Okon, B. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Ibom, L. A. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Dauda, A. (Federal University Wukari, Taraba)
Ilem, N. I. (University of Calabar, Calabar)
Okon, F. I. (College of Health Technology, Calabar)
ABSTRACT
This study analyzed the influence of growth phases on the body weight predictions of Archachatina marginata snails using simple linear and quadratic models. A total of 120 snails were studied across early (0-7 days), middle (8-14 days), and late (15-21 days) growth phases. Body traits measured included shell length, shell width, aperture length, spiral length, and shell thickness. The study found that the quadratic model provided more accurate predictions of body weight during all growth phases compared to the linear model, with aperture length and diagonal length emerging as the best predictors of body weight in late growth phases. These findings are significant for improving the selection and breeding of Archachatina marginata for optimal growth performance.
Keywords: Archachatina marginata, body weight predictions, growth phases, linear model, quadratic model, shell length, aperture length, snail breeding.
