Chemical composition of earthworm (Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus) silages
Ortega Cerrilla, M.E.; Reyes Ortigoza, A.L.; Mendoza Martínez, G.
Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutricion 46(4): 325-328
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0622 PMID: 9429616 Document Number: 456529
Earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Lubricus rubellus) were ensiled with ground sorghum and molasses in the following proportions: (1) 60% earthworms, 40% sorghum; (2) 60% earthworms, 40% sorghum, adjusting pH to 4.0 with HCl; (3) 60% earthworms, 20% sorghum, 20% molasses; and (4) 60% earthworms, 20% sorghum, 20% molasses, adjusting pH to 4.0 with HCl. These mixtures were allowed to ferment for 15 days at 18 degrees C. pH, proximate chemical analysis, digestible protein, true protein, ammonia-nitrogen, acetic, propionic and butyric acid, lactic acid and gross energy were analysed in the ensiled mixtures. Data were analysed by ANOVA and orthogonal contrasts. Ash content (P<0.0001) and nitrogen-free extract (P<0.02) were different between treatments with sorghum and with sorghum and molasses. Digestible protein was also different (P<0.01). pH values were lower (P<0.03) for treatment 2 (3.80) and 4 (3.76), where HCl was added than for 1 (4.06) and 3 (4.16). Ammonia-N values were very low for all treatments. Lactic:acetic acid ratio was large for all treatments (7.55, 14.83, 8.30, 7.63 for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). It is concluded that it is possible to preserve the earthworms E. fetida and L. rubellus by ensiling, adding a source of carbohydrates, such as sorghum or molasses. The addition of acids is not necessary for adequate fermentation.