Haemolymph biochemical and mineral properties with morphometric parameters of reproductive organs of Archachatina marginata as affected by humid agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the effect of humid agro-ecological zones on the haemolymph mineral and chemical composition and morphometric parameters of snail (Archachatina marginata) obtained from two humid agro-ecological zones of Nigeria comprising South-South (Rivers and Delta States) and South-West (Osun and Lagos States). The results showed that haemolymph of snails from Rivers State had higher (p<0.05) pH (7.40 ± 0.04) and urea (1.88 ±0.06mmol/L) values than those from other locations. Similarly, haemolymph of snails from Osun State had higher (p<0.05) concentrations of total protein and bicarbonates (52.03 ± 2.92 g/L and 19.59 ± 0.16 mmol/L, respectively) than others. The highest concentration of glucose (21.27 ± 0.71mg/dl) and potassium (7.62 ± 0.13mmol/L) was recorded for haemolymph of snails obtained from Lagos State. No differences (P<0.05) were observed in the sodium, calcium and chlorine values across the four states. In addition, adult stage (>200g) snails from Lagos and Osun States had the highest (P<0.05) shell length compared to those from Rivers and Delta States. However, shell circumference was greater (p<0.05) for snails from Rivers and Delta. It is concluded that the ecological niche can have significant effects on growth pattern and some mineral and biochemical characteristics of snails, implying that ecological changes would likely effect physiological changes in the snails from the different ecological zones differently.