Abstract
The search for sources of animal feed has been well-regarded for farmers. In spite of this, the objective of this study was to show the thermal, physical and chemical properties of earthworms flour from Eisenia andrei for supplementary food for animals. The species was studied by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, combustion calorimetry, moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate and fibre analysis. The samples were dried, ground, screened and stored in suitable vials. After the analysis of physical and chemical characterization, it was possible to verify that E. andrei flour presents higher calorific power and levels of protein, fiber, carbohydrate, essential metals and low fat. It can be a promising product as an ideal alternative protein source for better growth performance of animals. Key words: Earthworm, vermicomposting, physical and chemical analysis.
Highlights
Vermicomposting is a biotechnological process that uses organic wastes as a compost rich in macronutrients, through the combined actions of microorganisms and earthworms (Edwards, 1972; Gomez et al, 2011)
The species was studied by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, combustion calorimetry, moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate and fibre analysis
The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of flour of E. andrei by applying simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), combustion calorimetry and conventional physical and chemical analysis to contribute to the quality of this bioproduct for animal’s diet
Summary
Vermicomposting is a biotechnological process that uses organic wastes as a compost rich in macronutrients, through the combined actions of microorganisms and earthworms (Edwards, 1972; Gomez et al, 2011). Earthworms are usually used for vermicomposting because they possess higher composting activity in different wastes, such as municipal solid waste (Soobhany et al, 2015), sewage sludge and cow manure (Lazcano, 2008; Xing et al, 2012), pig waste (Wong and Griffiths, 1991) and vegetables (Huang et al, 2013; Hussain, 2015) Their growth is fast and the biomass can be used in the animal feed industry (Dynes, 2003; Sogbesan and Madu, 2008; Sogbesan and Ugwumba, 2008; Sinha et al, 2010; Tiroesele and Moreki, 2012). The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of flour of E. andrei by applying simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), combustion calorimetry and conventional physical and chemical analysis to contribute to the quality of this bioproduct for animal’s diet
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