EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIORAL PATTERN OF ACHATINA ACHATINA SNAIL

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of photoperiod on the growth performance and behavioral pattern of Achatina achatina. Ninety snails of uniform weights were used for the study which lasted for 56 days. The snails were randomly assigned to three treatments and each treatment was replicated three times with 10 snails per replicate. The snails were exposed to different light duration. Treatment 1 had 12 hours light and 12 hours darkness, Treatment 2 was subjected to 18 hours light and 6 hours darkness, Treatment 3 was subjected to 24 hours light. The data collected was analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan multiple range test for significant mean separation. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, time of feeding and reproductive behaviors. The results of the experiment showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in final weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, duration of courtship, duration of feeding and cost of feed per kg weight gain between treatments. The results also showed that there were significant differences in number of eggs laid and mating duration between treatments. From the result, it was concluded that the best photoperiod for Achatina achatina is 24 hours light as it produced the lowest feed conversion ratio and cost of feed per kg weight gain and that was recommended for effective growth of Achatina achatina.