ASSESSMENT OF SNAIL PRODUCTION IN AN ENCLOSED FREE RANGE SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

The study on the Assessment of Snail Production in an Enclosed Free Range System Using Cassava as Cover was carried out to create a design with reduced cost and assess the degree to which the enclosure is escape proof, growth rate and the snails’ activities in the free range system. A total of 50 juvenile Archachatina marginata of similar age and average weight were bought and moved to the study site with steel wire mesh and poles with cover crop (cassava) planted within the perimeter. The enclosure had rows of cassava planted on it which serves as forage and shade. Stands and wooden planks attached to them were also brought in and covered with dried plantain leaves to serve as hideouts for the snails. They were periodically fed vegetable feed (cabbage, pawpaw and watermelon). Data were collected on the degree of security against escape, growth rate, cover crop, predation and freshness of snails. The results indicate that the enclosure was relatively escape proof, safe from predators and pests and that the snails consume the foliage of the cassava. It was found that also that the snails exhibited a preference for fruits over the planted crops. They were also found to have not experienced discoloration and significantly gained weight.