Growth Performance of Snails (Achatina Fulica) Fed with Three Different Leaf Materials
[1]
Mogbo T. C., Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
[2]
Nwankwo O. D., Department of Animal Science and Environmental Biology, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
[3]
Nwuzor I. L., Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The growth performance of snails (Achatina fulica) fed with three different leaf materials was monitored in this study. Forty-five (45) Achatina fulica juvenile snails were used for this study and were subjected to three diet treatments (A; Moringa oleifera leaf, B; Carica papaya leaf, C; Talinum triangulare leaf) in three (3) replicates of five (5) snails per replicate, which were housed in Nine (9) rectangular plastic baskets. The Animals were obtained from Afor Agulu market in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State and were transported in a basket covered with dry leaves and acclimatized for one (1) week during which they were fed with chick mash. Data was collected on weekly basis by measuring growth parameters (shell length increase, shell circumference, and weight gain). The result of the data collected showed that snails on diet C (T. triangulare) had the best mean shell length increase of (1.11cm) and best mean weight gain of (27.00g) while snails on diet A (Moringa oleifera) had the best mean shell circumference increase of (0.35cm). Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference in parameters measured. From the result of the study, conclusions were drawn that the leaves used in the study can be incorporated into the diets of snails without any deleterious effect.
Moringa oleifera, Carica papaya, Talinum triangulare, Snail Growth
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