GROWTH RESPONSE OF AFRICAN GIANT LAND SNAIL (Archachatina marginata) FED WITH VARIED CRUDE PROTEIN DIETS

ABSTRACT

The study evaluate the growth response of growth response of African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) fed with varied crude protein diets. A total of Sixty (60) juvenile African giant land snails (A. marginata) of mean weight of 70.40±2.5g to 90.20±2.5g g were used for the research. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and each replicated thrice with five snails per replicate. The treatments were T1 (5% crude protein), T2 (10% crude protein), T3 (15% crude protein) and T4 (control; cocoyam and pawpaw leaves). The trials lasted for (8) weeks. The results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in mean weekly weight gain, shell length increment and shell width increment, feed conversion ratio, carcass, shell and visceral weights, mean egg weight, length and diameter of the snails among the various diets used in the study. The values recorded in snails fed 15% crude protein had significantly (P<0.05) higher values of 15.3+1.9g, 1.04+0.02cm, 1.22+0.02, 78.5+5.3g, 38.9+2.2g and 11.4+1.1g for weight gain, shell length and width increment, carcass, shell and visceral weights respectively than every other snails fed other diets used for this study. The results also showed that the highest percentage number of eggs (60%), was observed in snails fed 15% crude protein. The results further showed that the highest mortality rate (33.3%) was observed in snails placed under the control feed regime. The study concluded that snails fed pineapple 15% crude protein performed better in their growth performance compared to the other feed regimes used for the study. The finding recommended that for optimum performance in terms of growth, compounded (formulated) with 15% crude protein should be added to the snails feed.