MIXTURES OF LEAVES OF NEEM, BITTER MORINGA, AS GROWTH PROMOTER IN SNAIL PRODUCTION: EFFECT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFITS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a mixture of Neem (Azadirachta indicå), Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), and Moringa (Mbringa o/eifera) leaves (NBM) as a natural growth promoter in snail (Achachatinurn spp) production, with particular focus on growth performance and cost benefits. Four dietary treatments were formulated: 0% (NBMI), 1% (NBM2), 2% (NBM3), and 3% (NBM4) inclusion levels Of the leaf mixture- Snails were fed the experimental diets over a specified period, and data were collected on body weight gain, shell length, shell circumference, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and economic returns- Results showed that inclusion of the leaf mixture significantly improved (p < 0.05) final body weight, shell length, and shell circumference compared to the control. The best performance was recorded in snails fed 2% and 3% inclusion diets (NBM3 and NBM4). Feed intake was not adversely affected, but FCR improved at higher inclusion levels, indicating enhanced feed efficiency. Cost— benefit analysis revealed that cost per kilogram Of weight gain decreased as the level of NBM inclusion increased, with the 2% and 3% diets yielding the most profitable returns. The findings demonstrate that Neem, Bitter leaf, and Moringa leaf mixture is an effective natural growth promoter that enhances growth performance and reduces production costs in snail farming. Adoption of this feed additive can therefore serve as a sustainable and affordable alternative to synthetic growth promoters, while contributing to increased profitability in snail production. Keywords: Neem, Bitter leaf, Moringa, Snail production, Growth promoter, Cost benefits.