Dietary supplementation with giant African land snail Achatina fulica meat improving growth performance and feed efficiency in Asian Swamp Eel Monopterus albus aquaculture

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the effects of incorporating giant African land snail Achatina fulica meat into feed formulations on the growth performance, feed efficiency, biochemical composition, hematological indices, and economic efficiency of Asian Swamp Eels Monopterus albus. Methods Eels were reared in a controlled system and assigned to diets with 0 (control), 5, 10, or 15% inclusion of dried giant African land snail meat powder (DSMP) as partial replacement for fish meal. Growth parameters, feed utilization, muscle composition, hematological profiles, and economic returns were assessed over a 90-d feeding trial. Results Eels that were fed DSMP-supplemented diets exhibited significantly higher muscle protein content, with no significant differences in moisture, ash, lipid, or energy content across groups. Among DSMP-supplemented groups, the 10% DSMP diet significantly improved daily length gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio compared with both the 5% and 15% DSMP inclusion levels. Hematological analysis revealed elevated white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts in DSMP-fed eels, particularly at the 15% inclusion level, suggesting potential modulation of immune cell populations. Conclusions Incorporating giant African land snail meat at a 10% inclusion level in feed formulations as a partial replacement for fish meal enhances growth performance, health status, and profitability in Asian Swamp Eel aquaculture. This approach offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative protein source, reducing dependence on fish meal and contributing to the development of more resilient aquaculture systems.