African Land Snail Research Articles

Prediction of body weight using morphometric indices in giant African land snail in three zones of Imo state

Prediction of body weight using morphometric indices in giant African land snail (Achatina marginata) was studied for the three (3) agro-ecological zones in Imo State (Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu zones). One hundred and sixty (160) snails in Imo State were surveyed in course of this study. Data were generated through measurement of body weight, shell length, shell width, shell thickness, mouth length, weight of shell, weight of visceral, length of foot and thickness of foot. Data collected were subjected to regression analysis using SPSS statistical package. Results showed generally highly significant value (P<0.01) R2 value and R-value across the zoness. Highly significant difference (P<0.01) was observed in Owerri zone for the weight of shell, and the shell length. In Okigwe zone, only the weight of visceral showed a significant effect (P<0.01), whereas, in Orlu zone also, the shell width, shell mouth length and foot thickness showed a significant effect (P<0.01). The study therefore recommends that the linear model used, fits the data. Hence a comprehensive selection program for improvement of A. marginata in Imo State could be planned using the regressions coefficients obtained from the study. La prédiction du poids corporel à l'aide d'indices morphométriques chez l'escargot terrestre géant africain (Achatina marginata) a été étudiée pour les trois (3) zones agro-écologiques de l'État d'Imo (zones Owerri, Okigwe et Orlu). Cent soixante (160) escargots de l'État d'Imo ont été étudiés au cours de cette étude. Les données ont été générées en mesurant le poids corporel, la longueur de la coquille, la largeur de la coquille, l'épaisseur de la coquille, la longueur de la bouche, le poids de la coquille, le poids du viscéral, la longueur du pied et l'épaisseur du pied. Les données collectées ont été soumises à une analyse de régression à l'aide du progiciel statistique SPSS. Les résultats ont montré une valeur R2 et une valeur R généralement très significatives (P <0,01) dans les zones. Une différence très significative (P <0,01) a été observée dans la zone d'Owerri pour le poids de la coquille et la longueur de la coquille. Dans la zone Okigwe, seul le poids des viscéraux a montré un effet significatif (P<0,01), alors que, dans la zone Orlu, la largeur de la coque, la longueur de la bouche de la coque et l'épaisseur du pied ont également montré un effet significatif (P <0,01) que le modèle linéaire utilisé, ajuste les données. Par conséquent, un programme de sélection complet pour l'amélioration d'A. Marginata dans l'État de l'Imo pourrait être planifié en utilisant les coefficients de régression obtenus à partir de l'étude.

Bacteria and digestive enzymes in the alimentary tract of the giant African land snails, Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina

A study was carried out to investigate the bacteria flora in the gut of the Giant African Land Snails (GALS), Archarchatina marginata and Achatina achatina. Microflora cultures from snail gut contents were prepared to isolate and identify microorganisms within the snail digestive tract. Enzyme assays were carried out on a few of the microorganisms to determine the presence and level of enzymatic activities. Results showed that a wide range of bacteria inhabit the alimentary tract of GALS. Bacteria isolates from the stomach (Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae) and mouth regions (Aeroccus viridiaris and Azobacter chroococcum) in the two species of GALS effectively digested starch, cellulose and casein. However, Bacillus species from the stomach region in A. achatina exhibited the highest enzymatic activities for cellulase (10.00 µmol/min/ml at 18 h), protease (23.97 µmol/min/ml at 18 h) and amylase (9.56 µmol/min/ml at 24 h) during incubation Consequently, results from the present study confirmed that amylolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria within the digestive tract of the two species of GALS do aid in the snail's digestive processes.

Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Poultry Droppings as a Replacement for Palm Kernel Cake on the Growth Response of Young African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata)

Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Poultry Droppings as a Replacement for Palm Kernel Cake on the Growth Response of Young African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata)

Comparative value of kola testa, corn-bran and rice- bran with maize for mature african giant land snail (Archachatina marginata)

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<0.05) for the kola testa-based diet in comparison with the corn and rice bran-based diets. Depression of magnesium and iron in the shell, flesh and fluid of snails fed corn and rice bran diets was observed. The trial revealed that kola testa-based diet compared favorably well with the corn and rice bran-based diets.

Differences in the spermatozoa and ova of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina)

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<0.05) different. Liveweight group 101-150 g had the highest number of spermatozoa and ova count in both species. Morphologically, spermatozoa head, collar and mid-piece crest differed between species Archachatina marginata spermatozoa had pointed head, longer collar and highest number of mid-piece crests compared to Achatina achatina. Ova seen in the ovo-testis of A. marginata were larger compared to those seen in A. achatina. It was concluded from the study that there are differences in the morphology and dimensions of their germ cells.

Effect of Soil Moisture Level on the growth of the Giant African Land Snails, Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina in different season.

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<0.001) for weekly feed intake of snails in which values of 3.85, 2.53, 3.88 and 4.44g were recorded in cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet seasons, respectively. Monthly weight gains of 5.41g recorded for Archachatina marginata was significantly higher (P<0.001) than the value of 1.94g recorded for Achatina achatina. There was significant interaction (P<0.001) between soil moisture level and species on monthly weight gains of the snails. The feed intake and weight gain of snails (4.28 g and 6.43 g) in the high soil moisture treatment was significantly (P<0.01) higher than those in the low soil moisture treatment (3.07 g and 5.30 g). In conclusion, it is evident that species, season and soil moisture level affected the feed intake and weight gain of the Giant African Land Snails

The structure of the ovotestis of the common African land snails found in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria.

A comparative study of the structure of the ovotestis of African land snails found in Abeokuta was investigated. Of all the five snails species found and dissected, Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, A. fulica, Helix pomatia and Limcolaria aurora, only the ovotestis of H. pomatia could not be observed. The positioning, shape and arrangement of the ovotestis was the same for all the other four species. The ovotestis is embedded in the digestive gland at the anterior region of the coiled posterior end of the visceral mass. It is cream coloured and made up of sac-like lobes arranged on a single plane. It is differentiated into an ovariaon and testicular region. The number and size of the ovotestis differ significantly (P<0.05) in all the snails. Each lobe is made of several follicles and the number of which varied in the four species. Statistical analysis showed that live weight, shell length, shell width and shell circumference of the snails had no significant influence on the size on their ovotestis. Meiotic metaphase spreads of the ovotestis tissues revealed chromosome numbers 2n=56, 2n=44, 2n=54 and 2n=28 for A. marginata, A. achatina, A. fulica and L. aurora

Changes in Haemolymph Biochemical values during different growth phases in African Giant Land Snail (Archachatina Marginata) Swainson

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<0.05) affected the haemolymph mineral composition of the snails, juvenile phase had the highest values in ca2+,PO4+ and Na+, while the adult phase recorded the least concentration in ca2+, Na amd cl-2. Juvenile growth phase of A. marginata thus has better haemolymph biochemical values than both snailet and adult growth phases.

Growth Performance of African Giant Land Snail Archachatina Marginata Fed Varying Dietary Protein Levels of Plant Source

The effects of isocaloric plant protein diets on the growth performance of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata were investigated for 28 weeks. A total of 120 juvenile A. marginata snails were used. Ten snails were randomly assigned to each of the four experimental diets containing 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18% crude protein from plant source respectively. Each diet constitutes a treatment and each treatment was replicated three times with 10 snails per replicate. Data on growth parameters were collected bi-weekly. Results showed that the performance of snails fed was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by levels of dietary protein. The snail fed with 16% level of crude protein had the highest final somatic body weight (42.6g) and the superior feed conversion ratio (2.35) while beyond 16% level of crude protein the growth response declined. It was evident from this study that A. marginata snails fed 16% crude protein of plant source were the best in growth performance and that snails could be raised on diets comprising of crude protein exclusively from plant source.

Influence of Different Management Systems on Gut Microbes and Chemical Constituents of Giant Land Snail (Archachatina marginata)

The impact of management systems on the African giant land snail, Archachatina marginata found in Abeokuta, Nigeria was investigated. The gut microbial load, haemolymph biochemical values (proteins, lipids, glucose, Na+, Ca2+,K+, Cl- PO42+) and proximate composition (crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrates) of the flesh were determined in these snails. There were significantly (P<0.05) higher colony forming units (cfu) in the gut of snails from the wild (5.24 x103) than the domesticated snails (3.13 x103). The aemolymph biochemical values and flesh proximate composition were significantly higher in the snails from the wild than the domesticated ones. However, antinutrients and mineral composition of the flesh were not significantly affected by the management systems. The implication of these results on snail meat value in Nigeria is discussed.

Economic analysis of two giant land snail marketing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract 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.

Different processing additives is efficacious on microbial loads and antibiotics sensitivity pattern of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata)

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.

Inventory and characteristics of the small African land snail (SALS) spp in Benin metropolis, Edo State

Six (6) species of small African land snails (SALS) were picked from bushes and home gardens in seven (7) locations in Benin metropolis. The SALS were identified by means of a picture chart and examined for their physical characteristics, shell properties, population pattern and relative abundance during season in the locations. Chemical analysis was performed to determine the proximate and mineral compositions of the SALS and to compare these with those of the common GALS, Achatina marginata. Along with the GALS, the SALS found in the metropolis belong mainly to the genus – Lumicolaria. They are rainy season gastropods; their presence became visible in April; population became significant in May; and then increased significantly to reach their peaks in July; and thereafter reduced significantly in August. There were no differentials respecting relative abundance of various species based on location in Benin metropolis. Instead the different locations sampled, fittingly represented replications of measurements and figures rather than differential biodiversity of snail species. The six species of SALS identified were L. flamnae (black and white), L.numidica, (yellow brown), L.martesiana (brown), L.aethiops (brown), L. feline (white), L.aurora (white and black). Morphologically the SALS measured 5.0 – 7.5cm in length, and 2.0 – 2.1cm in diameter. The number of whorls on shell varied from 6 – 9 between the species. There were variabilities in shell colors, sizes and relative standard live weight of the snails. The SALS and GALS showed similarity in physical characteristics and chemical composition, except in size. This means that SALS, like the GALS, also have high potential food value. Studies on the production and utilization of SALS were thus recommended. Six (6) espèces de petits escargots terrestres africains (le 'SALS') ont été cueillies dans des buissons et des jardins potagers dans sept (7) localités de la métropole du Benin. Les 'SALS' ont été identifiés au moyen d'une carte illustrée et examinés pour leurs caractéristiques physiques, les propriétés de la coquille, la structure de la population et l'abondance relative pendant la saison dans les emplacements. Une analyse chimique a été réalisée pour déterminer les compositions proximales et minérales du 'SALS' et pour les comparer avec celles du 'GALS' commun, Achatinamarginata. Avec les 'GALS', les 'SALS' trouvés dans la métropole appartiennent principalement au genre - Lumicolaria. Ce sont des gastéropodes de saison des pluies; leur présence est devenue visible en avril; la population est devenue importante en mai; puis a augmenté de manière significative pour atteindre leurs sommets en juillet; et par la suite considérablement réduit en août. Il n'y avait pas de différentiels concernant l'abondance relative des diverses espèces en fonction de l'emplacement dans la métropole béninoise. Au lieu de cela, les différents emplacements échantillonnés représentaient de manière appropriée des réplications de mesures et de chiffres plutôt que la biodiversité différentielle des espèces d'escargots. Les six espèces de SALS identifiées étaient L. flamnae (noir et blanc), L.numidica, (jaune brun), L.martesiana (brun), L.aethiops (brun), L. feline (blanc), L.aurora (blanc et noir). Morphologiquement, le SALS mesurait 5.0 à 7.5 cm de longueur et 2.0 à 2.1 cm de diamètre. Le nombre de verticilles sur coquille variait de 6 à 9 entre les espèces. Il y avait des variations dans la couleur de la coquille, la taille et le poids vif standard relatif des escargots. Les 'SALS' et 'GALS' ont montré des similitudes dans les caractéristiques physiques et la composition chimique, sauf en taille. Cela signifie que les 'SALS', comme les 'GALS', ont également une valeur alimentaire potentielle élevée. Des études sur la production et l'utilisation des 'SALS' ont donc été recommandées.

Nutritional analysis of the albumen gland of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata) from six Southwest states, Nigeria

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.

Nutritional value of the visceral mass of three giant African land snail species ( and )

Edible snails are very important as food and adequate information is available on their nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. Though themore commonly consumed portion is the flesh, some people however consume the visceral mass, hence the need to determine its nutritional benefits. Two structures of the visceral mass (albumen gland and common hermaphrodite duct) of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica were analyzed to determine their proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions.The albumen glands in the three snail species had higher protein (36.81±0.02% -42.69±0.02%) and carbohydrate contents (0.62±0.01% - 0.72±0.02%) than hermaphroditic duct, while the hermaphroditic ducts had the higher moisture content (78.46±0.02 ±0.01% - 80.55±0.01%). A margin at a had the highest total nutrients value and the highest total anti-nutrients value;A. achatina had the lowest total nutrients value and A. fulica had the lowest total ant-nutrients value. This study showed that the edible parts of the visceral mass are nutritious and suitable to be used as food and feed.

Chromosome numbers, evolutionary relationships and divergence among three breeds of giant african land snails in Nigeria

A number of studies have been carried out on the reproductive and growth performance of these breeds of giant African land snails, but not much is documented on chromosome, evolutionary relationships and divergence studies. Forty snails and 10 of each breed of giant African land snails Archachatina marginata (AM), Achatina achatina (AA) and Achatina fulica (AF) and two varieties of A. marginata [A. marginata var. saturalis (AMS) and A. marginata var. ovum (AMO)] were used for the chromosomes numbers analyses. Slides for chromosome identification were prepared using the ovotestes and the cells were examined for spread atmetaphase. The haploid (n) chromosome numbers obtained revealed and confirmed that AF, AA, AMS and AMO snails have 27, 30, 28 and 28 chromosomes respectively. Also 13 amino acid sequences were retrieved from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information with accession numbers: ALD09273, AAY62497, ACA 10148 and AKQ 76237 for AM; AKQ 76253, AKQ 76250, CDL 67813, CDL 67813 and AKQ 76249 for AA and SP/P35903, PDB/5CZL, KZM 80032 and YP009049167 for AF snails. The evolutionary history was inferred using the Neighbour-Joining method. Phylogenetic tree analysis by Neighbour- Joining (NJ) was constructed using 10 out of the 13 amino acid sequences. The reliability of the tree was calculated by boostrap confidence value with 1000 boot strapiterations using MEGA 7 software.The phylogenetic trees showed that these snail breeds are highly divergent. A. achatina was separately related to itself; whereas A. marginata slightly mingled with A. fulica. The degrees of divergence obtained signified that they have evolved from different ancestors. The evolutionary distances were computed with the remaining three amino acid sequences using the Poisson Correction method. Very high and far apart average genetic distances of 0.923±0.018, 0.926±0.018 and 0.926±0.017 were obtained for AA vs AF, AF vs AM and AA vs AM snails respectively, confirming that these snail breeds are genetically far apart between themselves. The results obtained for chromosome numbers, evolutionary relationship and average genetic distances might be apanacea in further selection and molecular classification of giant African land snails (GALS) in Nigeria.

Organoleptic evaluation of Archachatina marginata fed rumen content dietary inclusion

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.

Comparative study of three species of giant African land snail

A comparative study was carried out on three breeds of snails in South Eastern Nigeria to assess their growth performance and body morphology. The three breeds used were A. Fulica, A. achatina and A. 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 were 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). Parameters measured were body parameters which include body weight, body width, body length, aperture length and aperture width; growth performance parameters obtained were initial weight, final weight, average weekly weight gain, average weekly feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that the A. achatina and A. marginata similarly recorded higher values in body parameters than the A. fulica. The A. marginata however was longer (12.69 cm) than the 8.95 and 12.32 cm recorded for A. fulica and A. marginata gain was only influenced by interaction effect of the breed x diet. The A. marginata and A. fulica revealed higher foot weight 58.81% and 57.59% respectively in relation to their live weight, which was associated with lower % shell weight (17.17 and 22.33% respectively), whereas, the higher shell weight (36.18%). 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. Based on overall interaction effects, diet I is recommended for A. fulica, while diet III for A. marginata and diet II for A. marginata. The A. marginata performed better than the A. achatina and A. fulica in body size (body length) and foot weight, thus recommended.

Influence of breeds and number of whorls on phenotypic traits and correlations among giant African land snails in Nigeria

Six hundred adult mature black-skinned snails with four and five whorls on the shellcomprising of 200 each of the breeds; Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica were used for the study. Phenotypic traits measured from the snails included body weight (BDW), shell length (SHL), shell width (SHW), aperture length (APL), aperture width (APW), spiral length (SPL), spiral width (SPW), diagonal length (DAL), length between the aperture and first spiral (LAS). The data obtained were used to estimate simple statistics (mean, standard error and coefficient of variations) and correlation oefficients. The results showed high significant (p<0.01) breed effects on phenotypic traits as A.nmarginata snails with four (288.700g) and 5(394.500g) whorls were phenotypically and genotypically heavier, larger and wider than A. achatina (127.0g and 182.000g) and A. fulica (48.850g and 65.050g) with four and five whorls respectively. There were also high significant (p<0.01) disparity number of whorls effects on body weight and other phenotypic traits studied. There was only one strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlation (r ) between SHL and LAS (r = – 0.650) recorded for A. achatina snails with four whorls while A. achatina snails with five whorls recorded few strong, negative and significant(P<0.01) phenotypic correlations between BDW and SHW (r = – 0.613), SHL and LAS (r = –0.641), SHW and APW (r = – 0.602). Similarly, A. fulica snails with four whorls recorded few strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlations between BDW and SHW (r = – 0.627), SHL and APL (r = – 0.639), SHW and APW (r = – 0.657) and only one strong, negative and significant (p<0.01) phenotypic correlation between SHL and LAS (r = – 0.605) for A. fulica snails with five whorls. Again, Am snails with four whorls had only one strong, negative and significant(p<0.01) phenotypic correlation between BDW and SHL (r = – 0.720). The only two low, positive and significant (p<0.05) phenotypic correlations recorded in this study were between APL and APW ((r = 0.544) and between SPL and DAL (r = 0.583) for A. marginata snails with four and five whorls respectively. Thus, the breed type and number of whorls on snail shells strongly influenced estimates of phenotypic traits and correlation coefficients of giant African land snails in Nigeria. Also, that estimates of correlation coefficients of mature giant African land snails with higher whorls were (4 and 5) are scarcely strong, positive and significant. The study revealed and confirmed that A. marginata snails are phenotypically and genotypically heavier, larger and wider than A. achatina and A. fulica snails with 4 and 5 whorls. These estimates are recommended as strong and efficient tools for selection and up grading or improvement of giant African land snails genetic traits in Nigeria.

Public health threats of heavy metals due to the consumption of Achachatina marginata (African Giant Land Snail) from a partially remediated site in Ikot Ada Udo, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria.

The risk of oral intake of metals from the ingestion of contaminated Achachatina marginata was carried-out. Snail samples (n=48) were hand-picked, preserved in ice, then analyzed for zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES, Yobin Yvon JY-24), then cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS, 4110ZL PerkinElmer). The mean levels of metals in snail from each sampling point were higher compared to the control site. SP 1 had the highest significant levels (p<0.05) of Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd, while SP 3 had the highest significant levels (p<0.05) of Cr compared to the control site. The mean heavy metals in the snail were 3.280±0.995mg/kg (Cd), 8.906±2.079mg/kg (Zn), 0.896±0.401mg/kg (Cr), 1.867±0.921mg/kg (Ni), 1.998±0.781mg/kg (Pb). The mean Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in A.marginata were above WHO acceptable limits for food. Heavy metals level in A.marginata had a decreasing trend of Zn>Cd>Pb>Ni>Cr. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Cd (5.61×10-3mg/kg/day) was higher than the reference oral dose (RfD) value of 0.001mg/kg/day. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Cd (5.61) and the hazard index (HI) of metals (6.80) were greater than 1. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of Ni (5.43×10-3) and Cd (2.13×10-3) from contaminated snails intake were higher than the safe range of 10-6 to 10-4. The THQ, EDI of Cd, HI of the metals, and the CR values of Ni and Cd in snails from the contaminated site reveals a potential future health challenge to consumers and a possibility of contracting cancer over a 70 year lifetime. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the site requires a thorough clean-up for the total restoration of the environment.