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Effect of different organic substrates on reproductive biology, growth and offtake of the African night crawler earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Kabi, Fred; Kayima, Denis; Kigozi, Abasi; Mpingirika, Eric Zadok; Kayiwa, Ronald and Okello, Dorothy (2018) Effect of different organic substrates on reproductive biology, growth and offtake of the African night crawler earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). In: Rahmann, Gerold; Olowe, Victor Idowu; Olabiyi, Timothy Ipoola; Azim, Khalid and Olugbenga, AdeOluwa (Eds.) Ecological and Organic Agriculture Strategies for Viable Continental and National Development in the Context of the African Union's Agenda 2063. Scientific Track Proceedings of the 4th African Organic Conference. November 5-8, 2018. Saly Portudal, Senegal, pp. 37-42.

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Summary

Rapid growth and high fecundity of E. eugeniae makes it a commercial vermicomposting agent. The worm is also a rich protein source (50-70%CP) in livestock diets. The major question, however, is how do we promote earthworm production as a strategy for ecological livestock intensification and integration with crops through earthworm domestication as a source of protein and vermicompost. Reproduction characteristics, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae were studied using four organic substrates including abattoir waste (AW), cattle manure (CM), soya bean crop residue (SBCR) and a mixture of cattle manure and soya bean crop residue (CM+SBCR) aged for 15 days. Irrespective of the substrate, length and biomass of earthworms increased at a decreasing rate between the 1st and 8th weeks. Clitellum appearance was initiated at 31.5±2.4, 32.8±3.2, 33.7±3.3 and 35.5±2.4 days for AW, CM, CM+SBCR and SBCR, respectively, while cocoon initiation was at 69.0±1.4 (AW), 54.9±2.3 (CM), 51.7±1.7 (CM+SBCR) and 60.0±2.4 (SBCR) days. Organic substrate used affected reproductive biology, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae. Higher survivability, total earthworm biomass accumulation and offtake when cultured on CM and a binary combination of CM + SBCR is an indication that a strategy for sustainable crops-livestock integration can be sparked off by earthworm domestication. Earthworm domestication can be promoted using CM or a combination of (CM+SBCR) as substrate.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Paper
Keywords:Clitellum, Cocoon initiation, Earthworm biomass, Hatchlings, Vermibeds, Vermicomposting
Subjects:"Organics" in general
Animal husbandry
Animal husbandry > Feeding and growth
Soil > Nutrient turnover
Environmental aspects > Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Farming Systems > Farm nutrient management
Research affiliation: International Conferences > 2018: 4th African Organic Conference
Uganda
ISBN:978-3-86576-190-3
Related Links:http://www.afronet.bio/
Deposited By: Kabi, Assoc. Pro Fred
ID Code:33629
Deposited On:26 Sep 2019 06:53
Last Modified:26 Sep 2019 06:53
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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