Comparative analysis of growth performance and body measurements of Achatina achatina crosses

Abstract

The hatchling snails of Achatina achatina were obtained from three (3) crosses groups (black-skinned × black-skinned [BS × BS], white-skinned × white-skinned [WS × WS], and black-skinned × white-skinned [BS × WS]). A total of seventy-two (72) hatchlings of A. achatina snails, with twenty-four (24) hatchlings for each mating group were used in this research to measure body trait and growth performances of hatchling snails. The snails were grouped into three (3) treatments on the basis of their crosses and monitored for six (6) weeks in a compartmented cage. The results obtained from this study showed a high significant difference (p<0.01) between the hatchlings of the three (3) treatments and within the age groups for both growth and body trait measured. Notwithstanding, all the hatchling snails performed well in terms of body traits measured, while only white-skinned hatchlings performed best for the growth traits. The results obtained in this study will be of importance to farmers, researchers and snail breeders in the development of breeding stocks and domestication, there enhancing better management and greater production of snail and food security globally.