Effects of Protein Levels on the Growth Performance of Giant African Land Snails (Achatina achatina) in Captivity

Tchowan Guy Merlin, Ngoula Ferdinand, Kenfack Augustave and Tchoumboue Joseph

Journal of Agricultural Science, 2018, vol. 10, issue 4, 278

Abstract: In order to preserve and conserve the Giant African Land Snails, a study was carried out between September 2015 and January 2017 at the University of Buea (South-West Region, Cameroon), to assess the effect of protein level on the characteristics of growth of Achatina achatina in captivity. 90 young snails of one month old, weighing between 1 and 1.5 g, of shell length between 15.5-23.85 mm and shell diameter between 12.60-16.85 mm and free from wounds or shell defects were divided into 3 groups of 5 snails each and 6 replicates in cages equipped with feeders and drinking troughs. Each treatment was randomly assigned to one of the experimental feed with variable protein levels (20, 22 and 24%) in addition to pawpaw leaves as a staple feed. These were previously weighed as well as the remnants using a 0.5g precision balance. The cultured substrates were watered daily (0.50 liter/substrate). At the beginning of the test, and then every week, the snails were weighed, and shell measurements done using a digital caliper of 0.05 mm accuracy. The animals were monitored for fourteen months. The results show that feed intake (3.01±1.57), weight gain (24.50±5.72), daily weight gain (0.058±0.016), gain of shell length (30.26±4.19) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in snails receiving 24% protein in the diet compared to snails from the other treatments. The highest consumption index was recorded in snails receiving 20% protein in the diet but the statistical analyses did not find any significant difference. In conclusion, the protein level of 24% can be retained in the diet of growing snails.

Date: 2018
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