Heliciculture as a promising direction in feed production

Heliciculture involves the breeding of terrestrial snails to obtain valuable products and by-products for feed production. This is a promising direction acquiring particular economic and environmental significance under conditions of a deficit of complete protein and rising prices for traditional feeds. The objective is to analyze the possibilities for the introduction and development of snail farming in Kazakhstan and its role in expanding the range of the feed base of agriculture. Methods include content analysis to study the essence and economic aspects of the industry, analytical methods to systematize global experience, qualitative methods to identify key trends, quantitative methods to compare resource costs, and abstract-logical methods for formulating conclusions and substantiating improvements in this area. Results show that the cultivation, processing of gastropod mollusks, and the production of protein-mineral products as well as secondary raw materials can be effectively carried out by small and medium-sized farms using greenhouse complexes and enclosed facilities, while simultaneously reducing agri-food waste and lowering anthropogenic environmental impact, in line with the principles of the circular economy. The feasibility of breeding representatives of the gastropod class in various regions of the country has been substantiated, taking into account climatic conditions, infrastructure, state support, and logistical and production features. Conclusions – the formation of specialized agro-industrial production requires comprehensive state support, including legislative regulation, financial measures, research and in formational-educational support, quality standardization, and the application of recycling technologies based on foreign experience. Heliciculture as a sector of alternative livestock production has significant potential for forming feed resources and various industrial segments, contributing to diversification, modernization of agribusiness, and increased investment attractiveness

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