Journal of Molluscan Research, (JMR) Volume 8, 2022
Author: Owosibo1, A.O., Okpeze, V. E., Sodamola, M.O., Popoola Y. A., Omole3 A. J., Fayenuwo3 O.J.
Abstract
The study was carried out to determine the growth performance cost implication of feeding snails with different protein levels with the same energy level. A total of 150 snails of the same weight and breed were randomly allotted to 5 different groups. The snails were fed diets with 20%, 22%, 24%, 26% and 28% levels of protein, PR1, PR2, PR3, PR4, and PR5, respectively under the same energy and environmental Condition. The snails were reared in a cage of 12 compartments and each compartment with a dimension of 0.5x 0.5m2 and the feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks.
The mean total feed intake was significantly influenced by the varying levels of protein in the diets (P<0.05). The highest mean weight gain (P<0.05) was recorded in the diet containing 28% protein levels which was relatively the same with snails fed diet 26% level of protein. There was no significant difference in the mean shell length, width and thickness of the snails fed different protein levels (P>0.05).
The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in diet containing 26% protein but not significantly different from PR5 containing 26 and 28% protein levels. The total feed cost followed the pattern with cost/weight gain. The highest cost per weight gain (CPW) was recorded in the diet containing high level of protein the diet while the lowest CPW was recorded in the diet containing 24 and 26% protein levels.
Keywords: Cost per weight gain, Protein, Requirements, Snails, Weight gain,
