ABSTRACT

Freshwater snails are eaten in many countries, in certain parts of the world and are produced commercially for food. The study determined the proximate and mineral composition of freshwater snail (Pila ampullaceal) obtainedfrom Siluko River, Edo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out from September to December 2021. Water snails (Pila ampullacea) from Siluko River were collected monthly with the assistance of artisanal fishermen at the landing site. Using standard procedures and methods the proximate and mineral composition of P. ampullaceal was determined. The proximate results showed that the moisture content of P. ampullacea was 77.48 %, lipid (0.88 %), ash (1.00 %), protein (7.80 %) and NFE (12.85 %). The highest value obtained from the proximate analysis was in moisture ranging from 77.73 – 77.22 %, followed by NFE (13.36 - 12.33%) while protein was 8.1 – 7.5%. The minerals results revealed that the iron content was 94.37 mg/Kg, zinc (32.45 mg/Kg), copper (17.61 mg/Kg), and manganese (8.15 mg/Kg); with iron (72.17mg/Kg) as the highest. These important minerals found in this study shows that snail is a good source of these minerals which are vital for healthy growth of the body, helping muscles, nerves and proper metabolism of body, therefore should be incorporated in the diets of man and its animals particularly the growing ones.