Eze, J. N. and Ahmed, M. A

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This study assessed the reproductive performance of breeders snails fed with soya bean meal (SBM) at varying

inclusion levels of 23%, 25% and 27%. Thirty six (36) breeder snails were used and randomly divided into the three

treatments groups of twelve (12) snails each. Each treatment was replicated three times with four snails in each

replicate. The snails were eight (8) months old and they were reared for 10 weeks. The growth variables examined

were growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and the reproductive characteristics. The data

collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Significant

differences among means were separated using Duncan Multiple Ranged Test at 5% level of probability. Findings

revealed that snails fed 27% of SBM supported higher final body weight of 110.75± 0.65 and body weight gain of

11.82± 0.66. Snails fed 23% SBM had lower Total feed Intake (488.87 ± 7.26) and highest feed conversion ratio

(57.04± 3.45). The results on Initial shell circumference, shell circumference gain, Initial shell Length, Final shell

Length and Shell Length gain were not significantly different. The results also revealed a significant difference in

Number of eggs laid (23.67 ± 1.44), Percentage fertility (85.53 ± 1.83), Percentage Hatchability (91.02 ± 0.39) and

the lowest Percentage embryo mortality of 8.98 ± 0.27.

Corresponding Author: joantreasure45@gmail.com

Key words: Reproductive performance, Breeder snail, Soya bean meal..