scholarly journals Influence of two management systems on the growth performance of adult African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata)

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 424-428
Author(s):  
Z. Dododawa ◽  
B. N. Ejidike

African gaint land snails are important as means of alleviating acute protein shortage in Nigeria livestock Industries. The present study aimed to study the influence of intensive and extensive management systems on the growth Performance of adult African Giant Land Snails (Archachatina marginata) was carried out in the wildlife domestication unit of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Ninety  African giant land snails (A. marginata) of average body weight 160.31g ± 0.38g were used for the study. The snails were grouped into two- Group A and Group B. 45 snails in group A were raised in an intensive system of management while 45 snails in group B were raised in an extensive system of management. The data collected on weight gain, shell length increment and shell width increment during the experiment were subjected to student t-Test at 5% significant level. Results showed that there was a significant difference at (p<0.05) in the weight gain. The intensive management system had a higher weight gain of 128.96g with mean value of 4.96 while the extensive management system had a weight gain of 88.37g with mean value of 3.40. There was no significant difference at (p>0.05) in the shell length increment. The snails in the extensive management system had the higher shell length increment of 5.32cm with mean value of 0.20 while the snails in the intensive management system had a shell length increment of 2.43cm with mean value of 0.09. There was a significant difference at (p<0.05) in the shell width increment. The snails in the extensive management system had the higher shell width increment of 9.31cm with mean value of 0.36 while the snails in the intensive management system had a shell width increment of 4.30cm with mean value of 0.17. The snails in the intensive system had a Feed Conversion Ratio of 5.03. For better growth performance of A. marginata in terms of weight gain, snail farmers should raise their snails in an intensive system of management and formulated diet should be used in feeding the snails along side with natural feed such as leaves and fruits.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 278
Author(s):  
Tchowan Guy Merlin ◽  
Ngoula Ferdinand ◽  
Kenfack Augustave ◽  
Tchoumboue Joseph

In order to preserve and conserve the Giant African Land Snails, a study was carried out between September 2015 and January 2017 at the University of Buea (South-West Region, Cameroon), to assess the effect of protein level on the characteristics of growth of Achatina achatina in captivity. 90 young snails of one month old, weighing between 1 and 1.5 g, of shell length between 15.5-23.85 mm and shell diameter between 12.60-16.85 mm and free from wounds or shell defects were divided into 3 groups of 5 snails each and 6 replicates in cages equipped with feeders and drinking troughs. Each treatment was randomly assigned to one of the experimental feed with variable protein levels (20, 22 and 24%) in addition to pawpaw leaves as a staple feed. These were previously weighed as well as the remnants using a 0.5g precision balance. The cultured substrates were watered daily (0.50 liter/substrate). At the beginning of the test, and then every week, the snails were weighed, and shell measurements done using a digital caliper of 0.05 mm accuracy. The animals were monitored for fourteen months. The results show that feed intake (3.01±1.57), weight gain (24.50±5.72), daily weight gain (0.058±0.016), gain of shell length (30.26±4.19) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in snails receiving 24% protein in the diet compared to snails from the other treatments. The highest consumption index was recorded in snails receiving 20% protein in the diet but the statistical analyses did not find any significant difference. In conclusion, the protein level of 24% can be retained in the diet of growing snails.


2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 001-006
Author(s):  
Yeigba, B Japhet ◽  
Kpun, IP ◽  
Birigeni, D Charity

The study was carried out at the Niger Delta University, Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, Bayelsa State. A total of Ninety six (96) growing snails (Archachatina marginata). Using Plantain peel as an additive, four diets were formulated at the levels of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% to form the treatment diets. The experiment lasted for eight (8) weeks during which the weight gain, feed intake, shell width, shell length, shell thickness and hematological parameters were obtained. The weight gain, shell width, shell length and shell thickness are not significantly different (p<0.05) whereas, the feed intake differed significantly (p<0.05) for all the treatment diets in the experiment. From the results, it was concluded that concentrate with 0% inclusion of Plantain peel meal was suitable for snail diets as it gave the best performance. The hematological parameters measured in the African giant land snails are White blood cell, Neutrophile and Lymphocyte differed significantly (p<0.05). Plantain peel can serve as source of potassium for other animals, as the highest percentage of potassium was found in the hemolymph of snails fed with 9% inclusion of plantain peel. It is recommended that; there should be no inclusion of plantain peels in the diet of the African giant land snails in order to achieve higher weight gain and feed intake.


2021 ◽  
Vol 748 (1) ◽  
pp. 012003
Author(s):  
N.G.A Mulyantini S.S ◽  
Ulrikus R Lole

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the performance of four-breed combination under semiintensive management system. The experiment used 160 females and 40 males chickens as parents. Artificial insemination was performed to produce the experimental chicken of the four breed combinations (1. Sabu x Sabu, 2. Sabu x Semau, 3. Sabu x KUB, 4. Semau x KUB). The chickens were fed with chick starter crumb sad libitum from day old to 4 weeks of age. From 4-8 weeks of age, chickens were allowed to scavenge during the day, and also given commercial grower pellets + rice bran + corn (5:4:1). Combination of Sabu x KUBfrom 4-8 weeks of age were significantly heavier (P < 0.05) than the other combination breeds. Feed intake in the Sabu x KUB group was the lowest, and their weight gain was the highest among the others group(P < 0.05). The combination Sabu x KUB also had the highest egg production, and hatchability. However, the percentage of abdominal fat of Sabu x KUB were higher than others groups. In conclusion, combination Sabu x KUB had the best growth performance and egg production performance, but not for the percentage of abdominal fat.


Author(s):  
Déborah Hoffmam Crause ◽  
Edney Leandro da Vitória ◽  
Carla Da Penha Simon ◽  
Élcio das Graça Lacerda ◽  
Tatiana Fiorotti Rodrigues ◽  
...  

Inadequate soil management is one of the primary causes of pasture degradation, aggravated by the replacement of natural forest environments with cultivated pastures. Thus, the objective of the present study was to quantify the flux of CO2 and organic carbon of the soil in grasslands undergoing intensive and extensive management, and in a native forest. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with three treatments: intensive management system (IMS), extensive management system (EMS), and native vegetation (NV). The collected soil variables consisted of CO2 flux, organic carbon, temperature, and humidity. The CO2 flux quantification was obtained using LI-COR 8100-A equipment, chamber model 103. Carbon determination was performed according to EMBRAPA methodology, and soil temperature and humidity were plotted using a model 5TM Decagon Devices® sensor. The respective mean CO2 flux values for the IMS, EMS, and NV were 2.18; 4.04, and 1.69 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1, and the values ​​found for organic carbon content were 32.9; 24.3, and 14.9 g kg-1, respectively. The intensive management system exhibited higher CO2 flux from the soil to the atmosphere, and the soil containing native vegetation displayed greater values of organic carbon content.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
S. I. Ahamba ◽  
C. U. Ekugba ◽  
O. E. Kadurumba ◽  
U. E. Ogundu

Prediction of body weight using morphometric indices in giant African land snail (Achatina marginata) was studied for the three (3) agro-ecological zones in Imo State (Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu zones). One hundred and sixty (160) snails in Imo State were surveyed in course of this study. Data were generated through measurement of body weight, shell length, shell width, shell thickness, mouth length, weight of shell, weight of visceral, length of foot and thickness of foot. Data collected were subjected to regression analysis using SPSS statistical package. Results showed generally highly significant value (P<0.01) R2 value and R-value across the zoness. Highly significant difference (P<0.01) was observed in Owerri zone for the weight of shell, and the shell length. In Okigwe zone, only the weight of visceral showed a significant effect (P<0.01), whereas, in Orlu zone also, the shell width, shell mouth length and foot thickness showed a significant effect (P<0.01). The study therefore recommends that the linear model used, fits the data. Hence a comprehensive selection program for improvement of A. marginata in Imo State could be planned using the regressions coefficients obtained from the study.   La prédiction du poids corporel à l'aide d'indices morphométriques chez l'escargot terrestre géant africain (Achatina marginata) a été étudiée pour les trois (3) zones agro-écologiques de l'État d'Imo (zones Owerri, Okigwe et Orlu). Cent soixante (160) escargots de l'État d'Imo ont été étudiés au cours de cette étude. Les données ont été générées en mesurant le poids corporel, la longueur de la coquille, la largeur de la coquille, l'épaisseur de la coquille, la longueur de la bouche, le poids de la coquille, le poids du viscéral, la longueur du pied et l'épaisseur du pied. Les données collectées ont été soumises à une analyse de régression à l'aide du progiciel statistique SPSS. Les résultats ont montré une valeur R2 et une valeur R généralement très significatives (P <0,01) dans les zones. Une différence très significative (P <0,01) a été observée dans la zone d'Owerri pour le poids de la coquille et la longueur de la coquille. Dans la zone Okigwe, seul le poids des viscéraux a montré un effet significatif (P<0,01), alors que, dans la zone Orlu, la largeur de la coque, la longueur de la bouche de la coque et l'épaisseur du pied ont également montré un effet significatif (P <0,01) que le modèle linéaire utilisé, ajuste les données. Par conséquent, un programme de sélection complet pour l'amélioration d'A. Marginata dans l'État de l'Imo pourrait être planifié en utilisant les coefficients de régression obtenus à partir de l'étude.


1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (05) ◽  
pp. 772-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybille Albrecht ◽  
Matthias Kotzsch ◽  
Gabriele Siegert ◽  
Thomas Luther ◽  
Heinz Großmann ◽  
...  

SummaryThe plasma tissue factor (TF) concentration was correlated to factor VII concentration (FVIIag) and factor VII activity (FVIIc) in 498 healthy volunteers ranging in age from 17 to 64 years. Immunoassays using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed for the determination of TF and FVIIag in plasma. The mAbs and the test systems were characterized. The mean value of the TF concentration was 172 ± 135 pg/ml. TF showed no age- and gender-related differences. For the total population, FVIIc, determined by a clotting test, was 110 ± 15% and the factor VIlag was 0.77 ± 0.19 μg/ml. FVII activity was significantly increased with age, whereas the concentration demonstrated no correlation to age in this population. FVII concentration is highly correlated with the activity as measured by clotting assay using rabbit thromboplastin. The ratio between FVIIc and FVIIag was not age-dependent, but demonstrated a significant difference between men and women. Between TF and FVII we could not detect a correlation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-38
Author(s):  
Abdulghani Mohamed Alsamarai ◽  
Shler Ali Khorshed

Background: Urinary tract infection is common with health impact in women and characterised by failure to treatment and recurrent episodes. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for the development of urinary tract infection in diabetic and pregnant women in comparison to student female. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted during the period from 1st of June 2015 to the end of January 2016. The population included in the study are 563 women, of them 425 were outpatients, and 138 were inpatients. Their age range between 18 and 80 years, with a mean age of 33.59±15.29 years. Urine samples collected and cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar by spread plate technique. Bacterial colonies with different morphology were selected, purified and identified according to their biochemical characteristics using conventional standard methods. Results: In diabetic women, there were no significant difference in mean age and BMI values between culture positive and culture negative groups. However, pus cell mean scale was significantly higher [P=0.000] in women with urinary tract infection [1.76±1.25] than in those with negative culture [0.69±1.00]. In pregnant women, BMI mean value was significantly [P=0.013] lower in pregnant women with UTI [26.14] as compared to those without infection [26.99]. Pus cell scale mean value was significantly [P=0.000] higher in pregnant women with UTI [1.55] than women with negative UTI [0.85]. While there was no significant difference in mean age between UTI positive and negative pregnant women. In female student, there was a significant difference between UTI infected and non-infected in mean age [P=0.041] and pus cell scale [P=0.000]. However, BMI was not significantly different between infected and non-infected female student. Other risk factors association are variables in the 3 groups when analysed using X2, while AUC and OR show different trends of association between risk factors and UTI. Conclusion: BMI, pus cell scale, child number, delivery method, operation history and hospital setting were significantly associated with culture positivity in the 3 studied groups as determined by AUC. While OR confirmed association with pus sale scale in the 3 groups.


2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenevaldo Barbosa da Silva ◽  
Gisele Maria Fagundes ◽  
João Paulo Guimarães Soares ◽  
Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca

Sustainable production is a principle in which we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations. Despite the successful development of pesticides against endo and ectoparasites found in domestic ruminants, these parasites are still the major problem of the herbivore production system. The purpose of this study was to know the population of gastrintestinal parasites and their influence on weight gain of calves kept in organic and conventional grazing. Thus, organic and conventional calves were randomly selected in 2008 and 2009. The fecal egg count (FEC) indentified the following genders of helminths: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Cooperia, Strongyloides, Trichuris and oocysts of Eimeria. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between FEC in organic and conventional animals. Calves younger than 6 months showed significant higher infection (p<0.05) than calves between 7 and 12 months of age. The weight gain observed during the study was of 327g/day and 280g/day for conventional and organic systems animals, respectively. Consequently, the combination of sustainable practices of grazing associated with the selective application of anthelmintics may be a feasible alternative for nematode control in a conventional system and in transition to an organic one.


Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Freret ◽  
B Grimard ◽  
A A Ponter ◽  
C Joly ◽  
C Ponsart ◽  
...  

The aim of our study was to test whether a reduction in dietary intake could improve in vitro embryo production in superovulated overfed dairy heifers. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of 16 Prim’ Holstein heifers (14 ± 1 months old) were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU), every 2 weeks following superovulation treatment with 250 μg FSH, before being matured and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium for 7 days. Heifers were fed with hay, soybean meal, barley, minerals and vitamins. From OPU 1 to 4 (period 1), all heifers received individually for 8 weeks a diet formulated for a 1000 g/day live-weight gain. From OPU 5 to 8 (period 2), the heifers were allocated to one of two diets (1000 or 600 g/day) for 8 weeks. Heifers’ growth rates were monitored and plasma concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured each week. Mean live-weight gain observed during period 1 was 950 ± 80 g/day (n = 16). In period 2 it was 730 ± 70 (n = 8) and 1300 ± 70 g/day (n = 8) for restricted and overfed groups respectively. When comparing period 1 and period 2 within groups, significant differences were found. In the restricted group, a higher blastocyst rate, greater proportions of grade 1–3 and grade 1 embryos, associated with higher estradiol at OPU and lower glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were observed in period 2 compared with period 1. Moreover, after 6 weeks of dietary restriction (OPU 7), numbers of day 7 total embryos, blastocysts and grade 1–3 embryos had significantly increased. On the contrary, in the overfed group, we observed more <8 mm follicles 2 days before superovulation treatment, higher insulin and IGF-I and lower nonesterified fatty acids in period 2 compared with period 1 (no significant difference between periods for embryo production). After 6 weeks of 1300 g/day live-weight gain (OPU 7), embryo production began to decrease. Whatever the group, oocyte collection did not differ between period 1 and 2. These data suggest that following a period of overfeeding, a short-term dietary intake restriction (6 weeks in our study) may improve blastocyst production and embryo quality when they are low. However, nutritional recommendations aiming to optimize both follicular growth and embryonic development may be different.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Sang V. Vu ◽  
Cedric Gondro ◽  
Ngoc T. H. Nguyen ◽  
Arthur R. Gilmour ◽  
Rick Tearle ◽  
...  

Genomic selection has been widely used in terrestrial animals but has had limited application in aquaculture due to relatively high genotyping costs. Genomic information has an important role in improving the prediction accuracy of breeding values, especially for traits that are difficult or expensive to measure. The purposes of this study were to (i) further evaluate the use of genomic information to improve prediction accuracies of breeding values from, (ii) compare different prediction methods (BayesA, BayesCπ and GBLUP) on prediction accuracies in our field data, and (iii) investigate the effects of different SNP marker densities on prediction accuracies of traits in the Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata). The traits studied are all of economic importance and included morphometric traits (shell length, shell width, shell depth, shell weight), edibility traits (tenderness, taste, moisture content), and disease traits (Polydora sp. and Marteilioides chungmuensis). A total of 18,849 single nucleotide polymorphisms were obtained from genotyping by sequencing and used to estimate genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) and the prediction accuracy of genomic selection for these traits. Multi-locus mixed model analysis indicated high estimates of heritability for edibility traits; 0.44 for moisture content, 0.59 for taste, and 0.72 for tenderness. The morphometric traits, shell length, shell width, shell depth and shell weight had estimated genomic heritabilities ranging from 0.28 to 0.55. The genomic heritabilities were relatively low for the disease related traits: Polydora sp. prevalence (0.11) and M. chungmuensis (0.10). Genomic correlations between whole weight and other morphometric traits were from moderate to high and positive (0.58–0.90). However, unfavourably positive genomic correlations were observed between whole weight and the disease traits (0.35–0.37). The genomic best linear unbiased prediction method (GBLUP) showed slightly higher accuracy for the traits studied (0.240–0.794) compared with both BayesA and BayesCπ methods but these differences were not significant. In addition, there is a large potential for using low-density SNP markers for genomic selection in this population at a number of 3000 SNPs. Therefore, there is the prospect to improve morphometric, edibility and disease related traits using genomic information in this species.


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