Earthworm meal in jundiá juveniles diets

Abstract

One of the greatest demands, concerning native fish nutrition, is the evaluation of alternative protein sources that can be used in diets. This study aimed at evaluating the growth rate and body composition of jundiá juveniles fed with different levels of earthworm meal. A total of 300 fish, with an average initial weight of 15.6 g ± 5.65 g, were distributed in 15 polypropylene tanks (250 L), for 30 days. A completely randomized design with five treatments (10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of earthworm meal inclusion and a control treatment) and three replications, totaling 20 fish per experimental unit, was used. The fish were fed twice a day, getting 5% of their body weight in feed day^-1. At the end of the experimental period, the final weight, total and standard length, specific growth rate, condition factor and relative weight gain were evaluated. The body composition was also analyzed, being determined the rates of moisture, ashes and body fat and protein, as well as blood glucose. The weight and total and standard length were not influenced by the addition of earthworm meal to the diet. The inclusion levels of earthworm meal affected the fish specific growth rate, relative weight gain and condition factor. The earthworm meal can be added up to 30%, in jundiá juveniles diets, without compromising fish growth.