Effect of Pawpaw (Carica Papaya) and Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Leaves on Growth Performance of

Abstract: The study was carried out to evaluate the growth response of Archachatina marginata subjected to three diets; Carica papaya (pawpaw), Musa paradisiaca (plantain) leaves and combination of both Carica papaya (pawpaw) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain) leaves. One hundred and thirty five adult Archachatina marginata snails were used in this experiment and they were randomly selected into nine cages of fifteen snails each. Each treatment was replicated three times. Data were collected on the growth parameters (weight, length and circumference). The result showed an increase in the growth parameters measured. The mean weight gain rates were 0.9g, 0.5g and 1.2g; shell length increase rates were 0.84cm, 0.62cm and 1.18cm; shell circumference increase rates were 1.41cm, 1.29cm and 2.0cm for pawpaw, plantain and combination of both treatments respectively. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the rate of weight gain. The mean weight gain in higher in Pawpaw than in plantain and highest in the combination of the two leaves (treatment 3). There was no significant difference (P> 0.05) in the rate of shell circumference increase for both pawpaw and plantain treatments, but was significant difference (P < 0.05) in treatment 3 which is combination of both leaves. The rate of shell length increase was significantly higher in pawpaw treatment (P < 0.05) than in plantain treatment. And it was highest (P < 0.05) in the combination of both leaves, that is, treatment 3. In the three treatments pawpaw leaves enhanced growth performance than plantain leaves but the combination was the best