Ebenebe, C.I. (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
Nnadozie, C.N. (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
Ezenyilimba, B.N. (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
Eze, J.N. (Federal College of Education, Asaba)
Afoemezie, P.I. (Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
ABSTRACT
This study examined the effect of Azolla pinnata as a dietary supplement on the growth performance of Archachatina marginata. Sixty snails with an average weight of 38g were subjected to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% Azolla pinnata meal over a period of 56 days. Results revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in weight gain and linear body measurements, with the 50% Azolla inclusion showing the highest weight gain of 9.87g. Linear measurements, including shell length and shell width, also followed this trend. This study concludes that Azolla pinnata can be effectively included in snail diets up to 25% to enhance growth performance and overall yield.
Keywords: Azolla pinnata, Archachatina marginata, growth performance, dietary inclusion, weight gain, shell length, shell width, snail farming.
