gourmets. They are called big grey and small grey snails and are widely used for the preparation of delicacies.
Basic principles for cultivation.
Mollusks Aspersa Maxima and Aspera Muller are cultivated on the closed and open farms. These are open cages with all the natural conditions and closed territories with the optimal temperature regimes.
In open-air cages, the farmer creates the necessary conditions for the survival of mollusks. In spring, the necessary plant is planted for nutrition of mollusks.
In the closed cages of the farm, the conditions are completely different. An artificial climate with optimal humidity, temperature and daylight hours have been created here. Feeding can be fundamentally different from the one in the cages.
Nutrition of mollusks.
Helix aspersa Maxima, Helix aspersa Müller as well as other representatives of the type are herbivores. They can digest any plants and can eat a water melon, pumpkin or a squash during several hours. Type of the farm is a peculiarity.
On the open ground, the farmer prepares the site for the migration of mollusks, growing plants popular among the food preferences of snails of this species. Farmers use burdock, nettle, dandelion, lungwort, radish and plantain. Grape leaves, vegetables, fruits, animal feed can be used as fertilizers. The quality of the land is also important because the mollusk receives additional minerals from the soil. The acidity of the soil should not exceed the range of 5.8 — 7.5 pH, and the calcium content should not be less than 4%.
При такой системе разведения соотношение растительности и комбикорма составляет 70/30. То есть, основным кормом выступает растительная пища, которая, одновременно, выступает убежищем от дождя, солнца, ветра, града. Такой пищи должно быть достаточно, чтобы моллюск набирал вес.
Such a breeding system requires the ratio of vegetation and feed to be 70/30. That is, the main food is plant food, which, at the same time, acts as a protection from rain, sun, wind and hail. Such food should be enough for the mollusk to gain weight.
Closed farms are an incubator for mollusks. The necessary conditions for normal life are created here. The main type of feed is feed stuff. This is a mixture of the necessary components that allow the snail to develop harmoniously.
- Calcium is added to form a shell, the quality of which determines the life of a snail. As a rule, this is natural calcium in several versions.
- The growth of the mollusk and body weight depend on this component.
- Auxiliary components. It can be dried herbs, seeds and crops.
Plants with lush foliage are used as complementary foods to improve digestion and variety. The ratio of feed to vegetation with such a breeding system is 70/30. Now, there is less vegetation.
Adhering to a specific strategy and type of farm can ensure a good result, healthy offspring and quick payback periods. Gray snails are in great demand among consumers of this product. The taste parameters of snail meat depend on the type of feeding that the farmer chooses.