COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF THREE EDIBLE SNAIL SPECIES USING INTENSIVE CAGE HOUSING SYSTEM IN CAMEROON

摘要

This study was undertaken to investigate the performance of three edible snail species (Archachatina marginata-giant land snail, Archachatina fulica - "long mop" and Archachatina archachatina - garden snail) using cages with conditions that mimicked their natural habitats. After 24 weeks of study, Archachatina fulica and Archachatina archachatina multiplied faster than Archachatina marginata-gan land snail. Although no significant differences were observed with respect to the live-weights of garden snail and fulica, average live weights were about six-fold higher for Archachatina marginata. Egg production was highest with (15-25 eggs/clutch at lay) for garden snail and least with the giant land snail (8-12 eggs/clutch at lay). Percentage hatchability of eggs was 100% for the giant land snail and slightly less for both the garden snail and fulica (92.86 %). The incubation period varied from 21 - 23 days for garden snail to 25 - 28 days for the giant land snail. The weight of hatchlings were highest (3.35 g) for giant land snail and (1.07 g) for the garden snail and fulica. These results show that snail rearing using cage housing system requires little labour and capital investments (US$ 50), to produce (US$ 500,350 and 250) for garden snail, giant land snail and fulica respectively on a year-round harvest.