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.