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Hatchability of snail eggs in a cage is normally impaired as they are often unearthed by other snails looking for laying sites. This study evaluated the effects of different incubation media on egg hatchability of the giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata ovum) over a seven-week period. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management Teaching and Research Farm, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. One hundred eggs were collected from 2 boxes stocked with adult snails. The eggs were incubated in 4 media comprising river sand, top soil, sawdust, mixture of river sand, top soil and saw dust. Seventy-seven eggs were randomly assigned to each medium having six replicates of three eggs each incubated in a box measuring top diameter 11. 5 cm, bottom diameter 11 cm and height 9.5 cm. Data were collected on daily temperature (morning, and evening), length of incubation and % hatchability and subjected to one way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. Mean daily temperature ranged from 25.86-26.03 which was not significantly (P>0.05) different between incubation media. Incubation period ranged from 22 -30 days and was significantly (P<0.05) different between media. Eggs incubated in sawdust hatched earlier (25 days), followed by those in a mixture of river sand and sawdust, topsoil (26 days), river sand (27 days), and top soil gave the longest incubation period (28 days). Percentage Egg hatchability differed (P<0.05) significantly between incubation media. Sawdust gave 66.67 % hatchability, 50% was recorded in a mixture containing river sand and top soil and sawdust, river sand has 41.67% while topsoil gave the least hatchability of 25 %. It was thus recommended that saw dust could be adopted as the ideal incubating medium for eggs of Archachatina marginata Saturalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for giant African Land snail (Archachatina marginata) is on the increase in recent years, but not much is known about the health indicators of this animal under indoor or intensive rearing. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of liveweight on biochemical and physiological parameters of Archachatina marginata and to establish reference ranges for these parameters. Snails used were assigned to 3 groups of 20 snails each based on their liveweight. Haemolymph collected was analyzed for biochemical, hormonal and selected minerals. Result showed that the effect of liveweight was not significant (P > 0.05) for Total protein (TP), Triglyceride (Trig), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Glucose (Glu). However, Liveweight had significant effect (p < 0.05) on Albumin (Alb), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Cholesterol (Chl) and Creatinine (Crt). For hormonal profile, only T4 was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by liveweight, while effect of liveweight was not significant on Triiodothyronine (T3), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2) and Progesterone (P4). For haemolymph minerals, liveweight only had significant effect on Cu and Fe among others. Physiological profiles quantitatively recorded for each of liveweight groups by the the present standard protocols provide a reference basis to quantify physiological changes under different environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance of the African giant land snail Archachatina marginata using different feedstuffs in the Laboratory of the Wildlife and Range Management Department of the Josep Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Forty (40) juvenile snails with an initial average weight of 47.95g were purchased from Wadata market in Makurdi, acclimatized, quarantined, and made to starve for 2 days before the commencement of the experiment. Forty (40) snails were allotted at random to each of the 4 hutch boxes and were subjected to four treatments A, B, C, and D in replicates of 10 snails per each of the four replicates. Each snail in the group was numbered using an indelible marker. The initial body weight of the snails was measured on the first day, and the subsequent weights were taken every week till the end of the experiment using a sensitive weighing balance, the shell length and shell width of the snails were measured with thread and straight on the ruler to ascertain the width on weekly basis. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics such as tables, charts, percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significantly different means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test to determine the relationship between growth parameters. The result obtained revealed that snails fed with Diet 1 (Green beans) had the highest shell development at 8.75cm, while snails fed with Diet 3 (Tomatoes) had the least 8.20cm. For weight gain, the initial weight was similar across the treatments, after subjecting to various treatments it was found that snails fed with Diet 3 (Tomatoes) had the highest mean weight gain value of 62.65g while those fed with Diet 1 (Green beans) had the least value 56.29g). The average feed intake of snails fed with experimental diets showed that T1 (93.57g) had superior values compared to T2 (59.01g) and T3 (51.38g) while T4 was the least (44.71g). The study recorded a mortality rate of 8 snails, 2 (25%) for Diet 1 while Diet 2 and 4 recorded a high mortality rate of 3 (37.5%) each with no mortality recorded in Diet 3. Treatment 3 (T3) had the highest survival rate followed by T1 while T2 and T4 had a low survival rate as they both recorded the highest mortality rate. In conclusion, It could be noted in this study that; not all single plant matters are suitable as feed for African giant land snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A study was carried out to assess the reproduction and gonadosomatic index of Archachatina marginata fed with a medicinal plant (Thymus vulgaris). Three hundred adult snails were randomly allocated to four treatments and five replicates of 15 comparable snails. Treatment T0 (control) received only the basal diet. The other treatments (T0.25, T0.5, and T0.75) received, in addition to the basal diet, Thymus vulgaris powder at 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. The results showed the lowest egg weight (1.33 0.66) in animals receiving 0.5% Thymus vulgaris in the diet compared to the other treatments, while the lowest egg length (14.68 1.14) was recorded in the control group. The number of clutches per treatment was lowest (16.25 0.00) in animals that received 0.5% Thymus vulgaris in the diet compared to the control group and other treatments. The hatching and fertilization rates increased with the share of Thymus vulgaris in the diet, while the reverse was observed for the mortality rate. The highest gonadosomatic index (0.020.00) was recorded in animals receiving the highest level of Thymus vulgaris (T0.75), followed by animals in the control group (T0). Total protein and triglycerides increased significantly (p

The study was carried out between July and October 2022 at the sub–station of the Faculty of Agriculture Research and Teaching farm to assess the reproductive performance of Archachatina marginata fed the leguminous Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal as feed additive. 208 adult snails were randomly partitioned into 4 treatments and 4 repetitions of 13 comparable snails (weight and size). The treatment T0 (control) received only the experimental diet as described while three other treatments received not only diet but, L. leucocephala leaf meal at 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% for a period of 12 weeks. In each treatment, every morning, the substrate of each breeding bucket was stirred entirely and minutely to collect the eggs to determine the laying and morphometric characteristics of the eggs. The eggs were then placed 10 cm deep in loose soil substrates until hatching to evaluate the characteristics of the fecundity. The unhatched eggs were opened, and the state of embryonic development observed to determine early embryonic mortality rate and late embryonic mortality. At the end of the experiment, animals of each replicate were sacrificed; the hemolymph was collected determine the total cholesterol and protein. The results showed that the characteristics of reproduction were affected with graded level of L. leucocephala. The highest number of eggs laid (17.29 ± 13.44) and the number of clutches (268.91) was recorded in animals receiving 0.5% and 0.75% L. leucocephala in the diet respectively while the highest value of fecundation rate (95.50 ± 8.80), hatch rate (94.55 ± 9.36), and hatchability (98.99 ± 3.15) was registered in the treatment that received 0.75%. The highest value of total protein and cholesterol was recorded in the same treatment. In conclusion 0.75% of L. leucocephala can be added in the diet of adult snail to increase its reproductive performance.

To assess the growth performance of juvenile snail (Archachatina marginata) fed different plant leaves, 180 juvenile snails of one month old were divided into 4 treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4 ), of 15 snails and 3 replicates in pens equipped with feeders and drinkers. T1 received pawpaw leaves, T2 received cassava leaves, T3 received sweet potato leaves and T4 received blood root leaves. Feed and fresh leaves were measured and served daily, and the leftover also quantified, using an electronic weighing scale (0.01 g precision) to evaluate the feed intake. The results showed that the highest value of feed intake was recorded in animals that received blood root leaves, while the lowest value is registered in the treatment receiving pawpaw leaves. The highest value of leave intake was recorded in the treatment that received pawpaw leaves. The highest values for weight shell length, shell diameter, shell lip width, shell lip height and carcass characteristics of Archachatina marginata fed with different plant leaves were recorded for snails fed with blood root leaves. The lowest value of triglycerides (1.44±0.5) and total cholesterol (4.11±2.66) in the hemolymph was registered in animals receiving blood root leaves compared to other treatments. The lowest value of total protein (26.44±3.28) in the hemolymph was registered in the treatment receiving blood root leaves compared to the treatment that received pawpaw, cassava, and sweet potatoes leaves. In conclusion, blood root leaves can be used as staple diet to improve the productivity of Archachatina marginata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eggshell is a structure that is highly specialized in minerals, which protects the contents within the egg, provide nourishment to the embryo, and shield it from microbial attacks by serving as an immune system. Twenty (20) matured A. marginata snails weighing from 125.75g to 134.85g were used to produce the eggs for this study. The results revealed that at lay the average weight of snail egg ranges from 1.62 to 2.02 g (mean of 1.82 g). The egg lengths and widths ranges from 12.60 - 17.20 mm (mean of 14.90 mm) and 9.40 to 12.2 mm (mean of 10.80 mm) respectively. The shape of the eggs were spherical and yellowish in colour, which slightly fade away with time. A reduction in average weight of A. marginata egg from 1.83g to 0.73g was observed as days progressed. The metabolites (glucose, protein, cholesterol and triglycerides) and minerals (Mg2+, Ca2+, P and Fe) of the eggshell and egg yolk during gestation period was also determined. There was an increase in the metabolites and the minerals from day 1 to day 14, with a sharp drop on day 21. The values in metabolite and mineral compositions are highest on day 14. The quality of the eggshell and yolk can be associated with the biochemical composition, which can affect the survival of the organism. This study therefore inferred that the metabolite and minerals observed are required for proper development and growth of the embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmodified Archachatina marginata shells (AM) and modified AM (MAM) were used for paint industry wastewater treatment as bio-coagulants. The proximate composition, pH of zero point charge, porosity, true density, bulk density, and surface area of AM and MAM were all assessed. The AM and MAM bio-coagulants were further characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), and XRD (x-ray diffraction), while the wastewater was physicochemically evaluated. The coagulation-flocculation process was optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The characterization results showed an improvement in the porosity (76.480%), surface area (83.00 m2/g), and true density (5.00 g/cm3) of MAM compared to the AM's porosity of 57.15%, surface area of 58 m2/g, and true density of 2.783 g/cm3, respectively. The optimum color removal conditions were 78.02% and 81.61% at 500 mg/L, pH 2, and 20 min for AM and MAM, respectively. The maximum turbidity removal efficiency of AM and MAM was 84.79% and 88.94% at a dosage of 500 mg/L and a time of 30 min, respectively. The modification enhanced the surface area, porosity, and pollutants removal and was supported by SEM. Coagulation-flocculation kinetics showed that the rate of coagulation-flocculation is dependent on the colloid particles of the paint wastewater and the coagulant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of this paper was to investigate comparatively the optimization techniques of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) when applied to the conditions for chitosan production from Archachatina marginata shell and the % removal of methylene blue, MB, from synthetic textile wastewater. The proposed RSM and ANN models are optimized using genetic algorithm (GA). The optimum conditions for the extraction processes of chitosan and % removal of MB are determined and the derived chitosan at optimized conditions is characterized using analytical techniques. The ANN portrays better modeling abilities than RSM for the responses. The predicted values of % yield of chitosan, % DD and % removal of MB are obtained as 51.56, 98.68 and 94.71 respectively using the RSM-GA technique while the ANN-GA technique predicted 45.32%, 91.96% and 95.96% respectively. The experimental values of the responses are in excellent agreement with the ANN-GA predicted values with % errors being 1.8, 1.2 and 1.19 respectively. Hence, the conditions of chitosan production from Archachatina marginata shell and its bioremediation capacity of synthetic wastewater from textile industry can be adequately and accurately optimized and modeled using ANN-GA for routine seafood applications and treatment of industrial wastewater effluents.

The study examined the marketing and uses of two species of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) in four (4) different market locations in Ibadan Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire administered interpersonally to 160 snail marketers in four randomly selected markets in selected Local Government Area (LGA) situated in Ibadan. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools; these include frequencies, mean, median, mode and multiple regression. Findings from the socioeconomic characteristics revealed that majority (98.1 %) of the respondents were female and only 1.9 % were male. Majority (91.9 %) of marketers were married with 27.5 % in the 31–40 years age group. Majority (89.4 %) raised their capital through personal savings and had over 16 years of marketing experience. All respondents (100 %) were involved in wholesale marketing of different species of snail whereas 65 % of them were into both wholesale and retail marketing. Also, 88.8 % were engaged in marketing of both species only. Most (70 %) of the respondents’ generated income per year was between ₦10,000–₦49,999 ($26–$130). All marketers ascertained that the major purpose of snail is for consumption. Also, the budgetary analysis (costs and returns) revealed that marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina is a profitable business among the marketers with a high rate of return on investment. The most efficient market for both snail species was Sango market with efficiency values 1.77 and 1.82 for A. achatina and A. marginata, respectively. The coefficient of multiple determination, R2 value of 0.689 indicated that 68.9 % of the variation in the marketing price of snail is explained by transportation cost, cost price of snail and market tariff. The marketing efficiency was greater than one in all markets which showed that the markets were efficient in the marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. The study concluded that snail marketing is profitable given the market efficiencies and rate of returns on investment. Policy recommendation towards reduction in cost of transportation and market tariff is suggested as this would bring about improved market efficiencies and more returns.

Globally, with the application of over 4 billion tons of herbicides yearly to suppress or kill weeds, the uncontrollable / unregulated use and disposal of these sometimes-recalcitrant chemicals could result in deleterious effects on non-target ecological receptors. This evaluation recorded varying degree of toxic effects on the environmental receptors (onions – Allium cepa L) and (snails – Archachatina marginata). The highest effective concentration (EC50) for onions was recorded in Dragon® (0.042 ± 0.008 mg L-1) while the lowest effective concentration was in Uproot® (2.185 ± 0.52 mg L-1). Similarly, the highest EC50 in the snail test was obtained in Cotrazine® (0.41 ± 0.012 mg kg-1) and the lowest in Striker® (9.51 ± 0.94 mg kg-1). The risk level estimated using the Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment Matrix (ERAM) revealed that the least toxic herbicide were rated E 3 (P;A;E;C) or 15 (P;A;E;C) while the most toxic herbicides were rated E 5 (P;A;E;C) or 25 (P;A;E;C), which was considered medium to high risk to plants (P), animal (A), the environment (E) and community (C). The use, handling and disposal of these lethal herbicides should be prudently managed so as to safe guide non-target species in the environment of application.

This work aimed at assessing the effect of different processing methods on some nutrients and functional properties of snail meat. Meat samples were divided into seven groups. Six of them were processed and one served as control. The treatments applied were boiling, steaming, roasting, grilling, frying or their combinations. After that, they were characterized for their proximate composition, mineral content and the functional properties of their powders. Boiling for 12 min without water coupled to grilling or roasting; boiling with water or steaming for 24 min coupled to frying increased the protein content of snail meat from 41.65 to 58.62%. All treatments reduced its carbohydrate, sodium, potassium and phosphorus content, but increased its calcium (from 304 to 1892 mg/100 g) and magnesium (from 117.20 to 260.38 mg/100 g). Results of the functional properties are showed that the treatments applied increased the water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), packed bulk density (PBD), emulsion stability (ES), hausner ratio and pH of snail meat powder. Boiling without water for 12 min coupled to roasting and boiling with water for 12 min coupled to frying decreased its oil absorption capacity (OAC). Frying decreased the loose bulk density (LBD) of the powder and increased its porosity. Snail meat can be a very good ingredient for the preparation and industrial formulation of food products.

The design of this paper was to investigate comparatively the optimization techniques of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) when applied to the conditions for chitosan production from Archachatina marginata shell and the % removal of methylene blue, MB, from synthetic textile wastewater. The proposed RSM and ANN models are optimized using genetic algorithm (GA). The optimum conditions for the extraction processes of chitosan and % removal of MB are determined and the derived chitosan at optimized conditions is characterized using analytical techniques. The ANN portrays better modeling abilities than RSM for the responses. The predicted values of % yield of chitosan, % DD and % removal of MB are obtained as 51.56, 98.68 and 94.71 respectively using the RSM-GA technique while the ANN-GA technique predicted 45.32%, 91.96% and 95.96% respectively. The experimental values of the responses are in excellent agreement with the ANN-GA predicted values with % errors being 1.8, 1.2 and 1.19 respectively. Hence, the conditions of chitosan production from Archachatina marginata shell and its bioremediation capacity of synthetic wastewater from textile industry can be adequately and accurately optimized and modeled using ANN-GA for routine seafood applications and treatment of industrial wastewater effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Archachatina marginata snails fed diets containing fish meal replaced at various levels with lizard meat meal. One hundred and twenty snails with similar weights were used for the study which lasted for 56 days. The snails were randomly assigned to four treatments and each treatment was replicated three times with 10 snails per replicate. Four experimental diets were formulated with various inclusion levels of lizard meat meal. Treatment 1 diet had 0% replacement level, Treatment 2 diet had 15% replacement level, Treatment 3 diet had 30% replacement level and Treatment 4 diet had 45% replacement level. The data collected was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test for significant means separation. The result of the experiment showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, shell characteristics (shell length, shell circumference and shell aperture increment) and cost of feed per kg weight gain between treatments. The result showed that there was significant difference (p

This study evaluated the effect of replacing groundnut cake with Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium leaf meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of giant African land snails. One hundred and twenty (120) growing snails (Archachatina marginata) of 150 - 170 g, aged 5 - 6 months were randomly assigned to four different treatments with three replicates and ten snails per replicate. M. oleifera, L. leucocephala and G. sepium leaves were harvested, shed dried and milled to obtain M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM), L. leucocephala leaf meal (LLLM) and G. sepium leaf meal (GSLM). Snails in Treatment 1 were given groundnut cake (GNCD), treatment 2 snails had GSLM, treatment 3 snails had MOLM and treatment 4 snails were given LLLM as the protein source in a 13 week feeding trial. Feed intake, live weight gain, shell changes and carcass characteristics were measured using standard procedures. The result showed that weight gain and final weight of snails fed GNCD, MOLM, and LLLM were statistically (p>0.05) similar but significantly (p<0.05) higher than snails fed GSLM. Dressing percentage and percentage visceral weight of snails fed MOLM was highest across treatments. Percentage shell weight was highest among snails fed GNCD, whereas percentage haemolymph weight was highest among snails fed LLLM. Inclusion of M. oleifera and L. leucocephala leaf meals as protein sources in concentrate rations for snails was beneficial for growth and carcass characteristics of growing snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ninety snails (Archachatina marginata, swainson), which comprised 30 each of adults (325.43 ± 2.03g), growers (119.05 ± 1.05g) and snailets (33.05 ± 1.00g) were used to determine the lifecycle nutritional and bio-safety benefits of consumption of snail meat. 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. Snail were 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 fiber, 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<0.05) with the age of snail, while NFE reduced with age. Highest (P<0.05) carcass yield (44.23%) was obtained for snailets, with corresponding least (P<0.05) values for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and FFA, cholesterol levels were significantly varied, in all groups and the contents of macronutrients and heavy metals in snail meat were tolerable in human nutrition and therefore not deleterious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosomal information on molluscs is scanty in Nigeria. This study was done to determine the chromosome number of Archachatina marginata populations from Ilorin, Nigeria. Ten samples were obtained from popular markets in Ilorin and humid areas within the University of Ilorin campus, Nigeria. The snails were treated with 0.075M KCl and 0.02% colchicine. The ovotestis was used for chromosomal preparation. The chromosomes examined were dot-like and acrocentric. The haploid chromosomes were found to be within the range of x=22 to x=29 with the modal haploid chromosome number x=28 (2n = 56). Polyploids and chromosomal aberrations were not observed in the cells. These results contribute to cytological information on A. marginata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of shell injury on growth and haemocyte concentration were evaluated in this study. Thirty-two (32) snails between 130-180g were randomly divided into four (4) treatments with eight (8) replicate each. The four treatments include: T1 (control), T2, (1 cm shell damage) T3 (2 cm shell damage) and T4 (3 cm shell damage). Haemolymph was collected on weekly basis for four weeks. Parameters monitored were total haemocyte count and shell growth. Result showed that shell injury/damage had significant effect (P<0.001) on total haemocyte count and shell growth. It can be concluded from this study that shell injury had influence on immune response of the animal, although compensatory growth was recorded after week four of the experiment. It can be recommended from this study that irrespective of level of shell damage used in this study, adequate attention should be given not to kill the animal as the process compromise the total haemocyte count which is responsible for immune defense of the animal. It is therefore recommended that adequate care and proper hygiene must be maintained in other not allow opportunistic infection since immune cells (haemocytes) are compromised in other not cause economic loss due to unforeseen mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (p<0.05) in the weight gain. The intensive management system had a higher weight gain of 128.96g with mean value of 4.96 while the extensive management system had a weight gain of 88.37g with mean value of 3.40. There was no significant difference at (p>0.05) 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<0.05) in the shell width increment. The snails in the extensive management system had the higher shell width increment of 9.31cm with mean value of 0.36 while the snails in the intensive management system had a shell width increment of 4.30cm with mean value of 0.17. The snails in the intensive system had a Feed Conversion Ratio of 5.03. For better growth performance of A. marginata in terms of weight gain, snail farmers should raise their snails in an intensive system of management and formulated diet should be used in feeding the snails along side with natural feed such as leaves and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop PEGylated mucin as a carrier system for oral insulin delivery. Methods: Varied ratios of snail cyst were molecularly modified with polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000). Briefly, In each case, 20 g quantities of snail cyst and PEG 4000 were separately dispersed in distilled water, stirred and allowed to stand for 24 h to produce a homogeneous dispersion and clear solution, respectively. The solution of PEG was added to the snail cyst dispersion, stirred and allowed 12 h for molecular interaction. The mixture was added to a 250-mL beaker containing 100 mL of light liquid paraffin. The microparticles were obtained after stirring and removing the paraffin using chilled acetone. The obtained PEGylated mucin matrices, which were subsequently loaded with insulin using a diffusion method, characterized for particles size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and evaluated for oral application in diabetic rats. Results: The polymer hybrids improved insulin encapsulation efficiency (max 82.3%), gave. polydispersity indices that ranged from 0.11 ± 0.1 to 0.24 ± 0.2, zeta potential values between 28 ± 0.3 and 38 ± 1.1 mV. Insulin release was highest (68% in 6 h) for batch C and was sustained for 10 h in simulated intestinal fluid. The optimized batch (C-5) showed higher hypoglycaemic activity (56.5%) than control (0.5%) in diabetic rats. Conclusion: The results suggest that PEGylated mucin can potentially be developed as a platform for oral insulin delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on the effect of Moringa oleífera leave on live weightand reproductive tract dimensions of Archachatina marginata. Eight snails [8] were subjected to each of the four treatments (making a total of 32] which were: Concentrate feed formulated for snail only, Concentrate feed formulated for snail + 100g of Moringa oleifera, concentrate feed formulated for snail + 200g of Moringa oleifera and Concentrate feed formulated for snail + 300g of Moringa oleifera. Parameters monitored were: Shell length, shell width, shell circumference and weekly live weight. Reproductive tract dimensions taken include: Organ weight [ORGWT], reproductive tract weight [REPTWT], reproductive tract length [REPTLNT], ovo-tesis weight [OVOWT], edible part weight [EDPTWT], albumen weight [ALBWT] and albumen length [ALBLNT]. Shell dimensions and the live weight were measured and recorded once a week. After nine weeks, six snails were randomly selected from each treatment and dissected. Their reproductive tracts were removed and dimensions were taken. The result showed that ORGWT, OVOWT, ALBWT, ALBLNT, REPTLNT and REPTWT were not significantly affected [P>0.05] by different levels of Moringa oleifera inclusions. However, Moringa oleifera inclusion with concentrate at different levels had significantly increase [P<0.001] Live weight and shell length of the animal. Snails given 300 g of Moringa oleifera per kg of concentrate gave the highest live weight and shell length together. It was however recommended from this study that inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaves into snail feed at 300 g per kg of concentrate would enhance live weight and shell parameter [length]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 < .05) final body weight, average weight gain, and daily weight gain (346.89, 47.60, and 0.85 g, respectively) with the best feed conversion to meat rate of 2.12. The weekly feed intake and average body weight gain revealed the superiority of dietary T4 in supporting the growth of snails more efficiently than other dietary treatments (T1, T2, and T3) used in this study. The number of eggs laid, percentage fertility, and hatchability were highest (P < .05) for snails fed dietary T4 with the least (P < .05) embryo mortality of 2.22%. Archachatina marginata snails fed 15% dietary inclusion of dried C. pubescens leaves (T4) were the best in growth and reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on the effect of Moringa oleífera leave on live weightand reproductive tract dimensions of Archachatina marginata. Eight snails [8] were subjected to each of the four treatments (making a total of 32] which were: Concentrate feed formulated for snail only, Concentrate feed formulated for snail + 100g of Moringa oleifera, concentrate feed formulated for snail + 200g of Moringa oleifera and Concentrate feed formulated for snail + 300g of Moringa oleifera. Parameters monitored were: Shell length, shell width, shell circumference and weekly live weight. Reproductive tract dimensions taken include: Organ weight [ORGWT], reproductive tract weight [REPTWT], reproductive tract length [REPTLNT], ovo-tesis weight [OVOWT], edible part weight [EDPTWT], albumen weight [ALBWT] and albumen length [ALBLNT]. Shell dimensions and the live weight were measured and recorded once a week. After nine weeks, six snails were randomly selected from each treatment and dissected. Their reproductive tracts were removed and dimensions were taken. The result showed that ORGWT, OVOWT, ALBWT, ALBLNT, REPTLNT and REPTWT were not significantly affected [P>0.05] by different levels of Moringa oleifera inclusions. However, Moringa oleifera inclusion with concentrate at different levels had significantly increase [P<0.001] Live weight and shell length of the animal. Snails given 300 g of Moringa oleifera per kg of concentrate gave the highest live weight and shell length together. It was however recommended from this study that inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaves into snail feed at 300 g per kg of concentrate would enhance live weight and shell parameter [length]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of some Parameters of Growth and Nutritive Values of Snail Varieties Archachatina marginata (Swainson) Bred in Natural Environment. Approximately two months old juvenile snails of from black and white body varieties Archachatina marginata obtained from indoor rearing were introduced in Banco forest of Nangui Abogoua University in order to study some growth and nutritive values parameters after 24 months. The result obtained showed that 12% of black body snails exhibited average shell length of 12.5 cm with 218.19 and 44.57 average live weight respectively. Concerning white body snails, only 3% exhibited average shell length of 12.5 cm with 231.1 and 50.96 g of average live and body weight respectively. Numbers of these white body snails were small with percentage of 22%, and average live and body weight of 128.5 and 30.2 g, respectively. This result suggests that snail A. marginata under breeding in this natural medium showed good performance of growth comparable to those from the original natural medium. Moreover, the study of nutritive value parameters revealed that body of both varieties of A. marginata had the similar ash content of 9.8% with important calcium contents of 17.38±0.37 and 20.34±2.94% for black and white body varieties, respectively. The shell ash content of both snail varieties showed identical value of 95% with calcium contents of 17.38±0.37 and 20.34±2.94% for black and white body varieties, respectively. Their body protein content was estimated at approximately 62%.

The survival of snails has been associated with the microclimate variables of their environment. Therefore, a comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of the haemolymph, mineral and proximate analysis of the flesh of the giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) obtained from five southwestern states of Nigeria was conducted. Mature snails purchased from notable markets in Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Osun and Ondo states were dissected. An analysis of the biochemical composition of the haemolymph and proximate composition of the flesh was done using standard methods, while a mineral composition analysis of the flesh and haemolymph was done using a Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Flame Photometer. Snails from Oyo state had significantly higher (p<0.05) concentrations of glucose (35.00±0.20), protein (54.15±0.02) and lipid (22.90±0.05) in their haemolymph than those from the other locations. Concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Cl- and PO4 2- were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the haemolymph of the snails than in the flesh. Protein was observed to be higher than other metabolites in both the haemolymph and the flesh of A. marginata collected from the five states. The flesh of snails obtained from Ogun state recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) values of ash (1.73±0.02), crude fibre (1.01±0.01), crude protein (20.22±0.02) and carbohydrate (1.09±0.01) content than those from the other states examined. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the values of Mg2+, PO4 2- and Cl- across the five states. Although climatic conditions could have influenced some biochemical composition of the snails, the snails collected from the five southwestern states of Nigeria examined were equally nutritious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to gain molecular insights into patterns of genetic diversity in indigenous and introduced land snails in Cameroon. These species, Archachatina marginata and Achatina fulica, form an important source of protein in Cameroon, but widespread utilization may possibly impact natural patterns of genetic diversity of the indigenous species, while the introduced species may display signs of genetic drift. The evolutionary relationship between the indigenous and introduced species was also studied. Specimens were collected from seven sites in Cameroon. Genetic analyses using COI mitochondrial DNA data suggest that gene flow among the Ar. marginata populations screened follows a model of isolation by distance, and genetic diversity estimates for this species did not provide support for the hypothesis of loss of genetic diversity in areas of intense harvesting. Diversity in the introduced species was much lower, which is likely the signature of an introduction involving limited numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on enhancing biomethanation were performed to ascertain whether amending lignocellulosic biomass waste with indigenous microbial-cellulases systems will improve biomethane output. To evaluate this, gastrointestinal contents of slaughtered beef cattle were treated with inocula derived from the guts of giant African land snail ( Archachatina marginata) and worker termites ( Coptotermes formosanus), individually as well as combined. The fed-batch method operating at prevailing ambient room temperatures (30 ± 2EC) for a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 60 days was adopted. Feedstock slurry without amendment, amended with Archachatina marginata -derived inoculum, amended with Coptotermes formosanus-derived inoculum, and amended with Archachatina marginata: Coptotermes formosanus (50 : 50%) mixed inocula yielded cumulative biomethane of 65.26 ml/g VS, 63.21 ml/g VS, 125.99 ml/g VS, and 97.16 ml/g VS, respectively. Physicochemical analysis of feedstock and digestates revealed increased reductions in lignin, hemicelluloses, and celluloses (lignocelluloses) in trials amended with microbial-cellulases systems. This study revealed that among the experiments assayed, the trial amended with the cellulases system from Coptotermes formosanus yielded the highest cumulative biomethane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]