MINERAL COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN GIANT SNAIL (ACHACHATINA MAGINATA) FED WITH FRUIT AND COMPOUNDED DIET
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study, conducted at the Mini-livestock Section of the Federal College of Agriculture in Akure, Nigeria, evaluated the mineral composition and health benefits of African giant snails (Archachatina marginata) fed different diets: grower mash, layer mash, and fresh fruits. Twenty-four snails were divided into three groups, and their mineral content, including sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results indicated that snails fed grower mash had the highest levels of essential minerals, notably sodium (90.53 ± 2.30 mg/100g), calcium (328.55 ± 4.74 mg/100g), magnesium (88.87 ± 1.57 mg/100g), iron (8.07 ± 0.24 mg/100g), and zinc (5.30 ± 0.37 mg/100g). Snails fed fruits showed elevated potassium levels but lacked other vital minerals, while those on layer mash exhibited the lowest mineral concentrations. These findings underscore the importance of grower mash for optimal mineral content and growth, contributing to better nutritional value for human consumption. It is recommended that farmers prioritize grower mash in their feeding practices and include fruits for enhanced potassium intake to promote balanced growth and improve snail market value.
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