Abstract

Abstract

Aestivation is a process of metabolic inactivity under which energy reserve is manipulated for survival, hence, reproduction and other physiological activities of ''Archachatina marginata'' can be affected during this period. Little is known about the impact of aestivation on the metabolites and hormones of ovotestis of ''A. marginata''. Thirty ''A. marginata'' snails were used for this study. The snails were divided in two: the active snail (control) and the aestivated snails. Samples were collected from the aestivated snails on day 10, 20, 30 and 40 of aestivation. Analysis were carried out on these snails to determine the level of metabolites (Protein, Glucose and Lipid) and hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to ascertain the effect of aestivation on the metabolites and hormones of ''A.marginata. ''Results showed that the metabolites concentrations were significantly ((p<0.05) lower in snails that were aestivating than the snails in control as compared to days 10, 20, 30 and 40. The hormones recorded significantly ((p<0.05) higher concentrations in aestivating snails than snails used for control. In conclusion, this study revealed that aestivation has significant effect on the metabolites concentrations and hormones titers of ovotestis of ''A. marginata''.