Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org

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Growth and phenotypic traits of juvenile Achatina fulica snails in Mkpatak, Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2024.448   |   Article Number: A66EA8AA3   |   Vol.9 (4) - August 2024

Received Date: 18 June 2024   |   Accepted Date: 25 July 2024  |   Published Date: 30 August 2024

Authors:  Etukudo, O. M.* , Umoyen, A. J. , Ekerette, E. E. , Adam, A. J. , Bassey, N. S. , Robinson, U. F. and Raymond, N. U.

Keywords: snail, traits., morphometric, Increment, juvenile, young.

ABSTRACT

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Juveniles of Achatina fulica snails were selected from a population produced by three (3) mating groups (Black-Skinned X Black-Skinned [BS X BS], White-Skinned X White-Skinned [WS X WS], and Black-Skinned X White-Skinned [BS X WS]). One hundred and fifty (150) snails, with each mating group consisting of fifty (50) juvenile snails were used in this study to evaluate growth progress and phenotypic traits of juvenile Achatina fulica snails. The snails were grouped into three (3) treatments based on the mating groups and monitored for six (6) weeks using growth and phenotypic traits. Results obtained from this study indicated that there were highly significant differences (p<0.01) between the juveniles of the three (3) treatments and within the age groups for both growth and phenotypic traits. The results also showed that White-Skinned juveniles performed best for the growth traits, whereas all the snail groups performed well in terms of phenotypic traits. The results obtained in this study will be used as baseline information for farmers, researchers and snail breeders in the management and development of breeding stocks, thus leading to greater management and productivity for effective snail meat and protein availability in Nigeria.

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