Effects of commercial feed, mulberry leaves, and mixed feed on growth in apple snails (Pomacea sp.)

Abstract

This study determined the effects of different feeds on the growth performances of apple snails by using three treatments (commercial feed: CF, mulberry leaves: ML, and mixed feed: MF (commercial feed mixed with mulberry leaves). Apple snails at the age of four-five weeks were an average weight of 0.09 g/snail. These were reared in the CS which managed water circulation twice a day (one-hour morning-evening) and fed feed once an evening-day for 6 weeks. The results showed that the average weight of apple snails (Pomacea sp.) in a closed system (CS) were significantly differed (P<0.05). The highest average weight was found in the MF with 4.3+0.4 g/snail. The CF and ML groups were displayed as 2.5+0.2, and 1.8+0.1 g/snail, respectively. The average length (mm/snail) of the MF group was significantly differed (P<0.05) in the ML and CF groups. These were 23.38±1.13, 24.07±1.14, and 28.12±1.59 of average length (mm/snail) in the ML, the CF, and the MF groups, respectively. The survival rate of apple snails in the CF (91.6±5.0%), ML (99.4±0.7%), and MF (94.5±6.1%) groups was significantly differed (P<0.05) among the ML and the CF groups. The lower FCR was found at 1.16 in the CF group which significantly differed when compared to the ML (1.34) and the MF (1.34) groups. Nutrient contents (protein, fat, fiber, ash, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), calcium, and phosphorus content) were significant differences (P<0.05). The highest protein content and lowest fat content of dried weight found in the ML group were 54.3±0.06% and 3.45±0.18 % respectively. These findings indicated that the easy way to culture apple snails using the commercial feed, and the alternative way to rear apple snails could be used appreciative feeds.