Growth performance of Alma millsoni fed with brewers dried grain (BDG) and coconut husk

Abstract

The growth performance of Alma millsoni cultured on 'brewers dried grain and coconut husk was studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments (Control, brewer’s dried grain and coconut husk) and three replicates. Earthworms were cultured in plastic bins of 60 x 30 x 30 cm. While coconut husk was used as the bedding, the earthworms were fed with brewer’s dried grain, coconut husk or no extra feed other than the bedding. Growth performance of the earthworms was measured every week. The proximate composition of the earthworm was conducted using standard procedures. The mean weight of the earthworms under the three different treatments was significantly different (P < 0.05); with earthworms fed brewers dried grain recording the highest mean weight (1.03 ± 0.50). No significant difference was observed in the percentage crude fibre, crude protein and moisture between A. millsoni from different treatments; whereas a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the percentage crude fat and ash between A. millsoni from the different treatments with A. millsoni fed brewers dried grain recording the highest percentage crude fat. Weight of worms was significantly and positively correlated to feed source (P < 0.05). The implication of this is that earthworms fed with brewers dried grain gained weight above those fed with coconut husk or the control but the weight gain observed may have been as a result of the increase in crude fat content of the earthworms since there was no difference in their crude protein content. Culturing of earthworm on either coconut husk or brewers dried grain must therefore be accompanied with a protein source. Key words: Earthworm, culturing, growth, performance, proximate, composition.