Tropicultura (Jan 1997)
Note préliminaire sur l'étude de la croissance et de la reproduction chez les escargots géants africains. (Archachatines et Achatines)
Abstract
Preliminary Note on a Study of the Growth and the Reproduction in the African Giant Snails Archachatina and Achatina. A study on the growth and reproduction in the African giant snail was conducted from July 91 to September 92 at the Institut National Zootechnique et Veterinaire, INZV, situated at Avetonou, Prefecture d'Agou, Togo. The parameters on growth and reproduction of snail breeding were determined and compared to existent parameters. The snails were breeded in cage under grilling out house. They were regularly weighed and controlled in growth and reproduction. The following results were respectively obtained for Archachatina and Achatina : average weight in g : 203-252 ; average length of shell in cm : 11.09-12.12 ; average diameter of shell in cm : 6.30-6.62. The progenies shell (small snail) measured at 4 months old during 3 months gave mean length and diameters of shell respectively in cm, 3.36-2.44 (Dec. 91), 3.68-2.15 (Jan. 92), 3.90-2.60 (Feb. 92). The mortality rate was respectively 5.36 %, 4 % and 10 % for Archachatina, Achatina and progenies (2 to 3 months old). The three classic phases of reproduction, mating, laying and hatching, were observed except for achatina where mating was not observed. The other parameters observed on reproduction of Archachatina and Achatina were the mating rate, the total number of eggs, the total weight of eggs, the average weight of one egg, the average number of eggs/snail laying, the incubation length, the hatching and the hatching rate.
