Abstract:

Objective To Compare two kinds of artificial method of rearing snails and establish the best method in laboratory. Methods Snails were fed in two kinds of container, the mud bowl and enamel plate padded with straw paper, under the same temperature, humidity, and illumination conditions. The mortality of snails was observed. Results The cumulative mortality of snails fed in mud bowl and enamel plate padded with straw paper was 19.08% and 30.08%, respectively. The monthly average mortality was 9.75% and 14.28%, respectively. There was statistical differences between the two kinds of method (P<0.01). Conclusion Snails fed in mud bowl could improve survival rate, but this method need further improvement for its complicated operation and much labor when mass rearing.

Key words: Oncomelania hupensis, Artificial rearing, Observation