Environment is the combination of
external physical conditions that affect and influence the growth, development
and survival of organisms. Snail farming can be in-door or outdoor provided
environmental conditions necessary for survival are ideal.
Temperature: Temperature
influences the activities of snails such that temperature above 200C will cause the snails
to stiviate or hibernate in order to regulate the body fluid. Sails thrive well under ambient temperature of
200C with considerable growth rate all year round with zero chance
of aestivation. Temperature and humidity of 80% are very critical in the
survival of snails.
Humidity: Humidity is a
very critical factor to snails as they have to maintain a constant equilibrium
between fluids. A humid environment is
required for snails to remain active and bred all year round. It is therefore,
necessary to moisten the environment during dry periods. Humidity and water availability
are very important in snail rearing and influence feeding. During dark hours, air humidity of 80% will promote good snail activity
and growth. Even though snails need water their environment must not be water
logged.
Light: Snails
naturally require light for optimal growth. Lighting can be achieved by natural and artificial means. At the level
of our technological advancement, natural lightening is mostly employed. Light essentially
is necessary for some biological process such as photosynthesis which is very
vital in energy cycle in food chain. Intensive snail production involves
artificial lighting system to prompt the snails into their natural reproductive
cycle. Three environmental factors (daylight, temperature and humidity) influences
the reproductive cycle of snails (Yusuf,
2002). Research has shown that exposure of
snails to continuous light
increased their activity and rate
of food consumption and thus promote
their rapid growth (Akinusi, 2002).
Soil: Soil
is a medium for reproduction of snails.
Good management practice involves
selection and mixture of soil. It
should be recalled that soil harbours a lot
of pests and predators,
and so should be properly
analyzed before using it
in snail activities. A mixture of sand and
clay in a good proportion retains
water and therefore not suitable
because during raining season it
becomes water logged and cakes up
during dry season which makes it too
hard for snails to burrow through. Loamy
soil is recommended as it contains enough organic matter with good retentive
capacity. Acidic soils should be avoided. If
an acid soil cannot be avoided,
lining is encouraged. Periodic application of calcium is also encouraged where
and when it is absent. The soil should not contain harmful soils or be so
alkaline so as not to burn the snails (Akinnusi, 2002).
OTHER POSTS ON AGRICULTURE
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