Evaluation of Earthworm Culture Using Locally Available Bio-wastes and its Impact as an Alternative Protein Source on the Growth Performance and Survival of Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at Jimma University, Southwestern Ethiopia

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.