EFFECT OF DIFFERENT HOUSING UNITS ON EGG LAYING CAPACITY OF SNAILS IN CAGE: BASKET AND TYRES (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
A lot of Nigerians are as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country suffering from various forms of malnutrition and stress, which consequently pre-dispose them to various infectious diseases. The demand for animal protein has become very acute; this high demand has forced the price of animal protein up because of the supply.
Ikpi et al (2008) observed that out of average 58.8g of total protein reported to be available to an average person in Nigeria only 8.4g comes from animal sources where as food and Agriculutral organization. F.A.O (2006) recommended 70g of protein per adult per day of which 35g should come from animal protein. The high cost of conventional animal protein source such as beef; chicken and fish coupled with the fall in purchasing power of consumers.
The low consumption of animal products has led in most cases to the development of animal protein deficiency related problems such as kwashiorkor and marasmus among the vulnerable.
The iron deficiency anaemia which is common in tropical countries could be treated by consuming snails because it contains 45-50% iron; they have a crude protein of about 65% which is higher than most meat product except fish protein; 30% mineral; low in fat, 0.05-0.8% sodium and cholesterol (Wosu 2003).
The need to enhance the mass production of snails cannot be over estimate because snails can be reared both on small scale and large scale production system (Elinsile 2002). Snail rearing can be seen as a veritable means of generating income and to achieve self sufficiency in hard times as presently experienced in Nigeria today.
There is now a renewed interest in snail forming because of its inherent importance to food security and sustainable livelihood in rural and urban resident.
This lead us to the study of effect of different housing units on egg laying capacity of snails.
