BIO-STUDIES ON EFFECTIVENESS OF BENTH LEAF (Pouzolsia guinnensis) FOR IMPROVED PRODUCTION IN GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL ECOTYPES

 

Journal of Molluscan Research, (JMR) Volume 10, 2024


Akanni, K.T. (Federal College of Education, Abeokuta)
Ajayi, A.G. (Federal College of Education, Abeokuta)


ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Pouzolsia guinnensis leaves as a dietary supplement for enhancing the production traits of three strains of giant African land snails: Achatina achatina, Black-skinned Archachatina marginata, and White-skinned Archachatina marginata. Sixty snails were subjected to three dietary treatments with varying levels of Pouzolsia guinnensis (0%, 10%, and 20%). The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality, with the Archachatina marginata strains outperforming Achatina achatina. The study highlighted that a 20% inclusion of Pouzolsia guinnensis improved body weight gain, shell thickness, and overall growth performance, making it a promising feed additive for optimizing snail productivity.

Keywords: Pouzolsia guinnensis, giant African land snails, fertility, hatchability, dietary treatments, growth performance, Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata.

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