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Purpose: To evaluate the rheological, biochemical, hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of Archachatina marginata (snail) mucin extract for possible use as a nutraceutical and nano biopharmaceutical material. Methods: Snail mucin was extracted with acetone and water, lyophilized and the biochemical, proximate and mineral analyses of the extracts were studied using standard methods. The rheological properties of the extracts (1, 2, 4 and 8 % w/v) and their emulsion-based preparations were evaluated. Other physicochemical properties and HLB values of the preparations were also determined. Results: Snail mucin extracts contained protein (84 %), fats (2.91 %) and carbohydrate (1.2 %) and showed significant nutraceutical composition (p < 0.05). Ash content of 4.21 and 4.12 % was obtained for water and acetone extracts, respectively. Moisture content was < 9 % for both the aqueous and nonaqueous mucin extracts. Potassium, calcium and phosphorus were present in high quantities in the extracts while iron, copper and zinc were in trace amounts (< 4 %). Mucin dispersions exhibited viscosity in the range of 0.89 to 0.93 cp. Water sorption and dry weight were higher in the acetone extract than in the aqueous extract. The HLB values, which ranged from 7 to 15, were within the acceptable values for material for nanobiopharmaceutical application, except that the acetone extract. Conclusion: Snail mucin exhibits good nutraceutical properties and also possesses good properties that render it a potential excipient for use in the formulation of drug delivery systems

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Shigella spp and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in some selected commercially processed ready-to-eat snail (Archachatina marginata) and edible worm (Rhynchophorus phoenicis). Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were obtained from vendors along the Benin-Sapele express road, South-South Nigeria, over a two months period (November to December, 2019). Methodology: The enumeration of total heterotrophic counts, total Shigella counts and total Staphylococcus aureus counts were done using nutrient agar, Salmonella Shigella agar and mannitol salt agar respectively. All isolates were further identified by their cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were identified using methicillin-oxacillin agar, while the antibiogramic profile of selected isolates and their multidrug resistant profile were done according to the CSLI guideline. Results: The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (THCs) obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis ranged from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 500.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g, while the mean THCs obtained in Archachatina marginata ranged from 13.3 × 10³ ± 1.15 cfu/g to 500 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g. The total Staphylococcus aureus obtained in Rhynchophorus phoenicis was between 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 294 × 10³ ± 4.7 cfu/g and the Shigella bacteria counts from 0.00 × 10³ ± 0.00 cfu/g to 258 × 10³ ± 14.64 cfu/g. The antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from both Rhynchophorus phoenicis and Archachatina marginata, found the majority of isolates (96.67%) to be resistant to ceftazidime and cefuroxime, while 83.33% of the isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin. All Staphylococcus isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, cloxacillin and amoxycillin clavulanate. The multidrug resistant index recorded was between 37.5 and 100. All Staphylococcus (9) isolates tested for methicillin resistance was observed to be positive. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that RTE vended meat products sold in along Benin City By-pass, contains Shigella and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species, which are potential foodborne pathogens and efforts should be made at eliminating them from these vended meat products.

Land snails are ubiquitous creatures found on farms, forests and domesticated in homes. Bacteriological studies indicate that various potentially pathogenic bacteria inhabit different organs and tissues including the haemolymph of the African giant snail, the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the snails are a health threat to consumers and may cause food borne diseases/ infection. Pollution of aquatic environments with organic waste of animal and human origin may lead to transfer of pathogens to the fishes, thereby making them carriers of the pathogens. In this study antibiogram studies were carried out on the isolates from snail and tilapia fish to determine antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella species isolated from tilapia fishes and snails sold in Port Harcourt. One hundred and thirty two (132) samples were obtained from three different markets namely; Creek road, Mile one and Rumuokoro markets over a period of six months. Standard analytical protocols were employed to determine the bacteriological characteristics of the various parts such as intestine, flesh/meat, gills and fluid(snail). Antibiogram of Listeria and Salmonella species were determined using standard methods as recommended by CLSI. Statistical analyses were carried out using ANOVA and All pairs tukey-kramer. Results of Total heterotrophic bacterial count shows that snail samples had the highest number of bacterial count compared to frozen tilapia fishes. Mean Listeria spp. count for frozen tilapia fish ranged from 2.7 ±0.68 x104cfu/g to 2.9 ±0.23 x104cfu/g (flesh), 3.3 ±0.15 x104 to 3.7 ±0.35 x104cfu/g (gill), 3.8 ±0.44 x104 to 4.3 ±0.57 x104 cfu/g (Intestine), across the three markets, Mean Listeria spp. count for snail sample ranged from 0.7 ±0.29 x104 to 1.1 ±0.18 x104cfu/ml (Snail fluid) 1.1 ±0.18 x104 to 1.2 ±0.16 x104cfu/g (meat), 1.6 ±0.44 x104 to 1.9 ±0.57 x104cfu/g (Intestine) Creek road market. Mean total Salmonella count for frozen tilapia fish ranged from 1.0 ±0 x103cfu/g to 1.3 ±0.58 x103 (flesh), 1.0 ± 0 x103 to 1.6 ± 0.58 x103cfu/g (gills), 1.2 ±0.5 x103 cfu/g to 2 .0 ±1.41 x103 cfu/g (Intestine), across the three markets. Mean total Salmonella count for snail ranged from 1.0 ±0.58 x103 to 1.3 ±0 x103cfu/ml (fluid), 1.5 ±1.0 x103 to 1.7 ±0.96 x103cfu/g (meat), 1.7 ±0.96 x103cfu/g to 3.0 ±1.58 x103cfu/g (Intestine), across the three markets. Results of antibiogram revealed that all the Listeria species were 100% susceptible to Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Gentamycin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin and Ceftriaxone-sulbactam but 100% resistance to Augmentin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuxime while Salmonella species were 100% susceptible to Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin and resistance to Cetazidime and Gentamicin, thus, these drugs should be considered the drug of choice for infections caused by these bacteria

This study was aimed at determining the occurrence of Staphylococcus species in ready-to-eat (RTE) Rhynchophorus phoenicis (edible larvae) and Archachatina marginata (land snail) vended along Port Harcourt-Bayelsa route. Eighty samples from four locations were analysed employing standard techniques for proximate and microbiological analyses; virulence determination and antibiotic susceptibility. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and t-test. The mean proximate results revealed the presence of protein (26.01/13.6%), lipid (18.9/3.88%), fibre (5.12/2.01%), ash (3.40/1.11%), moisture (13.47/59.5%) and carbohydrate (32.43/20.07%) for edible larvae/snail, respectively. Of the 80 samples examined, 33 (41.25%) and 52 (65.00%) had total viable bacterial counts and total staphylococcal counts above acceptable microbiological limits, respectively for RTE foods. Seven of the 81 characterized Staphylococcus produced the expected band of 950 bp with sea virulent genes while three produced expected bands of 550 bp with seb virulent genes. Three Staphylococcus aureus strains from edible larvae harboured both virulent genes. The virulent genes bearing Staphylococcus were 100% resistant to augmentin, ceftazidime and cloxacillin but showed varying resistance against ceftriaxone (57.14%), cefuroxime (28.57%), vancomycin (42.86%), oxacillin (42.86%) and cefoxitin (42.86%). The study showed that these RTE foods are potential sources of staphylococcal food poisoning in commuters; hence, food vendors need to conform to standard practice. Key words: Edible larvae, land snail, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (sea), virulence.

Archachatina marginata is an economically useful gastropod, scientifically proven to be of huge benefit to human’s health and wellbeing. Food varieties of A. marginata hunted from the immediate environment of Ovia North East, South-South, Nigeria, were investigated to select the most appropriate, in terms of preferences and availability. The study was conducted for five months (May to August, 2020) during the rainy season. Ten snails were selected from the wild with weights ranging from 340.21g to 355.32g and heights of 11.8cm to 13.3cm at the point of collection. The snails were housed each, in an escape-proof trench pen, covered with wire gauze and nylon net. They were fed with fourteen different types of food materials (water leaves, paw-paw leaves, sweet potato, white -boiled rice, corn powder, ripe paw-paw fruit, cocoyam leaves, millet powder, water melon, cucumber, formulated poultry mash, pineapple, white paper and cabbage). Water melon was very well consumed by all the snails (1323.30g; 66.17%) compared to other food items. The least consumed food items were millet powder (19.99%) and pineapple (20.28%). There was a marked increase in weight and length of the snails as the months progressed, with average length of 15.01 cm and average weight of 501.58g in August, relative to the initial measurements in May.

The performance and carcass analysis of two popular snail species - Archatina marginata (S) and Achatina achatina (L) commonly reared in West Africa were evaluated from day old to six (6) months of age under the same housing and dietary conditions in a complete randomized design with two (2) treatments, replicated thrice with sixty (60) snails per treatment. The study revealed that at day old treatment 1 (T1) had the higher live weight of 4.03g, while treatment 2 (T2) had 0.31g which showed a statistical significant difference at P

A comparative study of the gametes of two species of Giant African Land Snails; Archachatinu marginata and Achatina achatina was carried out. Three groups of snails weighing 80-100,101-150 and 151-250 g were used in a 3x2 factorial design, with 5 replicates, involving a total of 30 snails. Albumen gland, little hermaphrodite duct, spermotheca and ovo-testis were examined for the presence of ova and spermatozoa. The morphology of the spermatozoa and ova of both species Was studied. Ova were found in the albumen gland and ovo-testis. Spermatozou were only found in the little hermaphrodite duct. Spermatozoa head and tail lengths were not significantly (P>0.05) different between species, while the mid-piece length was significantly (P

This study focused on the evaluation of the effect of soil moisture on the feed intake and weight gain of the Giant African Land snails, Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata in different seasons using a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment with soil moisture at two levels (low 25ml of water/ week and high 100ml water/week), species at two levels (Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata) and season at four levels (cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet) constituting the three factors. Result showed that there was a significant seasonal differences (P

This study was designed to compare the effect of kola testa, which is rich in fibre with maize the conventional energy source and other sources of fibre such as corn bran and rice bran. A total of two hundred and forty African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata) with an average live weight of 177.69 ± 10.87g were assigned to four dietary treatments: a maize-based diet (Diet 1) served as control, in a completely randomized design. The other diets were kola testa - based (Diet 2), corn bran-based (Diet 3) and rice bran-based (Diet 4) diets. The percentage of each test ingredient and that of maize was 31.30g/100g Each treatment consisted of sixty growing snails, which were subdivided into 3 replicates of 20 snails each. The snails received the diets over a period of 20 weeks. Weight gain was significantly higher (P

The effects of the population density of adult African giant land snail, Archachatina marginata on the egg-laying capacity and the growth of the brooders and hatchlings were investigated for 9 months. Ten culture pens were stocked with snails at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% capacity with each group in 2 replicates. Average weight gain of brooders was highest in pens stocked at 40% population density while the lowest was in pen stocked at 100%. Average number of eggs laid per snail and average number of eggs per pen followed the same trend in the study. The highest average number of eggs laid per pen was obtained in pens stocked at 60% population density (586) while the least was from pens at 20% population density. The result was same for average number of eggs laid per snail i.e. 7.5 eggs in pens stocked at 60% and 4.1 eggs in pens stocked at 20%. There was no significant difference in the weights of hatchlings in the different pens. Keywords: African giant land snail, population density, egg laying capacity, captivity.

The impact of growth phases on the haemolympy biochemical value of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata was studied. The growth phases were: snailet, juvenile and Adult based on the number of whorls on the shell and weight of the snails. Highest concentration of glucose and lipids were recorded at the juvenile phase (40.20mg/dl), while least values for glucose (20.00mg/dl) and lipids (37.80mg/dl)were recorded during snailer and adult phases respectively. A progressive increase in the concentration of protein was observed as the snails moved from snailetphase to adult phase, hence snails in adult phase had highest concentration of protein in their haemolymph. Growth phases significantly (p

Snails are harvested for food in many parts of the world but are susceptible to environmental contaminations and pollutants due to the continuous ingesting of bacteria from the soil and the environment which they are found. Thus, the study has been designed to investigate the distribution and prevalence of micro-organisms in snails in humid tropics of Nigeria. Fifteen samples of Archachatina marginata were collected from Melege village, Ose local government area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The foot and head were analyzed microbiologically for bacterial loads before and after processing with five cleansing reagents: lime, alum, vinegar, salt and ash. Lime proved most effective reagent for decontaminating snail meats as it had the highest reduction of microbial load after processing (57.1%), followed by salt (44%) and the least was alum (20%). The mean microbial load on the head ranged between 9-22cfu/cm2 before and 4-12cfu/cm2 after processing, while foot ranged between 13-19cfu/cm2 before and 8-14cfu/cm2 after processing. Eight isolates belonging to nine genera including Micrococcus luteus [10(21.31%)] most predominant, followed by Escherichia coli [8(13.11%)], Proteus vulgaris [8(13.11%)], Klebsiella spp [6(16.39%)], Bacillus spp [6(9.84%)], Aeromonas spp [5(11.48%)], Streptococcus pyogenes [6(8.2%)], and least was Enterobacter spp [4(6.56%)] respectively. Results showed different pathogenic bacteria in snails. The presence of higher number of pathogenic Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli among others, encountered in Archachatina marginata is an indication of public health hazard and also a warning signal for possible occurrence of food borne. The result showed lime as the most effective reagent in processing snail meat. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacterial isolates showed that all the bacteria isolated were susceptible to Gentamicin (GEN), only Proteus vulgaris and Bacillus spp were susceptible to Ceftazidime (CAZ) and Cloxacillin (CXC) respectively and all the were resistant to Ampicillin (AMP). The presence of these microorganisms showed that snail's samples harbor some potential pathogenic bacteria of medical importance and washing with some cleansing additives, especially lime is recommended for proper decontamination. The resistance of the organisms to some of the drugs portrayed the global increased concern over the continuous use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine and the resultant effects.

Increase in microbial population especially Salmonella species in food due to improper handling, storage and exposure to contaminants can raise public health concerns when consumed without adequate processing. This study evaluates the prevalence and antibiogram of Salmonella species associated with the giant land Snail (Archachatina marginata) sold in markets around Port Harcourt metropolis. A total number of seventy two (72) samples of land snail were collected from three markets; Creek Road, Mile one and Rumuokoro. The samples were labelled and transported in an ice packed coolers to the laboratory for analyses. Standard microbiological protocols were employed to determine the microbial load and species of the various parts (intestine, meat and fluid) of the snail samples after shucking. Antibiotics sensitivity profile testing of the isolated and identified Salmonella species were carried out as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) and statistical analyses using one way ANOVA and all pairs Turkey-Kramer. Results from the study showed that the highest total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC) of 8.6x106CFU/g was obtained in the snail intestine sourced from Creek road market while THBCs of 8.2x106 CFU/g and 7.3x106 CFU/g were from Mile one and Rumuokoro markets respectively. THBCs of meat from the markets ranged from 4.3-5.4x106 CFU/g and 3.7-4.9x106CFU/ml in fluid with Rumuokoro having the least occurrence respectively. Mean Salmonella counts (MSCs) ranged from 0.4-3.6 x103 CFU/g, with least count obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 markets. Similarly, least MSCs in fluid and intestine were obtained from Rumuokoro and Mile 1 whereas Creek road Market had the highest respectively. Three species of Salmonella; S. arizonae, S. gallinarum and S. typhi were predominant in addition to other species such as Vibrio spp,, Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli, Micrococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Listeria spp identified using both conventional and molecular method. Antibiogram profile revealed that all the identified Salmonella species were susceptible to Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin but strongly resistance to Cetazidime and Gentamicin. The diversity and elevated microbial load observed from this study calls for caution in handling and processing of snails since most of these bacteria may become aetiologic agents of several food-borne diseases and other pathological conditions. As a necessity, good quality control measures and proper chemotherapy should be administered to patients with signs and symptoms of food borne illness emanating from consumption of snail.

The albumen gland is a vital part of visceral mass of giant African land snail (GALS) and its very rich in nutrients. As with other parts of snails, its composition is influenced by diet, location, age and species. The chemical compositions of albumen gland of GALS across the south western states of Nigeria have not been evaluated despite their diverse climatic conditions. Three hundred and sixty (360) Archachatina marginata were obtained from six south west states (60 snails/ state) and the albumen gland samples were analyzed for their proximate composition (crude protein, fat, ash, fibre and carbohydrate), minerals content (K+, Ca2+, P, Na+, Mg2+, Cl-, Fe2+), anti-nutrients and vitamins composition. The crude protein of the gland ranged between 12.93% and 24.40% with Ekiti state recording the highest value and Osun the least. The fat content was low (1.14%-2.29%) and no fibre was detected in the albumen gland. Snails from Ekiti and Ondo states had significantly higher Ca2+, P and Mg2+ than other states. No Vitamin C was detected in the gland across the states while Vitamin A values ranged from 38.68 (Lagos) to 45.51 (Ondo). Least anti-nutrient concentrations were recorded by snails from Ondo and Ekiti states, while Lagos state recorded the highest (except flavonoid and oxalate). Albumen glands of snails from Ekiti and Ondo states are thus more nutritious than that from other states and can be safely consumed by both man and farm animals. La glande albumen est une partie vitale de la masse viscérale de l'escargot terrestre géant africain (le 'GALS') et elle est très riche en nutriments. Comme pour d'autres parties d'escargots, sa composition est influencée par le régime alimentaire, l'emplacement, l'âge et l'espèce. Les compositions chimiques de la glande albumine de 'GALS' dans les États du sudouest du Nigéria n'ont pas été évaluées malgré leurs conditions climatiques diverses. Trois cent soixante (360) Archachatinamarginata ont été obtenus de six états du sud-ouest (60 escargots / état) et les échantillons de glande albumen ont été analysés pour leur composition immédiate (protéines brutes, graisses, cendres, fibres et glucides), teneur en minéraux (K+, Ca2+, P, Na+, Mg2+, Cl-, Fe2+), composition anti-nutriments et vitamines. La protéine brute de la glande variait entre 12,93% et 24,40%, l'état d'Ekiti enregistrant la valeur la plus élevée et Osun le moins. La teneur en matières grasses était faible (1,14% -2,29%) et aucune fibre n'a été détectée dans l'albumen. Les escargots des états d'Ekiti et d'Ondo avaient des Ca2+, P et Mg2+ significativement plus élevés que les autres états. Aucune vitamine C n'a été détectée dans la glande à travers les États alors que les valeurs de vitamine A variaient de 38,68 (Lagos) à 45,51 (Ondo). Les plus faibles concentrations d'anti-nutriments ont été enregistrées par les escargots des états d'Ondo et d'Ekiti, tandis que l'état de Lagos a enregistré les plus élevées (sauf les flavonoïdes et l'oxalate). Les glandes d'albumen des escargots des états d'Ekiti et d'Ondo sont donc plus nutritives que celles des autres états et peuvent être consommées en toute sécurité par l'homme et les animaux de ferme.

This study was to evaluate the growth response of Archachatina marginata as influenced by four natural diets: Pawpaw (Carica papaya) cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves and growers mash (a compounded ration). One hundred and twenty (120) grower snails (Archachatina marginata) were purchased from a farm in Ibadan, Oyo State. Data were collected on the growth parameters (weight, length and circumference of shell of the snails arranged in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three (3) times. The results showed that pawpaw (Carica papaya) recorded the highest mean in all the parameters measured and throughout the duration of the experiment. Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaf had a better mean than the Cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves in terms of weight gained whereas the reverse is the case in terms of length and circumference of shell. Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is therefore, recommended to both local and small scale farmers in Abia State and in Nigeria for feeding their snails and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaves and growers mash as an alternate feed.

The cost of procuring meat as an animal protein source in Nigeria is on the increase. There is therefore the need to source for alternative cheap source of animal protein that can serve the populace the nutritive value needed in the body system. The study was carried out to assess the proximate composition and mineral analysis of the two species of snail meat (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria. The result revealed that snail meat (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) were found to contain; 0.16g/100g and 0.18g/100g of Crude fibre, 1.43g/100g and 0.79g/100g of Ash content, 1.53g/100g and 0.88g/100g of Ether extract, 22.75g/100g and 11.92g/100g of Crude Protein, 0.09g/100g and 0.19g/100g of NFE (Nitrogen Free Extract), 74.06g/100g and 86.1g/100g of moisture content respectively while the mineral content of snail meat (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) was found to be 1.216mg/g and 1.343mg/g of Phosphorus, 0.426mg/g and 0.438mg/g of Magnesium, 0.084mg/g and 0.093mg/g of Iron, 2.011mg/g and 2.046mg/g of Calcium, 1.934mg/g and 1.967mg/g of Potassium, 0.795mg/g and 1.000mg/g of Chlorine. The overall nutritional potential of the two species was quite good. These results show that these species of snail are highly nutritive. The findings were discussed in line with the importance and implication of the uses of edible land snail meat to man. It is therefore recommended that there is need to increase animal protein production in Nigeria and other developing countries of the world as a panacea to imminent problem of malnutrition.

There is inadequate information on quality feedstuff for large scale production and all year round availability of snails in Nigeria.The research was conducted to investigate the organoleptic properties of the African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata). Thirtytwo snails were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments of varied levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% rumen content inclusion. Each treatment was replicated with four snails per pen in a completely randomized design. The snails were reared in mini paddock. Feed and water were supplied ad-libitum. At the end of the eight weeks period of feeding trials, two snails were harvested at random from the replicates of each of the four treatments, sacrificed, processed and analyzed. Based on appearance, taste and aroma of the snails fried and stewed with spices and the other one steamed with spices, preference ranking in descending order revealed 15% (6·85) rumen content inclusion had the highest mean preference followed by 5% (6·53) inclusion for the fried snail with spices and 0% (6.65) inclusion had the highest ranking followed by 15% (6.53) rumen content inclusion for the snail steamed with spices. The treatments had no appreciable effect on the nutrient composition and sensory quality of the snail meat. It can be concluded that growing snails can utilize rumen content inclusion thereby increasing the feed data base for snail production in the Tropics.

Eighty sexually mature Archachatina marginata snails, forty each of the black skinned and white skinned ectotypes were used in a study to estimate heterosis, correlation and regression. Data collected on the snails and their eggs included body weight (BWT), shell length (SLH), shell width (SWH), “mouth” length (MLH) and “mouth” width (MWH); and egg weight (EWT), egg length (ELH) and egg width (EWH), respectively. These data were used to estimate correlations between pairs of traits, heterosis and to predict weight from other morphometric traits among three mating groups [black skinned x black skinned (BAM X BAM), white skinned x white skinned (WAM X WAM) and their cross BAM X WAM)]. Results obtained from the study showed that evaluated traits expressed strong, positive and highly significant (P

A comparative study was carried out on three breeds of snails in southeastern Nigeria to assess their carcass characteristic and carcass nutrient compositions. The three breeds used were Achatina fulica, Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain concentrate + pawpaw (Diet I), concentrate + Moringa oleifera (Diet II), concentrate + Moringa oleifera+ African spinach + Amaranthus hybridus (Diet III) and concentrate + Moringa oleifera+Amaranthus spinosus (Diet IV). Fifteen 6-month old growing snails of each breed was assigned per dietary treatment and each dietary treatment was replicated three times to contain five snails per replicate, given a total of one hundred and eighty snails. The experiment involved a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment which lasted (56 days). At the end of the experiment, a total of seventy-two (72) snails were starved and slaughtered for carcass evaluation. Carcass nutrient compositions were measured including dry matter, moisture content, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, fat and nitrogen free extract. The results showed that the highest foot weight (57.50%) was observed in snails fed diet I, associated with relatively high live weight and highly reduced offal weight, which makes it comparatively better in improving carcass. The A. fulica, A achatina and A. marginata obtained best carcass composition respectively on diets I, III and II due to interaction effect of breed x diet. The A. achatina and A. marginata had higher dry matter (91.64 and 92.07 respectively) than the A fulica (90.09). The A. marginata carcass had the higher (p

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in the biophysical parameters during starvation in three common species of land snails identified in Edo and Delta States. A total of 252 matured healthy snails comprising three species (Archachatina marginata, Archachatina papyracae and Achatina fulica) were used. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement. At the end of two weeks acclimation period, feed and water were withdrawn for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Result shows that A. marginata has significantly (P0.05) different from the weight of A. fulica used in the study. During the 12 weeks of starvation, A. papyracae recorded the highest mortality rate of 24.58 %. A. marginata and A. fulica respectively recorded mortality rate of 9.05 and 6.52 %. A marginata reflected two stages of major weight decline; 2nd and 9th weeks. The A. papyracae and A. fulica however declined conspicuously only at the 1st week. The weight of the muscular foot which constitutes the edible portion of the three species decreased between 0, 4 and 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in weight in each of the three species. Twelveweeks aestivation eventually resulted in further and significant weight loss. The aestivation lengths did not affect the shell weight in the three species, except A. marginata with significant decline at the 12th week. This study indicates that A. marginata and A. fulica are bigger in size and more tolerant to extended starvation than A. papyracae.

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth response of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata fed diets containing different levels of sodium chloride. One hundred and twenty snails were subjected to four dietary treatments of T1, T2, T3 and T4 with 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% sodium chloride respectively. The treatments were replicated thrice with 10 snails per replicate. The measured parameters included weight gain, feed intake, shell length, shell circumference and shell thickness. Feed cost, cost of feed per kg weight gain and feed conversion ratio were also calculated. Results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and shell thickness but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in cost of feed per kg weight gain, shell length and shell circumference in the snails fed the treatment diets. Treatment 2 had the highest average daily weight gain (0.07±0.01), average daily feed intake (0.91±0.08) and feed cost (7.19±0.64) but the lowest feed conversion ratio (13.15±61.76) while treatment 1 had the lowest average daily weight gain (0.04±0.01), average daily feed intake (0.70±0.20) and feed cost (5.54±0.18) but the highest feed conversion ratio (15.86±0.5). This shows that inclusion of sodium chloride above 0.25% in the diet of Archachatina marginata affects both the feed intake and weight gain of the snails.

Aestivation is a process of metabolic inactivity under which energy reserve are manipulated for survival. Reproductive apparatus and haemolymph biochemical agents also undergo phase manipulation as the duration continues. To determine the physiological influence on key hormone of reproduction and reproductive apparatus, seventy five A. marginata snails were used for this study. The snails were divided into five treatments with fifteen replicate each. Treatment include: Zero (0) week, Three (3) weeks, Six (6) weeks, nine (9) weeks and six (6) weeks post-aestivation. Parameters measured were: Testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters (Total protein, albumin, globulin, Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT), dimensions (length) and weight of the organs and tissues of the reproductive tracts (Ovo-testis, penis, vaginal, oviduct, little hermaphrodite duct, common hermaphrodite duct, vas deferens and albumen gland) gonado-somatic index and percentage mortality. Result showed that level of testosterone at three and six weeks of aestivation significantly reduced compared to the control. Also, at nine weeks of aestivation, the reduction was significantly greater than what was recorded at both three and six weeks of aestivation. But the testosterone levels were reversed at nine weeks post aestivation. Total protein and globulin were significantly influenced with both reaching a peak value at 9 weeks of aestivation while ALT, AST and albumin were not significantly affected. So also, of all the reproductive tract parts measured, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, penis weight and length were significantly influenced (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of A. marginata mucin on the gastric secretions and body weight of wistar rats induced with gastric ulcer. Thirty (30) adult male wistar rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Group I (normal control) was administered with 2ml/kg distilled water, while Groups II III, IV and V were induced with ulceration via oral administration of 120mg/kg indomethacin. After ulceration had been confirmed successfully induced, while Group II was left untreated with mucin, III, IV and V were treated with 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mgl/kg mucin respectively. Meanwhile, Group VI was administered with 20mg/kg omeprazole (standard drug). Body weight of rats was determined after induction (initial) and after treatment (final). The values recorded for free acidity (FA), total acidity (TA), pepsin activity (PA) and acid output (AO) for the untreated ulcer rats (Group II) were significantly high (63.20±7.66mEq/L), (91.40±6.34mEq/L), (1.63±0.09μEq/L/4hr) and (0.43±0.04μg/ml) respectively. However, significant reduction in the aforementioned parameters was established with mucin treatment in a dose dependent manner, such that Group V administered with 800mg/kg manifested the lowest level of FA (47.40±7.19 mEq/L), TA (72.00±6.36), PA (1.39±0.07 μg/ml) and AO (0.16±0.05 μg/ml) which was not significantly different from the values recorded for Group VI treated with the standard drug (omeprazole).The values recorded on the body weight of Group II reduced with the induction of gastric ulcer. However, a dose dependent increase was observed in all treated groups. In conclusion, through this study, it has been established that A. marginata mucin could be explored for the development of anti-ulcer therapy.

This article has been retracted by the Editor. Snails are very high in nutrients such as proteins, iron, and water, while being low in fat, therefore its consumption is popular in various countries around the globe and humans have been consuming snails for thousands of years. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the snail consumption pattern in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo state Nigeria using standard structured questionnaire techniques and analyzing the data by descriptive statistics and multiple regression technique. Theresult showed Majority of respondents (56.6%) were female, result showed that 44.4% of the respondents’ were between the age of 31-40 and 59.6% were married and 53.5% of the household have the largest size. Also the result obtained from this study shows that Christian was dominant (55.6%) that consumed snail meat, this indicate that there is no religion barrier on the consumption of the snail meat thereby making snail meat more demanded in the study area. The result shows that snail meat prevent blood pressure, also Regression result showed that Age and health condition increases the rate at which snail is consumed in the study Area. Based on this result it is revealed that income, Taste, Price, Availability and Accessibility were the factor affecting snail consumption pattern in the study Area. Keywords: Heliculture, Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, snail consumption pattern

Aims: This research was aimed at assessing the nutritional properties and heavy metal compositions of African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata) and clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) from Ekowe community. Methodology: Mineral and vitamin contents were analyzed using the standard method of Association of Analytical Chemist. While standard wet digestion procedure was adopted in the sample preparation, heavy metals were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer technique. Results: Moisture contents were 76±0.63% & 78.4±0.06%, ash content, 1.37±0.01% & 3.45±0.01%, crude protein, 18.62±0.74% & 12.74±0.01% and lipid, 1.34±0.01% & 0.07±0.01% for Archachatina marginata and Mercenaria mercenaria respectively. Mineral contents were in this order: Ca > K > PO4> Mg > Na > Fe >Mn for Archachatina marginata while Mercenaria mercenaria was Ca> K > PO4 > Mg > Fe >Mn> Na. Vitamins profiles in Archachatina marginata were 5.20±0.198%, 0.144±0.004%, 0.05±0.003% and 0.78±0.035% for vitamin A, B1, B2 & E respectively. While Mercenaria mercenaria was 3.93±0.070%, 0.13±0.0025%, 0.075±0.001% & 0.84±0.01% for vitamins A, B1, B2 & E respectively. Heavy metal results in Archachatina marginata was in order of Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr while for Mercenaria mercenaria was Zn > Cu > Cd > Cr > Ni. Conclusion: These metal values were low and within the WHO permissible limits. The result shows that snail could complement the required micro and macro nutrients and vitamins needed for proper growth and development in human and hence recommended for regular consumption.

Effects of various feeding regimes on the growth performance of the giant African land snail, Archachatina marginata were studied using one hundred and twenty (120 Juvenile snails) weighing 0.66g +1 per snails for a period of 90 days. The treatments were. T1 -Grower starter, T2 - Grower mash, T3 - cocoyam and cassava leaves and T4 - Ripe pawpaw fruits. The Completely Randomized Design was used with four treatments and each replicated three times. The snails were confined in wooden hutch boxes. Data was collected on weekly body weight feed intake, shell length and shell width. Results obtained showed that snails fed with broiler starter diet (T1) had significantly (P

No Abstract.

Background African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata) are hermaphroditic pulmonate nocturnal gastropods of the Achatinidae family. The snail is one of West Africa's largest known terrestrial snails. The majority of land snails live in Nigeria's derived guinea savannah's forest litters, which range from deep tropical high forest to bordering riparian forests. Africa's giant land snails, which are noted for their ravenous feeding habits and extensive food range, are a major reservoir and intermediate host for parasites that can infect humans. Results Seventy snail samples were collected from the study site in total. The parasites found is a nematode rat lung worm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which have a fragile, narrow, and simple mouth with no lip or buccal cavity and belong to the order Strongylida. The parasite was found to be most prevalent in small snails (52.94%), followed by medium sized snails with a frequency of 29.41%, and the giant-sized snails with the lowest prevalence of infection. The mantle parasite has the largest prevalence (48.6%), while parasites retrieved from the stomach have the highest mean intensity (2.50 ± 0.25). Conclusion The African giant land snail can serve as a vector for zoonotic diseases, transmitting parasites to humans through raw or undercooked snails, infested vegetation, and contact with contaminated water. As a result, effective control measures for human infection should be established.

The role of receptors in the exertion of the hormonal effect on their target cell creates a better understanding of the mechanism of action of hormones. In the snail, Archachatina marginata, there is a dearth of information on the gene expression of FSH and LH receptors. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of exogenous administration of gonadotropin (PMSG) and some sex steroid hormones (Progesterone (P4) and 17β-Oestradiol (E2)) on the levels of gene expression of FSH and LH in some selected reproductive organs of Archachatina marginata. The experiment was laid out in 4x3x2 factorial design in Completely Randomised Design comprising of 432 snails randomly allotted to 24 treatment groups of 18 snails per group of Control, P4, E2 and PMSG at 3 dosage levels (Low-1 µg/ml, Medium-5 µg/ml and High-10 µg/ml for P4 and E2; and Low-1 IU/ml, Medium-10 IU/ml and High-20 IU/ml for PMSG) at 2 durations of injections (16-days of four injections and 32-days of eight injections). The gel viewed under the ultra-violet light source showed that the expression of LHR receptor did not appear in all the organs considered. However, FSHR receptor was noted in their appearance in the albumen gland, little hermaphrodite duct, common hermaphrodite duct and vagina of A. marginata. Administration of E2 of 5 µg/ml for 16 days and 32 days increase the gene expression of FSH receptors in the common hermaphrodite duct and vagina of A. marginata respectively. Also, injections of 5 µg/ml of P4 for 16 days gave a relative increase in the levels of expression of FSH receptors in the little hermaphrodite duct, while the highest level was on the albumen of snails injected with 1 µg/ml of E2 for 32-days of eight injections. Injection of 5 µl/ml of P4 for 16-days of four injections, 5 µl/ml of E2 for 32-days of eight injections, 5 µl/ml of E2 for 16-days of four injections, 1 µl/ml of E2 of 32-days of eight injections increased the gene expression of FSH in the little hermaphrodite duct, vagina, common hermaphrodite duct and albumen respectively. Therefore, it is informed here that administration of P4, E2 and PMSG exogenously to A. marginata of reproductive age induces an increase in the levels of gene expression of FSH receptors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect ofArchachatina marginatamucin on the aggressive factors of gastric ulcer challenged rat stomach tissue. Thirty adult male wistar rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Group I (normal control) was administered with 2 ml/kg b.w distilled water; Group II was administered with 120 mg/kg b.w indomethacin only. However, Groups III, IV and V were administered with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg b.w mucin respectively, while Group VI was administered with the standard drug (mistoprostol) daily for 10 days. After the 10thday of pretreatment, Groups III-VI were administered with 120 mg/kg b.w indomethacin. Gastric juice was collected, after animals had been anaesthetized. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation seven hours after indomethacin administration. Free acidity, total acidity, pepsin activity, gastric juice volume and acid output were determined using standard methods. There was a significant increase in the level of free and total acidy as well as pepsin activity with a concomitant increase in gastric juice volume as well as acid output (59.00±5.43 mEq/L), (85.20±7.49mEq/L), (1.39±0.62μg/ml), (4.40±0.77ml) and (0.26±0.04 μEq/L/4hrs) in Group II compared to Group I (normal control) (40.60±6.39mEq/L), (71.00±9.30mEq/L), (1.18±0.41μg/ml), (2.58±0.87 ml) and (0.11±0.03μEq/L/4hrs) respectively. However, there was a significant reduction in the level of free and total acidity as well as pepsin activity with a concomitant decrease in gastric juice volume and acid output in Groups III, IV and V administered with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg b.w. While values recorded with 800 mg/kg b.w mucin was not significantly different from those obtained with the 20 μg/kg b.w standard drug (mistoprostol). In conclusion, It can be deduced from this work that mucin fromA. marginatacan be considered suitable candidate for the development of a gastric ulcer drug.

Ninety snails Archachatina marginata (Swainson, 1821), which comprised 30 each of adults (325.43 ± 2.03 g), growers (119.05 ± 1.05 g) and snailets (33.05 ± 1.00 g) were used to determine the lifecycle nutritional and bio-safety benefits of consumption of snail meat. This study was aimed to further investigate, the nutrients, heavy metals and bio-safety of snail consumed by Nigerians, due to increasing industrialization, use of agro-chemical mineral exploration, fumes from vehicles and improper disposal of refuse and sewage. Each age group was regarded as a treatment, for the holistic determination of the proximate, macronutrient, heavy metals, lipid profile and carcass yield of the snail meat. The snail was carefully cleaned and dressed for meat samples collection in triplicates for subsequent laboratory determination of the nutritional and bio-safety parameters. The collected samples were processed, using standard procedures. Data were collected for proximate components (Crude protein, crude fibre, Ether Extract, NFE and Ash), macronutrients (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg and Fe) heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr and MN), total cholesterol and lipid profile (HDL, LDL and FFA) and carcass yield. Data collected were subjected to (ANOVA), in a complete randomized design, while significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Proximate components such as Crude protein 15.88±1,39% and ether extract 1.24 ± 0.22%, increased (P

The effect of cassava peel (CPL) incorporation (0,5, 10 and 15%) in the diets of growing snails (average initial weight 66.0 ± 0.15 g) on the growth performance, shell morphological changes, digestibility of nutrients, carcass yield and mineral element composition of the meat was investigated. The nutritional trial adopted four T1 (0%), T2 (5%), T3 (10%) and T4 (15%) almost isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Two hundred and forty growing snails were randomly allotted at 60 snails/treatment, while each treatment was replicated three times. The digestibility of nutrients was evaluated at the 12th of the fourteen-week trial. Data collected were analyzed in a complete randomized design using (ANOVA), a significant difference among the means was separated using Duncan's multiple range test. Cassava peel is rich in NFE (70.0%), low in crude protein (3.94%), while the four diets held almost equal proximate composition. Feed intake increased (P

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of Cassava by Product on Performance and Cost of c Giant land Snail (Archachatina marginata) Production. A twelve-week feeding trial was conducted with (n=225 growing snails) with an average weight of 88.95+ 8.10 g to access their growth response and nutrients digestibility. The snails were fed pawpaw leaf meal (PLM), cassava leaf meal (CLM), cassava peel meal (CPM), cassava sieviate meal (CSM) and cassava chaff meal (CCM) in a complete randomized design at 45 snails per treatment of five treatments, while each treatment was replicated three times. The proximate and fiber fractions of the feedstuffs were also determined and data were analyzed using ANOVA. The proximate evaluation showed highest crude protein in PLM (31.35%) and least in CSM (2.34%). The highest crude fiber was obtained for CPM (16.21%) and least in CCM (3.98%) CSM had the highest NFE (87.41%). Highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 59.33%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) 34.24%, acid detergent lignin (ADL) (9.18%), cellulose (25.59%) and hemicelluloses 25.06% was obtained for PLM. Outstanding (PL< 0.05%) weekly weight gain, weekly feed intake, nutrient digestibility and carcass yield were obtained in snails on PLM and CLM followed by CPM. Snails utilized Cassava by-product without any adverse effect.

African gaint land snails are important as means of alleviating acute protein shortage in Nigeria livestock Industries. The present study aimed to study the influence of intensive and extensive management systems on the growth Performance of adult African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata) was carried out in the wildlife domestication unit of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Ninety African giant land snails (A. marginata) of average body weight 160.31g ± 0.38g were used for the study. The snails were grouped into two- Group A and Group B. 45 snails in group A were raised in an intensive system of management while 45 snails in group B were raised in an extensive system of management. The data collected on weight gain, shell length increment and shell width increment during the experiment were subjected to student t-Test at 5% significant level. Results showed that there was a significant difference at (p0.05) in the shell length increment. The snails in the extensive management system had the higher shell length increment of 5.32cm with mean value of 0.20 while the snails in the intensive management system had a shell length increment of 2.43cm with mean value of 0.09. There was a significant difference at (p

The current population dynamics is projected to increase yearly, and expected to challenge the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in relation to food and nutrition security. While the demand for agricultural food products is increasing, the availability of cultivable land is either stable or decreasing due to various environmental factors such as drought, floods and climate change effects. Considering that sustainability can only be achieved when a system is resource conserving, socio-culturally supportive, commercially competitive, and environmentally friendly, urban and peri-urban snail (Achatina fulica or Archachatina marginata) farming systems could represent viable sources of essential dietary nutrients and income for many families in Africa. Snail farming is profitable, with minimal capital and land demands, and limited risks. Snails are handpicked in the forest and easily farmed in gardens, backyards, basins, or cages. They are omnivores and environmentally friendly without odorous wastes (unlike pigs and poultry). Snails have high protein content, low in fat and cholesterol, and they are cheaper than other meat products. In addition, their by-products are inputs for other industries such as cosmetics and medicines. However, the current rate of snail farming in Cameroon barely satisfies 25% of the national demand. Hence, this study aims to encourage snail farming by evaluating the profitability of snail business as a valuable urban and peri-urban livestock alternative for sustainable development in Cameroon. Data were collected between March–May 2018 with the use of questionnaires administered to 60 urban and peri-urban snail farming households in the Buea Municipality, South West Region of Cameroon. Farm budgeting analysis enabled investigations of performance from farmers while semi-log functions enabled the evaluation of factors affecting the level of snail production in the study area. The descriptive statistics and gross margin results from farm budgeting and profit revealed a total production costs of only US$0.4 per kg, which produced fivefold return on investment and a profit of US$2 per kg of snail sold. Considering the environmental friendliness, profitability of snail business, and health value of snails in relation to food and nutrition security, urban and peri-urban snail farming is highly recommended within the scope of sustainable development in Cameroon.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of mango seed kernel meal on the growth performance ofArchachatinamarginata fed diets containing varying levels of mango seed kernel meal. A total of hundred and twenty (120) growing snails of similar sizes were randomly assigned to four treatments designated T1 , T2 , T3 and T4 and replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. The mango seed kernel meal used as test ingredient were collected, cracked and the kernel sundried for two weeks after which it was milled into a fine powder. Four experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of snails included at 0% mango seed kernel meal (T1 ), 5% mango seed kernel meal (T2 ), 10% mango seed kernel meal (T3 ) and 15% mango seed kernel meal (T4 ) respectively. T served as the control. The snails were fed once a day during the evening hours and adequately managed during this period. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Proximate composition of the mango seed kernel meal and the experimental diets were conducted to determine the nutrient contents of the mango seed kernel meal and that of the experimental diet. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain, shell length, shell aperture circumference, shell circumference, suture increase, shell thickness and specific growth rate were monitored and recorded. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that there were no significant (P0.05) differences on the feed intake (29.58g in T1 to 27.54g in T4 ),weight gain (10.14g in T1 to 9.50g T2 ), shell length (9.17cmin T2 to 9.03 cmin T1 ), shell aperture (6.50cm in T2 to 6.35cm in T1 ), shell circumference (10.88cm in T2 to 10.65cm in T4 ), suture (3.37cm in T4 to 3.33cm in T2 ), shell thickness (2.22cm in T1 to 1.94cm in T2 ) and specific growth rate. Therefore, it could be concluded that mango seed kernel meal can be included up to 15% in the diet of Archachatina marginata without any adverse effect on their growth performance.

Proximate analysis of mango seed kernel shows that it is high in carbohydrate and contains other essential minerals. Thus, this experiment was conducted to assess the impact of mango seed kernel mea on l the haemolymph of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata). One hundred and twenty (120) Archachatina marginata grower snails of similar sizes were randomly assigned to four treatments designated T1, T2 , T3 and T4 and replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD).Each dietary treatment consisted of thirty (30) snails per treatment with ten (10) snails per replicate. The mango seed kernel meal used as test ingredient were collected, cracked and the kernel sundried for two weeks after which it was milled into a fine powder. Four experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of snails included at 0% mango seed kernel meal (T1 ), 5% mango seed kernel meal (T2 ), 10% mango seed kernel meal (T3) and 15% mango seed kernel meal (T4 ), respectively. T1 served as the control. The snails were fed once a day during the evening hours and adequately managed during this period. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Proximate composition of the mango seed kernel meal and that of the experimental diets were conducted to determine the nutrient contents of the mango seed kernel meal and the experimental diets respectively. The proximate composition and the mineral content of the haemolymph of Archachatina marginata were also analyzed. The analysis of the proximate composition of mango seed kernel meal indicated that it is high in carbohydrate (58.6%), 13.72% moisture, 4.00% ash, 5.64% crude fiber, 15.94%fat, and 2.1% crude protein; which implies that it can be used as a carbohydrate source. The inclusion of mango seed kernel meal in the diets ofArchachatina marginata significantly (P

Background This study aims to investigate the reproduction output of Archachatina marginata fed on roughage and concentrate feed with leaf meal-inclusive diets. One hundred fifty points of lay snails weighing between 150 and 170 g were randomly allotted to 5 treatment diets with three replicates, ten snails per replicate, designated as treatment 2 (GNCD) which has groundnut cake, treatment 3 (GLLM) has Gliricidia sepium, treatment 4 (MOLM) has Moringa oleifera, and treatment 5 (LLLM) has Leucaena leucocephala leaf meals as protein source in snail diet and a control (treatment 1) (UPWP) fed on roughage (unripe pawpaw and watermelon peel) in a 12-week feed trial. Feed intake, weight gain, egg lay, egg fertility, hatchability, and gonadosomatic index were measured. Results The result revealed snails fed with UPWP had the least final weight and weight gain which was accompanied by the highest feed intake across the treatments. Average egg laid, hatchability, fertility, embryo mortality, and average juvenile produced by snails on roughage-based diet were significantly the least across the treatments. High gonadosomatic index of snails on leaf meal-based diet accompanied with better reproductive output in laying snails was recorded. Conclusion Snails fed with Leucaena leucocephala-inclusive diet had better egg production, fertility, hatchability, and juvenile snails accompanied with gonadosomatic index across the treatments. Concentrate ration is essential for optimal reproductive output in snails.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of utilisation of three leafy vegetable diets (bitter leaf Vernonia amygdalina, fluted pumpkin leaf Telfairia occidentalis and pawpaw leaf Carica papaya) on the growth performance of giant West African snail Archachatina marginata. A total of 90 A. marginata were used for the study. 30 snails were also subjected to three different dietary treatments in three replicates of 10 snails per replicate and fed with the fresh leaves of these vegetables over a period of 12 weeks. Results obtained recorded significant differences (P < 0.05) in terms of weight gain, shell length, shell circumference and shell thickness. On the whole, Archachatina marginata fed on fluted pumpkin leaf performed better in terms of mean weight gain when compared with those fed on bitter and pawpaw leaves. On the other hand, snails fed on pawpaw leaf had the best mean shell length gain, mean shell circumference and mean shell thickness when compared with those fed on bitter and fluted pumpkin leaves. The result clearly showed that the tested leafy vegetables can be successfully utilised as diets for rearing of A. marginata. For farmers to achieve better result, the inclusion of fluted pumpkin and pawpaw leaves in the diets of Archachatina marginata is highly recommended in snail rearing businesses.

Demand for Giant African Land Snail in Nigeria is so high such that it is very difficult to meet up with the supply as a protein source. However, during dry season, production at intensive level is often challenged with decline in growth and reproduction despite interventions to boost production. This study therefore evaluates the effect of zinc oxide on liveweight, reproductive organ dimensions and spermatozoa production of Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) during dry season. Thirty-two (32) snails with an average weight of 100 – 180 g were used for this experiment. The snails were allotted to four different feeding treatments which included concentrate diet only, concentrate +10 mg/kg of zinc oxide, concentrate +15 mg/kg of zinc oxide and concentrate +20 mg/kg of zinc oxide, respectively. Each treatment contained eight replicates. After nine weeks, five snails were selected from each treatment and dissected. Variables monitored were: weekly weight gain, shell circumference, shell length and shell diameter. Other reproductive data collected after dissections were: organ weight, reproductive tract weight, albumen weight, ovo-testis weight, gonado-somatic index (GSI) and spermatozoa concentration. The result showed that dietary zinc oxide significantly (P < 0.001) influenced feed intake, shell parameters, organ weight ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonado-somatic index, reproductive tract weight and spermatozoa concentration. Snailsfed zinc oxide supplemented diet had better shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonadosomatic index and reproductive tract weight. Considering spermatozoa concentration, 10 mg/kg of zinc oxide inclusion into concentrate diet gave the highest concentration. The results of the present study showed that dietary zinc oxide positively influenced feed intake, shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis and albumen weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index and spermatozoa production were also positively influenced. Therefore, 10 mg/kg inclusion of zinc oxide is recommended for better reproductive tract development, and spermatozoa production at the desirable economic level during the dry season production of Archachatina marginata.

There is inadequate information on quality feedstuffs for large-scale year-round production of snails in Nigeria. This study evaluated the performance, carcass analysis and sensory properties of cooked meat of Archachatina marginata snails fed on plant wastes as sole feed ingredient. A feeding trial of 6-month duration involving one hundred and twenty growing snails (132.91 ± 2.13 g) in a randomly distributed four dietary treatments of pawpaw leaves (PL), whole lettuce, lettuce wastes (LW) and cabbage wastes (CW) was conducted. Treatment effect on shell length and width was significant (P 0.05). The highest dressing percentage of 43.2% was obtained for snails on LW, while the lowest value of 35.19% was recorded for snails on PL. The treatments had no appreciable effect on the nutrient composition and sensory quality of the snail meat. The highest dry matter digestibility of 83.50% was recorded in snails on CW which was statistically similar to those on LW (83.33%), while the least value of 78.33% was recorded in snails on PL. The weight gain and feed per unit gain followed the same pattern as the dry matter digestibility. It is concluded that lettuce waste as well as cabbage waste can be utilized as sole feed for growing snails, thereby increasing the feed-base for snail production in the tropics.

The study was conducted to examine the performance of growing snails (Archachatina marginata) fed with formulated feed supplemented with calcium from four sources (Agricultural Limestone, Bone meal, Egg shell and Snail shell) in the domestication unit of Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City. A total of sixty (60) juvenile snails with average weight of 97.85±2.06g were randomly allotted to five treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5), replicated three times with four snails per replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatment was Agricultural limestone (T1), Bone Meal (T2), Egg shell (T3), Snail shell (T4) and control: natural feed (T5). The feeding trials lasted for 16 weeks. The results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in weight gain (12.50a ± 3.15), shell length (0.35a ± 0.06) and shell width increment (0.163 ± 0.03) of the snails under the various diet. Increases in body weight, shell length, shell width was recorded in all the treatments with the highest recorded in snails (Archachatina marginata) under feed formulated with the snail shells. The result showed significant differences (P

This study was conducted to determine the effect on growth and reproductive performance of supplementing dried Centrosema pubescens leaf meal to Archachatina marginata snails. A total of 80 growing, medium-sized A. marginata snails were used. Twenty snails were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental diets as T1, T2, T3, and T4 containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% dietary inclusion levels of dried C. pubescens leaves, respectively. Each diet constituted a treatment and each treatment was replicated four times with five snails per replicate. Results showed that snails under T4 had the highest (P

Meat is a vital source of nutrients for human wellbeing and health; however, recent studies suggest a decline in meat preference as a protein source due to some health problems associated with meat intake. This study evaluates the levels of essential elements (Mn, Mg, P, Ca, K, Cu, Na, Zn and Fe) and proximate composition (protein, fat, moisture, carbohydrate, fibre and ash) of three snail species namely; Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica and Archachatina marginata species from the Kumasi Central Market. The mineral content and proximate composition of the three land snail species' shell and meat were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and other Standard Methods of Analysis. The study revealed that the three snail species differed in the composition of significant nutrients and trace elements in meat. It is evident from this study that the consumption of snail meat can promote good human health, with Archachatina marginata having the best nutritional value. In the meat from the three snail species, a strong significant positive correlation between Ca and P levels was observed, and the Cu and Fe (p < 0.05). In both the proximate and mineral analysis, each meat parameter was correspondingly higher than that of the shell for all the snail species, except for ash and Ca contents. The estimated daily intakes of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were lower compared with the tolerable daily intake, suggesting that the essential elements are at acceptable levels. Therefore, consumers of these land snails will gain the benefits of the proximate and mineral constituents. The shells can also be utilised as food supplements for livestock and eliminate the burden of managing snail shell waste., Proximate composition, Estimated daily intake, Mineral content, Land snail.