Evaluation of the Growth Performance of Snails Fed Different Forages under Intensive Management

Abstract

A six-week old experiment was conducted during the early rainy season of the year to investigate the growth performance of snails fed different forages under intensive rearing. The different forages used in the study constituted the treatment groups and they included: Fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis) leaves (T_A), African Spinach (Amaranthus sinensis) leaves (T_B), Pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaves (T_C) and formulated mash (T_D). Thirty two (32) snails of 3 weeks old were divided into the four treatment groups of eight (8) snails each in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group was replicated twice. Result of data analysis showed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in all the parameters studied which included feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and shell length increase. Feed intake was highest in T_A followed by T_C and then T_D. The highest weight gain recorded in T_D differed significantly (p<0.05) with those of T_A and T_B. There was no statistical difference between T_A and T_C. Feed conversion ratio was highest in T_B followed by T_C and least in T_D. Shell length increase was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the T_B than the other treatment groups that showed no statistical difference with each other. With T_A and T_C giving the highest weight gain after T_D and high overall feed intake, it may be advisable that heliculturists should use fluted pumpkin or Paw paw leaves in intensive snail rearing. Use of formulated ration may only be in time of forage shortages as may be occasioned by seasonal changes.