Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Year: 2004
Volume: 3
Issue: 8
Page No. 513 - 516

Observations on the Dietary Protein Level on Maturity and Egg Production of the African Giant Land Snail, Archachatina marginata

Authors : Ejidike B. N.

Abstract: The effect of feeding different dietary protein levels to the African giant land snail (Archachatina marginata) on its reproductive performance was studied over 72-weeks. The diets contained 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% protein, designated diet treatments I, II, III and IV, respectively. Growth response and weight gain of A. marginata fed on diets III and IV were higher (p < 0.05) than those fed diets I and II; however, A. marginata fed diet IV converted the diet significantly (p < 0.05) better than A. marginata fed with diet III. Shell length, diameter and aperture followed a similar significant trend. A. marginata did not develop visible reproductive organs within six months of age. The effects of the diets on the development of reproductive organs, sexual maturity and egg production differed significantly (p < 0.05). A. marginata fed diets III and IV (containing 20% and 25% protein) developed matured reproductive organs and laid eggs within the 72-week study while those fed diets I and II did develop immature reproductive organs and did not lay eggs within the period. The various dietary protein treatments had no effects (p > 0.05) on mortality, filling of the snail to its shell and the colour of the snail foot upon withdrawal into the shell.

How to cite this article:

Ejidike B. N. , 2004. Observations on the Dietary Protein Level on Maturity and Egg Production of the African Giant Land Snail, Archachatina marginata . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 513-516.

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