Seasonal variation in the nutritional value of albumen gland of giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata)

The albumen gland is a vital part of the reproductive system of giant African land snail (GALS) and it’s very rich in nutrients which makes it a food item for man and his livestock. Due to the various reproductive activities that takes place across the seasons of the year, its physiology can be influenced by environmental factors and seasonal variation, thus the aim of this study was to assess seasonal variation in the nutritional composition of albumen gland of giant African land snail Archachatina marginata snails in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria. A total of 240 snails were dissected and the albumen gland recovered were analysed for their proximate composition (moisture, dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, fibre and carbohydrate), minerals content (Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe), anti-nutrients (Saponin, tannin, flavonoid, alkaloid and oxalate) and vitamins (A, B12, C and K) composition. The minerals, vitamin A and secondary metabolites concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in dry season than in rainy season. Similarly, the ash, fat and crude protein were significantly (P<0.05) higher in dry season than in rainy season, while moisture content and carbohydrate showed no significant interaction with the changes in seasons. In conclusion, the nutritional composition of albumen gland was affected by change in seasons and the nutrients were significantly higher in dry season than in rainy season.