ISSN 2169-3048
International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology ISSN 2169-3048 Vol. 14 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluating the Cultural Preferences for Black Snail (Archachatina marginata) and White Snail (Achatina achatina): A Scientific Inquiry
*F. E. Uboh, P. E. Ebong and E. Mbi
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
Accepted 13 October, 2024
Abstract
There is a strong cultural discrimination in the consumption of white snail (Achatina achatina) against black snail (Archachatina marginata) in several tribes in Nigeria and other tropical regions in West African Countries.The proximate(crude fibre,ash,fat,protein and carbohydrates),minerals(calcium, potassium,magnesium,sodium,iron,zinc and phosphorus) and toxicants(hydrocyanic acid,phytate, total and soluble oxalate) compositions of A. achatina and A. marginata were analysed in this study to validate or reject the cultural discrimination in the consumption of these species of giant land snails. Results revealed no statistical significant differences (P 0.05) in the proximate, mineral and toxicant compositions of A. marginata compared to A. achatina.Results indicated that both species have relatively high contents of protein, carbohydrate, calcium, potassium magnesium and sodium; and relatively low crude fibre,ash,fat,iron,zinc,phosphorus,hydrocyanic acid,phytate,total and soluble oxalate concentrations.Considering the similar proximate, minerals and toxicants compositions of A. achatina and A. marginata,there is no scientific basis or justification for any cultural discrimination in the consumption of either of the species of snails.In particular,both species are recommended as a good and alternative source of protein for consumption.
Key word: Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata, proximate composition, minerals, toxicants.