Journal of Molluscan Research, (JMR) Volume 8, 2022
Author: Omole, A.J., Sodamola, M.O., Okpeze, V. E., Fayenuwo, J.O., Durotoye, E.A
Abstract
Feeding is one of the major factors affecting snail growth, egg production, and attainment of early maturity. Snails have been described as nocturnal that feed mainly at night, at dusk, or by day when there is rain or if the sky is overcast. The digestive system is well developed; numerous teeth-like projections called radula are present in the mouth which serve as the teeth. Snail eats little quantity of feed compared to other conventional livestock such as poultry and sheep Animal production in Nigeria is adversely affected by high cost and insufficient feed supply. This is a result of competition between man and his animals for conventional feed resources.
Unlike other monogastric, snails can utilize forage, fruits, leaves, and also industrial by-products as feed resources. Snails are herbivorous in nature and could subsist on various plants, crop residues, and household waste. Different work had been reported to encourage the commercial production of snails, especially in the rainforest area where these feed resources are abundant. A small amount of conventional feed resources are required for snail production based on the small body size. Snail consumes 2-5% of the body size. Hence, there is a need to collate available feed resources for commercial snail production in in Nigeria. This article, therefore, reviews the findings of researchers on conventional and unconventional feed resources for profitable and sustainable snail production.
Keywords:– Conventional, unconventional, feed resources, Snail, Growth
