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29 Oct 2010

Formulating fish feed using earthworms

as a protein source
comments: 3 views: 3532 label: Nutrition
Formulated feeds are complete feeds which supply all the nutrients necessary for optimal
growth and health of the fish in culture practices. In many areas of the world protein
sources are scarce and for formulating aquafeeds earthworms as a protein source might
provide an alternative to common used raw materials.
Good nutrition in an animal production system is
essential to economically produce a healthy, high
quality product. Nutrition is critical because it
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The development of species specific feed
formulations support the aquaculture industry as it
expands to satisfy increasing demands for
affordable, safe, and high quality fish and fish
products. The cost of fish feed is considered as the
highest share of total cost in any aquaculture
operation, therefore feed quality and feeding
Earthworms
strategies are of great importance in fish nutrition
sciences. The feed should supply all essential nutrients and energy in tune with the
animals needs for the maintenance of vital physiological functions such as growth,
reproduction and health. In aquaculture as in other animal production systems, a major
issue is that of ensuring fresh and environmentally hygienic products which are related to
nutrition.
Protein is usually the first nutrient considered, with the level of energy in the diet being
adjusted to provide the optimum ratio. The protein has to be balanced for essential amino
acids. It is the main constituent of the fish body. Animal sources are higher in protein than
plant sources. Hence earthworm species Eisenia foetida are used as a source of protein
to formulate the feed.

Formulation of fish feed

In an experiment fully grown earthworms of about 80 gm were collected, brought to the
laboratory, washed and cleaned using blotting paper. They were sacrificed by introducing
them to boiling water and squashed using mortar and pestle. Ingredients such as milk
powder (60 gm), corn flour (20 gm), and eggs (70 gm) were added and mixed well. Agar
powders (4 gm) were added as binding agent; turmeric, pepper and cumin powder (each
of 0.5gm) and garlic paste (1 gm) were added as antibiotics. Cod liver oil (3.5 ml) and
vitamin mixture of B and E (each of 1gm) were added. Ingredients in semisolid form were
kept under refrigeration for 12 hrs. Then they were squeezed over a polythene sheet and
dried at room temperature for 48 hrs. The dried nodules were crushed into small pellets.
Pellets were sun dried to avoid fungal infection, weighted, stored in the bottles and were
used as and when required.
Nutritional importance of ingredients used
Fish feed formulated from Eisenia foetida produced satisfactory growth. They are
excellent source for feed formulation of cultured fish species. The dry weight analysis of
Eisenia foetida shows 61% crude proteins, 9% fats, and 5% ashes
Milk powder was used for its nutritional properties as it contains all the 20 standard
amino acids. It is also rich in soluble vitamins and minerals. The average amount of major
nutrients in the unreconstitued milk is 36% proteins, 52% carbohydrates (particularly
lactose) and 1.3% calcium. It is fortified with vitamin A and D.
Egg albumin was taken as an ingredient during feed formulation. It contains 15%
protein dissolved in water. It is a rich source of about 40 different types of proteins like
ovalbumin - 64%, ovatranseferin -12%, ovomucoid 1.5% and globulin 8%
Corn flour is used as a filler, binder and thickener in feed. It is composed of 3 gms
proteins, 23 gms carbohydrates and 1gm fat. The total calories are 110 cal/gm. The major
ingredients are maize and starch
Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of cod fish (Gadus callarias). It has high levels of
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid chain of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid). It is a good source of fat soluble vitamins A and D. It has a fishy
taste. It contains small amount of fish protein which gives a fishy smell to it. Cod liver oil
along with vitamin E prevents the body from increasing oxidant stress. It reduces the
tendency of blood forming clot. It helps to reduce the generation of free radicals in the
body.
Vitamin B and E were used as vitamin mixture in equal proportions. Vitamin B complex
is composed of thiamine mononitrite, vitamin B2, B6, B12, nicotinamide, folic acid, biotin
and titanium dioxide which promotes activity of enzymes and plays an important role in
cell growth and metabolism. It is an essential nutrient for growth, development and bodily
functions. Vitamin E was used as a powerful antioxidant which protects the body against
free radicals, which are potentially damaging byproducts of energy metabolism.
Agar powder was used as a binding agent that binds loose mixture together and forms
a unique mass of the feed. It is a polymer made up of subunits of sugar galactose. Agar
powder acts as an emulsifying and suspending agent.
Turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) was selected as an ingredient in feed formulation
for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. It functions as an
antioxidant and protects the feed from sunlight. It aids warm, mild aroma and distinctive
yellow colour to the feed thus acting as feed attractants.
Modern sciences show that garlic (Allium sativum) has both the antioxidant and
antibacterial properties. Hence it was introduced as an ingredient in feed formulation.

Pepper powder (Pepper nigrum) has long been recognised as a stimulant for appetite.
Pepper has two main components: volatile oil and a pungent component commonly
known as pipperine. Black pepper contains 0.6 to 2.6% essential oils. Nutritionally pepper
contains vitamins A, B and C.
Cumin powder (Cuminum cyminum) helps in nutrient digestion and assimilation by
stimulating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes.

Photo

Scottish research

by label: Dr.M.P.Bhilave and S.B. Nadaf. Department of Zoology, Shivaji University,

Kolhapur, India 29 Oct 2010 last update:6 Aug 2012

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3 comments
olanrewaju taiwo

27 Sep 2011

please i want to ask for your opinion about how binders are used in formulating fish feed?

Dan

29 Sep 2011

I am just starting a small Talapia fish farm and working on putting together my own fish
food - built upon a base of 69% sun dried duckweed.
So far I've only used raw egg yokes as a binding agent with ok success... my dried pellets
float for about 10 minutes before they dissolve.
My Tilapia feed off of the floating pellets and continue to chase the small particles around
the tank as the pellets fall apart and sink.

olanrewaju taiwo
tnx, how was the egg yoke applied?

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