Ilem, N. I. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Okon, B. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Ibom, L. A. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Dauda, A. (Federal University Wukari, Taraba)
Okon, F. I. (College of Health Technology, Calabar)
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the associations between egg traits from different egg sizes of Archachatina marginata snails and the relationship between their body weights and linear body traits. The research involved three snail groups classified by size: large, medium, and small. Data collected included egg traits such as egg number, egg weight, egg length, and egg width, along with linear body measurements of baby snails, including shell length, shell width, aperture length, and aperture circumference. Significant (p < 0.01) correlations were observed within egg traits and between body weight and linear body traits across all groups. The results suggest that crossbreeding and selection can lead to genetic improvements in both egg and body traits in Archachatina marginata snails.
Keywords: Archachatina marginata, egg traits, body weight, linear body traits, phenotypic correlations, crossbreeding, genetic improvement, snail farming.
