Abstract:
African catfish is widely distributed throughout Africa and is one of the continent's most important
aquaculture species. It is known for its adaptability and resilience to adverse environmental
conditions. However, a sustainable source of feed is one of the bottlenecks in expanding its farming.
This study was aimed to evaluate earthworm (Eisienia fetida) culture with local available biowastes
and its impact as alternative protein source on catfish Juvenile. Various local available biowastes
(T1: fruit leftover, T2: biowaste mix, T3: vegetable leftover and T4: cow dung) were tested as they
were Suitable substrate for vermiculture. For each treatment, 50 cocoons from on-site earthworm
production were inoculated to determine hatching perormance. Subsequently, equal earthworm
juveniles harvested from each biowaste were fed with the corresponding biowaste to determine
growth performance and feed utilization parameters, and both testes were examined for 42 days
each. The suitable substrate was further utilized for mass production of worm to utilize as feed for
fish. Catfish juveniles were obtained from Boye River and acclimatized for 14 days during which
they fed on basal diet. A total of 64 juveniles with uniform average size was randomly distributed in
each diet treatment (D100:100%, D60:60%, D30:30% and D0:0% earthworm inclusion). Growth
performance and feed utilization parameters of fish were collected every fortnight for 60 days.
Earthworm meal and catfish juvenile’s carcass were analyzed for their proximate composition .The
vermiculture tests revealed that, There was statistically significant differences (p<.05) in number
of hatchlings in T4 than all the other treatments and T2 had the highest biomass obtained, growth
rate ,crude protein and lower feed conversion ratio. Average weight gain, feed conversion ratio,
specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio among all diets were shows statistically significant
differences (p<.05). Crude protein level obtained from D30 was highest among diets. In general, T4
and T2 induced better hatching performance and growth performance parameters of E.fetida
respectively and the inclusion of 30% earthworm meal was best supported juvenile catfish rearing.
