Snakes should be farmed for food because they’re cheaper – and even taste like chicken, experts claim

SNAKES should be farmed for food because they are cheaper and easier to raise than chickens and cows, researchers claim.

The serpents’ cold blood means they require less energy, so eat dead rats only once a week.

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Meanwhile, a cow chomps through about 2.5kg of food a day. A study of python farms in Vietnam and Thailand found they were eight times more efficient at converting feed to meat than warm-blooded animals.

Researchers say they also produce fewer greenhouse gases — and even taste a bit like chicken.

Dr Daniel Natusch from Sydney’s Macquarie University said: “Reptile meat is high in protein and low in saturated fats.”

It is popular in the Far East, added to soups, stir fries and even wine.

But dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton reckons Britons will throw a hissy fit if served snake burgers.

She said: “We really don’t need to go to such extremes to save the planet.

“There is good evidence that sticking to recommended diets will cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost our health.

“That means eating plenty of veggies, beans and wholegrains along with five weekly serves of meat around the size of the palm of your hand.

“It’s also better to buy homegrown proteins, like Scotch beef and lamb or British pork and chicken, than importing foods from far off places where welfare standards can be questionable.”

Pizza Hut in Hong Kong last year launched a nine-inch pizza topped with snake meat alongside ham and mushrooms.