This proximate study was carried out to determine the nutrient content of six commercially important molluscs. The selected molluscan species were Pila globosa, Bellamya bengalensis , Melania tuberculata, Lamellidens marginalis, Anisus convexiusculus and Helix sp . These species were assessed for their proximate and mineral compositions designed to establish their nutritive values on the wet weight basis. The analysis of muscles revealed that the composition of crude protein varied from 8.272%±0.05% in Pila globosa to 12.927%±0.57% in Anisus convexiusculus , moisture content varied from 74.6%±0.04% in Melania tuberculata to 85.9%±0.68% in Lamellidens marginalis and in case of ash content it varied from 1.036%±0.02% in Pila globosa to 4.607%±0.01% in Anisus convexiusculus . Carbohydrate content varied from 2.902±0.03% in Pila globosa and 7.566%±0.37% in Melania tuberculata. The fat and crude fiber content was marginally small in all of the species. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and potassium in the flesh and shells of the molluscs were determined. It becomes pretty clear that molluscs are excellent sources of some required trace and minor elements needed for the proper growth and development of human being and can also be used as high-nutrient supplementary feed for domestic animals, birds and even for fish culture.

Keywords : Freshwater; Snails; Proximate analysis; Nutrition; Minerals.

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DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v2i2.3362 J. Sci. Res. 2 (2), 390-396 (2010)