Biochemical Analysis of Solenostemon Monostachyus as a Potential Feed Resource for Archachatina Marginata Snail Production in Bayelsa State

The present study investigated the biochemical composition of Solenostemon monostachyus leaf to evaluate its potential as a supplementary feed resource for Archachatina archachatina snail production in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis revealed moisture (9.50%), crude protein (13.88%), crude fat (4.58%), crude fiber (4.33%), total ash (12.83%), and nitrogen-free extract (54.88%), indicating appreciable energy and protein contributions. Phytochemical analysis showed high levels of flavonoids (718.69 mg/100 g), phenols (576.98 mg/100 g), and tannins (332.48 mg/100 g), along with moderate concentrations of oxalate (63.58 mg/100 g), phytate (4.66 mg/100 g), trypsin inhibitor (320.04 mg/100 g), cyanide (1.88 mg/100 g), kaempferol (21.55 mg/100 g), and catechin (16.66 mg/100 g). Mineral analysis revealed calcium (16.83 mg/100 g), magnesium (32.09 mg/100 g), phosphorus (17.42 mg/100 g), potassium (10.57 mg/100 g), sodium (2.51 mg/100 g), and iron (6.88 mg/100 g), with trace amounts of zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. These results demonstrate that S. monostachyus leaf is rich in energy, moderate in protein, and contains essential minerals critical for shell formation, growth, and reproduction in snails. Although the presence of antinutritional factors could limit nutrient bioavailability, processing methods may mitigate these effects. Overall, S. monostachyus exhibits promising potential as a sustainable local feed resource for enhancing snail production in Bayelsa State.