1444
Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Biochemical Parameters and Haemagglutination Potential of Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) Haemolymph
A study was conducted on the effect of vitamin C on biochemical parameters and haemagglutination potential of Giant African Land Snail‘s haemolymph (Archachatina marginata). Thirty two snails (32) with weight range of 100 − 180 g were used for this study. Eight snails (8) were subjected to each of the four treatments which included: concentrate only, concentrate + 50 mg Vitamin C, concentrate + 100 mg Vitamin C and concentrate + 150 mg Vitamin C. After nine weeks, haemolymph was collected from the mantle cavity from all the snails. Parameters monitored were: haemolymph total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, glucose and haemagglutination titre. The result showed that haemolymph Albumin, Total protein, Glucose, Cholesterol were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the treatment. However, the different levels of Vitamin C with concentrate had significant effect (P<0.05) on Globulin. Snails fed concentrate + 150 mg of Vitamin C had the highest least square mean (29.46±1.47). For the haemagglutination test, 100 mg and 150 mg of Vitamin C with concentrate for 120 min and 150 min had better haemagglutination titre (strength). It was however recommended that Inclusion of vitamin C in concentrate feed of snails should be encouraged with levels not less than 200 mg /kg of feed.
Keywords: Vitamin C, Biochemical parameters, Haemagglutination potential