Authors : Ejidike B. N.
Abstract: Effects of different soil types (sandy, loamy, clayey, mixed) on the survival and growth performance of Archachatina marginata were evaluated for 120 days. Archachatina marginata reared on the sandy soil had the lowest body weight gain (P>0.05). However, survival of A. marginata reared on sandy and mixed soil was 100%, while those on loamy and clayey soils had 90% and 80% survival respectively. The soil type also influenced the increases in the A. marginata shell length, diameter and aperture. The mineral components (K, Na, Mg, Ca) of the clayey soil differed (p>0.05) from that of the other soil types.
Ejidike B. N. , 2004. Influence of Soil Type on the Growth Performance of African Giant Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 637-638.