Biochemical evaluation of meat and haemolymph of african land snail (Archachatinamarginata, Swainson)‎ in south-west Nigeria

Abstract EN

hemical contents.

Forty-five African land snails(Archachatinamarginata,Swainson) were randomly allotted to three treatments (Adults, growers and snailets) at 5 snails each of three replicates, to evaluate biochemical qualities of meat (proximate, mineral and cholesterol) and haemolymph (mineral and cholesterol).

The results obtained revealed highest (p<0.05) dry matter (79.25%), ether extract (1.46%), ash (1.34%) and Nitrogen Free Extract (59.28%) for adult snail meat and least values for snailets.

The same trend of variation was recorded for its mineral and cholesterol determinations.

The mineral profile of the haemolymphdid not vary with growing stage, however, all cholesterol quantity and quality estimates were highest (p<0.05) in adults and least in snailets (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and LDL-HDL differential).

Snail meat and haemolymph in the study area contained important nutrients for human nourishment and other consumptive purposes.