Egg- and seashell waste as calcium source in juvenile land snail feed (Cornu aspersum Müller, 1774). 2. Proximate fatty acid and amino acid compositions and nutritional quality indices

The effects of feeding diets containing three different calcium sources limestone (LM), eggshell (EG) and seashell ((i.e., shells of marine molluscs; SS) on proximate, fatty acid and amino acid composition and nutritional quality indices of edible land snails (Cornu aspersum M & uuml;ller, 1774) are evaluated. Higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a higher DHA/EPA ratio were found in the snail meat of the SS group. Snail meat in the LM and EG groups contained higher levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and n-3 fatty acids. Although the fatty acid distribution was more balanced in the EG group, it had a lower n-3 PUFA ratio than the other groups. However, the higher h/H ratio and lower PI value in the SS group indicates that this diet may have a negative effect on meat lipid quality. The EG diet has a high EAA content and a balanced EAA/NEAA ratio, the LM group provided a more balanced amino acid profile and the highest EAA/NEAA ratio was found in snails. Our study shows that choice of calcium source may influence the nutritional properties of Cornu aspersum, with eggshells being a sustainable and effective bio-calcium source for food production.