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ABSTRACT
The interest in snail farming to help with food security has increased significantly in recent years, but this industry still confronts several difficulties, notably in achieving high-yield and quality production. This study investigates whether medicinal plants can improve reproduction and reduce mortality and bacterial sepsis in the snail Cryptomphalus aspersus (Müller, 1774) gathered in Morocco and fed on various diets. Over seven months, two stages were conducted: observing snail growth and characteristics, then tracking reproduction. Medicinal plants Rosmarinus officinalis L (Labiatae), Origanum compactum, and Thymus zygis subsp. gracilis (Boiss)R were employed. Results showed these plants significantly lowered death rates, improved reproduction parameters, and reduced bacteria in snail flesh, including the eradication of Escherichia coli and sulphate-reducing bacteria. This study underscores the potential of using medicinal plants as feed supplements, enhancing Cryptomphalus aspersus snail farming sustainability and quality.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Team of Microbiology and Health, Laboratory of Chemistry-Biology Applied to the Environment at Moulay Ismail University for their valuable collaboration.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Availability of data and materials
All data and materials used in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
All animal experiments were carried out in accordance with applicable international, national, and institutional standards and guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals.