Abstract

PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF SNAIL SLIME (ACHATINA MARGINATA)

Danladi J. G.* and Ohaeri O. C.

ABSTRACT

The slime of Achatina marginata snail was evaluated for its proximate and mineral compositions using standard methods. The result obtained from the analysis revealed that proximate composition of the slime (%) was moisture 95.2+ 0.09 %, ash 1.02+ 0.01%, crude fat 0.09 + 0.01%, crude protein 2.54+ 0.02% and carbohydrate 1.15 + 0.05%. The results of the mineral analysis of the slime reveals that it has high content of Ca (7.37+ 0.01 mg/100g) followed by phosphorus (5.25+ 0.01 mg/100g) and then potassium (3.43 + 0.01 mg/100g). The value of magnesium (2.72 + 0.01 mg/100g) was moderately present in the slime while sodium (0.02+ 0.0), iron (0.25 + 0.02) and zinc (0.51+ 0.01) were present at low amounts. The results indicate that A. marginata slime has nutritional benefits. Therefore, its consumption in food and cosmetic industry should be encouraged.

Keywords: Proximate, mineral, Slime, protein, carbohydrate.