Effect of Moringa oleífera on live weight and reproductive tract dimension of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata).

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]