Rendimento de carne do caramujo aquático Pomacea papyracea (Spix, 1827): subsídios para o potencial alimentício na Amazônia, Brasil

Abstract

Meat yield is important for understanding food potential, as it can be an alternative food source of protein and minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the meat yield of P. papyracea captured in Maués, Amazonas, verifying variations in yield during maturation (adults and juveniles) and by sex. Egg masses were collected from February to March 2024 in Maués, and juveniles were cultivated for 122 days, with temperature monitoring and a diet based on commercial fish feed and lettuce. The average total weight of adult females was 9.30±4.46 g, higher than that of adult males (7.46±3.90) g, while for juvenile individuals it was similar (0.79±0.42) g for females and (0.67±0.39) g for males. ANOVA indicated a significant difference in yield (19.28% in males and 18.93% in females) as a function of sex and the interaction between sex and size, but isolated maturation did not show a difference. The relationship between shell length and meat yield was significant only in adult females and juvenile males. In adult females, a negative relationship was observed (larger shells associated with lower meat yield), while in juvenile males the relationship was positive (increased shell size is associated with higher yield). The use of this gastropod's meat can be an alternative source of protein, which can be used to supplement the diet of animals and riverside communities in the Amazon, especially those residing near blackwater lakes and rivers in the region.