Impact of Ag Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Multimicrobial Preparation (EM) on the Carcass, Mineral, and Fatty Acid Composition of Cornu aspersum aspersum Snails

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Microbial control agents kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes, but they should also be safe to use for farmed animals. The techniques for safely eliminating microorganisms also apply to the quality of the animal product. The study analysed the effects on basic chemical composition, mineral content, and fatty acid profiles in the bodies of Cornu aspersum aspersum snails, of the application of paint containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and/or a microbiological preparation (EM) on feed tables. The use of nano-Ag paint increased Ag, Zn, Fe, and Ca retention, and remodelled the fatty acid profile. EM did not affect the fatty acid profile but increased the retention of Fe, Cu, P, Mg, and Zn in the carcasses. It was concluded that EM is a safer and more beneficial agent for controlling microorganisms. The obtained results indicated the toxicity of nano-Ag paint. ABSTRACT: The hygienic practices on farms should reduce pathogenic microorganisms while simultaneously not harming the animals themselves; they must also not degrade the products’ quality. We assessed the effect of covering feed tables with paint containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the periodic spraying of effective microorganisms (EM) on production indicators and basic chemical composition, mineral content and fatty acid profiles in the bodies of Cornu aspersum aspersum snails. The animals were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) with feed tables covered with AgNPs paint, (3) with EM spray applied and (4) with both factors—AgNP paint and EM spray. The highest increase in Ag, Zn, Fe and Ca retention, and the remodelling of the fatty acid profile in the carcasses of snails was found to be in the group of animals in contact with the feed tables covered with AgNP paint. In the group of animals exposed to the action of EM, an increased retention of Fe, Cu, P, Mg and Zn was found.