Author: Egbebi, J. M*.,Mselbwala, F. M1., Onunkwor, B.O2. Odusanwo, A1, Solola, F. T.; Ademolu, K.O.
ABSTRACT
The albumen gland of giant African land snails (GALS) is an elongated, tongue-like shaped organ that contains the fertilization chamber where the ova are fertilized and very rich in nutrients for embryo development. A total of forty-five (45) healthy snails of Archachatina marginata comprising of the three growth phases were used for this study to investigate the reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, Prolactin), minerals (Na+ , K+, Cl-, PO4 3- and Ca2+) composition and structure of the albumen gland in the three growth phases, snailet, juvenile and adult.
The juvenile phase was highest (28.90±1.00 iU/mL, 30.50±0.50 IU/L, and 4.20±0.20 mIU/L) in FSH, LH and Prolactin, respectively.
The adult phase had the biggest albumen gland (169.90±0.33 g) followed by the juvenile (121.57±0.34 g) and lastly the snailet (54.10±0.10 g). Na+ , K+, Cl-, PO43- and Ca2+ were detected in the gland. The juvenile had the highest Na+ , K+ , Cl- , and PO4 3- concentration, while snailet had the lowest. There was no significant difference in the Ca2+ concentration among the developmental stages.
An examination of the structures revealed that the juvenile phase has more fat deposition and is more prominent and evenly distributed than the snailet and adult stages. It can be concluded that juvenile phase of A. marginata has the best potential and capacity for reproduction.
Keywords: Albumen gland, Hormones, growth phases, Archachatina marginata
