Reproductive and Growth Traits of Parents and F1 Hatchlings of Achatina achatina (L) Snails under Mixed Feeding Regime with Graded Levels of Swamp Taro Cocoyam (Cyrtosperma chamissonis) and Paw paw leaves (Carica papaya)

摘要: Achatina achatina snails were raised on mixed feeding regime of forage and diets containing graded levels sun-dried swamp taro cocoyam ( Cytosperma chamissonis ) meal to assess the parent snails’ reproductive traits growth performance their juveniles. Ninety snails, forty-five (45) each black-skinned (BS) white-skinned (WS) ectotypes weighing 50.75 62.50 g 48.40 60.75 respectively constituted mating groups [black-skinned x (BS X BS), (WS WS) WS)] studied. Snails in group randomly allocated five different test ingredient. Results study showed that inclusion above 50% had negative effects. The results revealed control diet (without meal) consistently performed better than those higher mean clutch size value while 100% level ingredient recorded least across groups. incubation period eggs laid by was lower inclusion. Eggs hatchability hatchlings weights decreased with increasing there decreasing rate However, between 25% compared favourably terms weight gain, final body weight, feed intake, conversion ratio percent mortality Based this study, it is recommended can replace maize up A. without detrimental effects parents F 1 . We however suggest other methods processing be applied allow for levels.