PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF GROWER SNAILS (Archachatina Marginata) FED VARYING LEVELS OF GROUNDNUT CAKE

Abstract

This study was carried to determine the effects of groundnut cake (GNC) fed to grower snails as the main protein source at varying levels of inclusion 23%, 25% and, 27%. Protein is an important constituent of the animal body organ, as snails need protein for fast growth and vital to enhance growth traits for better returns on investment The initial average weight of snails was 35.61g, the experiment was for 12 weeks and sixty-four (64) grower snails were divided into four (4) groups of sixteen snails each per treatment, replicated four (4) times. The parameters examined were growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass, and shell characteristics. Data collected were analyzed by use of one-way analysis of variance and significant means were separated using
Duncan’s multiple ranged test at a 5% level of probability using SAS, 2011. The study showed that snails fed 27% of GNC supported higher body weight gain, live weight, and dressing percentage. No significant (P<0.05) differences were recorded in the final shell circumference, shell circumference gain, final shell length, and shell length gain. Formulated ration containing as much as 27% GNC will go a long way in enhancing growth of snails, ensuring all year availability of feed for commercial snail production as the natural feed resources is scarce during dry season.