Evaluating the growth performance of African giant land snails (Archachatina spp.) fed formulated and natural feeds

Abstract

This research examined the growth performance of African giant land snails fed formulated and natural feeds. A total of forty (40) juvenile Achatina spp. of varying sizes and weights were used in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to minimize experimental error and ensure statistically valid treatment effects. Diet 1 (formulated feed) consistently produced the highest weight gains, demonstrating robust and predictable growth. Snails on this diet recorded daily weight increments of 0.9–1.3 g and a total gain of 25.7 g over the study period. Diet 2 (Moringa leaves) showed moderate, mixed performance, with some snails recording positive gains and others minor losses, suggesting that although Moringa is nutritionally supportive, it may not consistently meet all growth requirements as a sole feed. Diet 3 (pawpaw leaves) proved inadequate, consistently causing weight loss and confirming its insufficiency as a standalone diet. Diet 4, combining formulated feed, Moringa, and pawpaw, produced moderate but more stable growth, indicating that blended feeds may provide balanced nutrition, prevent extreme losses, and support steady development. Feeding response data showed patterns in feed acceptance and utilization. Diet 1 elicited uniformly strong feeding responses, confirming high palatability and efficient feed utilization, while Diets 2 and 3 showed generally acceptable responses with occasional low values, reflecting variability in snail preference or adaptability to leaf-based diets. Although the combination of formulated feed, Moringa, and pawpaw leaves can provide moderate and steady growth, farmers should carefully balance their proportions to reduce variability in individual snail performance. Since pawpaw leaves alone were nutritionally inadequate, they should not be used as the sole feed for African giant land snails but should be combined with other nutrient-rich feeds.