Effect of Shell Injury on Haemocyte Concentration and Shell Regrowth in Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata)

John Adesanya Abiona

Fatimah Adetoun Durosinmi

Monsuru Oladimeji Abioja

Olapeju Yemisi Ayo-Ajasa

Okanlawon Muhammed Onagbesan

Abstract

The effect of shell injury on growth and haemocyte concentration in Archachatina marginata was evaluated in this study. Thirty two snails between 130–180 g were randomly divided into four treatments with eight replicate each. The four treatments included: T1 (control), T2 (1 cm shell damage), T3 (2 cm shell damage) and T4 (3 cm shell damage). Haemolymph was collected
on weekly basis for four weeks. Parameters monitored were total haemocyte count and shell growth. Results showed that shell injury had significant effects (P < 0.001) on total haemocyte count and shell growth. It can be concluded from this study that shell injury has an influence on the immune response of the animal and that is irrespective of the level of shell damage used in this
study. This humoral response is put in place to defend the animal body against any opportunistic infection that may gain entrance into the system of this animal.