Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Poultry Droppings as a Replacement for Palm Kernel Cake on the Growth Response of Young African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The study was designed to determine the effect of graded levels of poultry droppings as a replacement for palm kernel cake on growth response of young African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata). The study also sought to determine the increase in length and feed intake of snails as well as cost of raising snails using conventional feed ingredients and poultry droppings. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 young snails were obtained from Ugbogui Market in Benin City near Okada Town, while the sample of 90 snails was used for the study. Before the sample selection the snails were examined by experts as being healthy for the experiment. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The increase in length and feed intake of the experimental snails were recorded. Data on length was collected weekly while data on feed intake was collected daily during the experiment. The length of the experimental snails was measured using measuring tape while the feed intake was measured using a weigh-back technique with the digital weighing balance. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Results: The findings revealed that snails fed diets containing 50 and 75% of poultry droppings showed the highest increase in length and feed consumption rate respectively. Conclusion: Poultry droppings can be used as a partial substitute for palm kernel cake in the diet of snails up to 50 and 75% levels.