Heliculture of garden snail (Helix aspersa) inhabiting Egypt using different food items

Helix aspersa is one of the dominant snail species grown in Egypt. total of 400 garden snails were used in this study, harvested from garden in new Cairo, Egypt. Collected samples were separated into 5 groups of 30 snails per treatment. The remaining groups were fed with different feeding diets as follows; carrot, flour mix (wheat flour 60%, corn flour 20%, CaCO3 20%), pumpkin and cucumber. Six snails were weighed every week throughout the experiment. After 6 weeks, 6 snails from each treatment were cleaned prior their preparation for analysis. Protein, ash, lipid, fiber, moisture, carbohydrates and amino acid composition were determined in all samples. The results showed that the groups of snails which fed on carrot, pumpkin showed significant increase in the total protein level. The ash contents in the groups of snails which fed on carrot, pumpkin or mix flour were increased when compared to the field snails. Total lipids in the group of snails that fed on pumpkin or mix flour significantly decreased when compared to the group of snails that fed on carrot or those collected from the field. Significant decrease in the total fibers were observed in the group of snails that fed on carrot, pumpkin or mix flour when compared to their level in the field snails. Total carbohydrates in the group of snails that fed on carrot, pumpkin or mix flour showed significant reduction after 5 weeks of feeding. Total amino acids showed their high values in groups that fed on carrot and pumpkin. It was calculated that carrot feeding improve the biochemical composition and provide rich nutritional values of investigated snail.