Worm Biomass Research Articles

Effect of Sulfentrazone 500 g/L SC on the Growth and Reproductive Output of Earthworm Eisenia fetida in Artificial Soil

The chronic toxicity effect of Sulfentrazone 500 g/L SC was studied in Earthworm, Eisenia fetida to assess the growth, mortality, and reproductive output under laboratory conditions. The test concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil were selected for the experiment and adult earthworms were exposed for 35 days. No mortality or abnormal behaviour were observed in adult earthworms and there was no significant difference observed in the biomass of adult worms treated with all test concentrations (50 - 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil) when compared with the worms in the control (Untreated artificial soil). The juveniles were counted after 60 days in the control and treated groups. The average number of juveniles were significantly decreased in the highest test concentration 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil when compared with control group. There was no significant change observed in the average number of juveniles in the other treated groups (50 - 500 mg/kg dry artificial soil) when compared with control group. Similarly, the biomass of juveniles was significantly decreased in the highest treatment 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil when compared with control group. The present findings revealed that there was an adverse effect on reproduction and growth of Juveniles at highest test concentration of Sulfentrazone 500 g/L SC under controlled environmental conditions.

BODY WEIGHT OF CHERAX QUADRICARINATUS AND INDICATORS OF HS-GROUPS IN THEIR LIVER AFTER INCLUSION OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF VERMICULTURE BIOMASS IN THE DIETS

Crustacean products have a positive dynamic demand among the population of the country. Crayfish meat is an effective source of essential amino acids and other biologically active substances for the human body. An important element in the technology of crayfish farming is their feeding. The growth rate of crayfish Сherax quadricarinatus depends on the content and origin of protein in their diets. An effective source of protein for crayfish can be the biomass of a hybrid of red California worms. However, the issue of determining the effectiveness of using vermiculture biomass grown on a substrate containing broiler manure fermented with active aeration in crayfish diets remains unexplored. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of the optimal content of vermiculture biomass in diets on the growth of crayfish and the content of HS groups in their liver. To achieve the planned goal, in the conditions of the experimental farm of the Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, crayfish from the I, II and III experimental groups were fed standard diets containing 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 % of California worm biomass. Crayfish from the control group were fed standard diets (complete feed + oak leaves). The content of sulfhydryl groups in the homogenate from the liver of Cherax quadricarinatus was determined using the method of Ellman G.L. It was proved that feeding diets containing 20.0 % of vermiculture biomass increased the body weight of crayfish by 7.0 % compared to the control. The highest body weight of Cherax quadricarinatus at the end of the experiment was found in the group where the diet containing 15.0 % of California worm biomass was used. The difference with the control was 8.2 %. An increase in the preservation of crayfish by 8.0 % was found when feeding them 15.0 and 20.0 % of vermiculture biomass. The use of worm biomass increases the average daily and absolute growth of crayfish and does not cause a decrease in the content of sulfhydryl groups in their liver. The study of the chemical composition of muscle tissue of crayfish when fed diets containing vermiculture biomass is promising.

Application of combination feed of fish viscera silage and fermented rice bran on biomass and population of silk worms (Tubifex tubifex)

Silkworms are an alternative feed to grow and develop for fish seeds. Silkworms have the advantage of being high in nutrients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using fish offal silage combination feed on silkworm biomass and population as well as the optimal concentration of fish offal silage and fermented rice bran to increase silkworm biomass and population. The method used in this study was experimental using a completely randomized design (CRD), namely P0: paddy mud, P1: paddy mud + combined feed (75% fish offal silage and 25% fermented rice bran), P2: paddy mud + combined feed (50% fish offal silage and 50% fermented rice bran), and P3: paddy mud + combined feed (25% fish offal silage and 75% fermented rice bran). Data analysis used Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s test. The results showed that silkworm cultivation using a combination feed (25% fish offal silage and 75% fermented rice bran) produced the highest absolute biomass and absolute population of 22 grams and 7,147 individuals, significantly different from absolute and absolute biomass. produced from cultivation in paddy field mud with control treatment.

The effectiveness of additional silage of fish ofal and bagasse fermentation on biomass and population of silk worm (Tubifex tubifex)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving catfish offal silage and sugarcane bagasse fermentation to the biomass The method used in this research is experimental using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments were 413 gram (100%) rice field mud, 206.5 gram rice field mud + 75% fish offal silage + 25% bagasse fermentation, 206.5 gram rice field mud + 50% fish offal silage + 50% bagasse fermentation, rice field mud 206.5 grams + 25% silage of fish offal + 75% bagasse fermentation. Each treatment was repeated five times. The results showed that the highest peak of silk worm biomass with 206.5 grams of rice field mud culture + 25% fish offal silage + 75% bagasse fermentation with an average of 22.25 grams and the lowest biomass was produced on 406 grams (100%) mud media. Rice fields with an average of 7.15 grams. The highest population of silkworms was found in 206.5 gram rice field mud media + 25% fish offal silage + 75% bagasse fermentation obtained 6651 ind, the lowest population in 406 gram (100%) rice field mud media with an average of 2.263 ind.

Biology of the epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida in different organic wastes

Aim: A study was undertaken to know the influence of different organic wastes on the biology of the epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Methodology: Epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida was selected and collected. Organic wastes (Corn stover, Delonix regia and Eichhornia crassipes) which are abundant and locally available were collected and used as feed materials along with cattle manure as control in this experiment. Results: The minimum incubation period and the maximum number of hatchlings per cocoon were observed in cattle manure (Control) as compared to other organic wastes. Percent cocoon hatching was 100% in all organic wastes, including control. The weight of freshly emerged juvenile was almost same in all organic wastes with no significant variations. The worm biomass was maximum in Eichhornia crassipes, whereas growth rate, attainment of sexual maturity and rate of cocoon production was maximum in cattle manure followed by other organic wastes. Interpretation: A successful vermitechnological process not only depends on the type of organic waste, but also depends on the biology of earthworm species. Based on the results, it can be concluded that epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida can be efficiently used in the vermitechnological process for organic waste management so as to maintain the balanced ecosystem. Key words: Eisenia fetida, Epigeic earthworm, Organic wastes, Vermicompost, Worm biology

Effects of Rearing Density, Substrate Height, and Feeding Frequency on Growth and Biomass Production of Hediste diversicolor

The polychaete Hediste diversicolor is a suitable species for industrial aquaculture; however, cost-effective culture techniques need to be developed for its intensive production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of worm density and substrate height and their interaction, as well as feeding frequency, on the rearing performance of H. diversicolor. Two trials were conducted. In trial 1, the effects of two substrate heights—6 and 12 cm—and two rearing densities—1000 and 4000 individuals m−2—were assessed in terms of worm growth and biomass production. Worm initial wet weight was 48 mg, and specimens were fed with commercial fish feed during a 70-day assay. The results show no interaction between rearing density and substrate height, and confirm density as a key factor in growth; however, a density of 4000 individuals m−2 results in a significant increase in production (final biomass three times higher for the highest rearing density) without affecting survival. In trial 2, the effect of three levels of feeding frequency—seven days a week; three times a week; and once a week—on growth in individuals of three weight classes—small (25–50 mg); medium (100–150 mg); large (250–350 mg)—was evaluated in a 15-day growing assay. Feeding frequency showed a major influence on the smallest size class, with the best growth indicators obtained at the highest feeding frequency. This study shows that Hediste diversicolor can be reared at a high stocking density to obtain a higher biomass production, and that feeding frequency must be considered as an important factor and adapted to the culture phase.

Inclusion of vermiculture biomass grown on a substrate of accelerated fermentation into combined feeds for broiler chickens

As the population increases, the problem of meat production will grow. An alternative method of solving this problem is growing broiler chickens; however, with this technology, the question of protein content and available amino acids in poultry feed remains open. Vermiculture biomass can be an inexhaustible source of protein for broiler chickens feeding. Under the vivarium of the Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, worms were grown on a substrate containing poultry droppings with litter fermented by an accelerated method with the participation of a destructor. Therefore, the work aims to establish the effect of such vermiculture biomass on productivity and protein metabolism in the body of broiler chickens. For this purpose, the broiler chickens of the research groups were fed with compound feed with a content of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 % of vermiculture biomass. Poultry compound feed from the control group did not contain worm biomass. At the end of the experiment, the bird's body weight was recorded, the absolute and average daily gains were determined, and the indicators of protein accounting in the liver of broiler chickens were determined. It has been established that the body weight of broiler chickens varies depending on the content of vermiculture biomass in compound feed. Using a low dose of worms in the feed did not make it possible to obtain a statistically significant increase in the body weight of broiler chickens. By adding 3.0 and 4.5 % vermiculture biomass to the compound feed, the body weight of broilers increases by 3.5 and 3.7 % compared to the index of birds that were not fed worms. It was found that the absolute and average daily growth of broiler chickens that consumed compound feed containing 3.0 and 4.5 % vermiculture biomass increased by a statistically significant amount. It has been proven that using vermiculture biomass affects the protein metabolism indicators in broiler chickens' livers. In the liver of broiler chickens, which were fed with compound feed with a content of 3.0 and 4.5 % of vermiculture biomass, a tendency to an increase in the total protein content and a statistically significant increase in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was established. In the liver of broilers, which were fed with compound feed with a content of 3.0 and 4.5 % of worm biomass, a tendency to increase the content of total and protein total groups was revealed.

BIOCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF VERMICULTURE BIOMASS GROWN ON POULTRY LITTER FERMENTED BY THE ACCELERATED METHOD

The intensive increase in the number of meat poultry, directly broiler chickens both in our country and in the most countries of the world, is accompanied by the accumulation of a large amount of waste (droppings with litter) of this technology in limited areas. According to a number of researchers, the utilization of this biomass must take into account environmental requirements and challenges. These requirements are met by the utilization of poultry droppings by means of vermiculture (growing worms). It is promising to prepare the droppings of broiler chickens with bedding for its use as a substrate for vermiculture by composting with the participation of biodestructors (microbiological preparations). However, the problem of the influence of poultry droppings in the composition of the substrate fermented with the help of biodestrutor BTU-CENTER on the chemical composition of vermiculture biomass remains unstudied. The material for study was the biomass of worms grown on a substrate containing broiler droppings fermented with various doses of a biodestructor. In the control group, vermiculture biomass was grown on a substrate that included 92.0% by weight of broiler chicken droppings with litter fermented for 540 days without the use of a biodestructor and 8.0% wheat straw. In the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd experimental groups, worms were grown on a substrate consisting of 92.0% by mass of broiler chicken droppings with fermented litter for 180 days using the BTU-CENTER biodestructor, respectively, in the amount of 3.75, 7 .5 and 11.25 cm3/t and 8.0% wheat straw. The content of total protein, lipids, ash, zinc, ferrum, copper, lead and cadmium was determined in vermiculture biomass. It has been proven that the content of total protein in vermiculture biomass grown on broiler chicken droppings fermented with a low dose of biodestructor almost does not change. In the biomass of worms obtained on a substrate with the content of broiler droppings fermented with a biodestructor in the amount of 11.25 cm3/t, the total protein content increases by 2.1% compared to the control one. A statistically significant increase in the content of lipids in the biomass of vermiculture grown on a substrate containing broiler droppings fermented with the highest dose of biodestructor (experimental group III) was established. The difference with the control group was 6.7%. It was proven that the more biodestructor was used for fermentation of poultry droppings, the higher the content of total ash was found in the vermiculture biomass grown on it, comparing the I, II and III research groups. The highest ash content was found in the control one. The difference with the experimental groups was 18.1, 12.1 and 6.0%, respectively. Using the substrate with the content of manure fermented with a biodestructor in doses of 7.5 and 11.25 cm3/t, the content of ferrum in the vermiculture biomass was lower than in the control group by 1.95 and 0.76%, respectively. The highest content of copper and zinc was found in the biomass of worms from the control group. In the biomass of vermiculture grown on a substrate with manure fermented with a biodestructor at a dose of 11.25 cm3/t, the content of copper and zinc was lower than in the control group by 2.5 and 0.9%, respectively. It was established that the content of lead and cadmium did not exceed the maximum allowable norm for growing vermiculture on a substrate containing broiler chicken droppings fermented with a biodestructor.

Towards a circular economy in virgin olive oil production: Valorization of the olive mill waste (OMW) “alpeorujo” through polyphenol recovery with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and vermicomposting

Virgin olive oil (VOO) production generates large amounts of a harmful by-product, olive mill waste (OMW) or alpeorujo, which has a strong environmental impact and that must be recycled to adapt VOO production to a circular economy model. Here, the valorization of OMW was studied by considering three consecutive stages: Stage 1 involves the generation of OMW; Stage 2 the recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds from the fresh OMW using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), generating a valuable phenolic extract and a new by-product, a dephenolized OMW named “alpeoNADES”; and Stage 3 involves vermicomposting alpeoNADES with Eisenia fetida earthworms. Six NADES were formulated and tested, selecting a NADES composed of citric acid and fructose (CF) derived from food grade and biodegradable substances. CF was the most effective solvent to obtain phenolic extracts for nutraceutical and agronomical purposes, extracting 3988.74 mg/kg of polyphenols from fresh OMW. This alpeoNADES is a non-palatable substrate for E. fetida earthworms, as the residual CF gives it an acidic pH (pH 2). Its palatability was improved by mixing it with horse manure and straw for vermicomposting, in a 1:1 and 3:1 dry weight ratio. When these substrates were precomposted for 3 weeks they reached pH 5.5–6 and they could then be vermicomposted for 23 weeks (using OMW as a control). The best substrate for vermicomposting was determined by the worm biomass, growth rate, carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, and N and P content. AlpeoNADES and manure 3:1 produced the highest quality vermicompost in the shortest time, generating a product that complied with European standards for organic fertilizers. Hence, alpeoNADES was recycled to a low-cost, organic balanced fertilizer in Stage 3, enabling the olive oil industry to transition to sustainable production through this integrated circular economy design.

MONTHLY VARIATION IN THE POPULATION AND BIOMASS OF EARTHWORMS IN RELATION TO ECOLOGICAL FACTORS FROM CROPLAND SITE AT RANCHI, JHARKHAND

Fluctuation of population density of the worms was assessed from a tropical cropland site at Ranchi for twenty months. The density of the worms was maximum in August 2008 and minimum in May 2008 respectively. Of the various factors studied rainfall, relative humidity, soil moisture, organic carbon and nitrogen content of the soil showed a significant positive correlation with the total worm density and biomass. Soil moisture content of the soil was considered to be the most important single factor responsible for the population fluctuation of the earthworms.

Cultivation of worms on a substrate containing poultry droppings fermented with addition of biodestructors

Significant accumulations of poultry droppings near large poultry enterprises are a problem both in Ukraine and abroad. An urgent issue is the search for rational methods of disposal of these wastes with the involvement of natural, ecologically safe methods such as composting with the use of microorganisms and vermiculture. The use of microorganisms during the fermentation of broiler chicken droppings with litter (in the form of sawdust of non-coniferous trees) leads to a reduction of time for preparation of organic biomass for vermiculture. However, it is of scientific and practical interest to establish the effectiveness of growing worms on a substrate containing broiler chicken droppings fermented with various doses of microorganism preparations compared to the option where the droppings were fermented in the traditional way during 18 months. During the research, 4 groups were formed with 4 micro-beds in each. The weight of the compost and the volume of the micro-beds were identical. In the control version, the compost contained 92.0 % (by weight) of broiler chicken manure fermented during 18 months and 8.0 % of shredded wheat straw. In the experimental micro-beds, the ratio of manure to straw was identical by mass, however, the manure was fermented during 180 days using 143, 1430 and 2860 mg of bio-destructors per ton of biomass. The influence of broiler chicken droppings on the number of sexually mature and immature worms, their mass and the number of laid cocoons was studied for 100 days. The content of protein, biotic metals, and toxic metals in vermiculture biomass was studied. It was proven experimentally that the inclusion of broiler chicken droppings with a litter of fermented droppings in the amount of 2860 mg/t of bio-destructors leads to an increase in the number of sexually mature and immature worms in the micro-bed and their mass by 45.5 and 29.3 % respectively, and 63.9 and 56.7 % relatively to the control where the litter was fermented during 18 months. Cultivation of vermiculture on compost with manure fermented for 180 days (III experimental group) makes it possible to obtain 41.4 % more cocoons and 17.1 % more cocoons compared to the control group. The biomass of worms grown on compost containing manure fermented with the highest dose of bio-destructors probably did not differ by the content of biotic metals and toxic metals. Key words: worm cocoons, protein, biotic metals, toxic metals, bio-destructors, vermiculture, compost.

STUDYING THE INFLUENCE OF THE VERMI FEED ADDITIVE ON DOMESTIC BIRDS (LAYING HENS)

Target. To study the possibility of using vermicorm additives in the diets of laying hens to ensure better bsorption of nutrients in the diet of chickens. The results of experimental studies conducted on the use of a new feed additive derived from the biomass of red California worms as poultry feed are presented. The following optimal ratios of components in the developed feed additive in mass have been established. %: biomass of red California worms (6.0), sodium chloride (3.0), seaweed (5.0), calcium peroxide (2.0) the rest is a mixture of meal and cake (mass ratio 1:1) production of cottonseed oil. Scientific novelty. The originality of the solution to the problem lies in optimizing the feeding programs of birds of the egg productivity direction by using a new vermicorm additive. The main task is to replace synthetic antibiotics used for the prevention and treatment of birds and animals. The proposed feed additive (FA) is biologically active, has increased nutritional value due to the content of the complex of interchangeable and essential amino acids of animal and plant origin. In addition, it contains the necessary amount of micro (Se, I, Cu, Mo, Zn, F, etc.) and macronutrients that ensure the normal functioning of birds. According to the results of the experiment, during the period, the introduction of a fodder additive into the diet of hens of the layers noticed an increase in the intensity of egg production in the first group more by 20%, in the second group of hens of laying hens - 30% and in the third group - 50% compared to the control group.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN KOTORAN UNGGAS YANG BERBEDA PADA MEDIA BUDIDAYA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN CACING SUTRA (Tubifex sp.)

This study aims to determine the effect of using different poultry manure as a medium for its culture. The method used in this study is an experimental design using a random design with four treatments and three replications. The factors tested were the addition of different poultry manure such as without the addition of poultry manure (P0), the addition of free-range chicken manure (P1), the addition of laying hen manure (P2), and the addition of quail manure (P3). The results of ANOVA analysis using SPSS 20.0 showed that the addition of different poultry manure had a significant effect on the absolute biomass of tubifex worms. Duncan test results showed that the absolute biomass of tubifex worms in the P3 treatment (addition of quail manure) was significantly different from the other treatments. In addition, the media added with quail manure produced the highest absolute biomass (243,33 gram) compared to other treatments.

Interaction of Cultural Media Composition with EM4 Dosage on Population Growth, Biomass and Nutritional Content Silk Worm (Tubifex SP)

Culture media as a place for the maintenance of silk worms greatly affects the growth and nutritional content of silk worms. The purpose of this study was to analyze the interaction effect of the composition of culture media with a dose of EM4 on population growth, biomass and nutritional content of silk worms (Tubifex sp). This study used a completely randomized factorial design with 9 treatments and 3 replications each. Treatment D1M1, treatment D1M2, treatment D1M3, treatment D2M1, treatment D2M2, treatment D2M3, treatment D3M1, treatment D3M2 and treatment D3M3. Each treatment was kept in 27 trays. The resu its showed that the composition of the media material and the dose of EM4 had a very significant effect (P< 0.05) on population growth and biomass and nutritional content of silk worms. The highest average population and biomass growth was obtained in the D2M2 treatment, which was 27482.9 ind/m2 and 8.52 grams, and the best nutrient content was in the D3M3 treatment with a protein content of 50.88. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the combination of media materials with a percentage of 50% azolla pinnata and 50% chicken manure can increase the population, biomass and nutritional content of silk worms.

The Effect of Tofu and Fermented Coconut Dregs on Body Weight Gain and Cocoon Production of African Worms (Eudrilus eugeniae)

Earthworms are currently in great demand for industrial and pharmaceutical needs, so it is necessary to increase the productivity of worms by breeders. This study aims to determine the effect of giving tofu pulp and coconut pulp on body weight gain and cocoon production of Eudrilus eugeniae worms. The object of this research is Eudrilus eugeniae which has been clit. This study was divided into two groups, namely control and treatment with six replications each so that there were 24th experimental units. In the control and treatment groups, the researchers included 10th Eudrilus eugeniae worms in each treatment in the form of a combination of tofu pulp and coconut pulp. Parameters observed were worm biomass and several cocoons. The data on the weight gain of the worms were analyzed using One Way Anova and then continued with the Duncan Multiple Test (DMRT) with significantly different results. Furthermore, data on the number of worm cocoons were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test. The results showed that the provision of tofu and coconut pulp had a significant effect on body weight gain and the production of Eudrilus eugeniae cocoons. There is an effect of giving tofu dregs and fermented coconut pulp on the increase in body mass of Eudrilus eugeniae worms as a conclusion.

BIOLOGY OF THE EPIGEIC EARTHWORMS IN TROPICAL WET AND DRY CLIMATE OF DHARWAD (KARNATAKA), INDIA

Studies on biology of epigeic earthworms is very much necessary for the selection of suitable earthworm species in effective organic waste management through vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer). Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the biology of different epigeic earthworm species such as Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia fetida (EF) and Perionyx excavatus (PE) cultured in cattle manure at tropical wet and dry climate of Dharwad district, Karnataka state, India. The results of the present study revealed that the incubation period or the time of emergence of juveniles from the cocoon was less (16.33±0.53 days) in Perionyx excavatus as compared to Eudrilus eugeniae (22.33±0.73 days) and Eisenia fetida (24.33±0.88 days). The percent hatching of cocoon was more in E. eugeniae (86.66±6.66) followed by E. fetida (73.33±5.33) and P. excavatus (66.66±4.66), whereas number of hatchling/cocoon was more in Eisenia fetida (2.66±0.33) followed by Eudrilus eugeniae (2.33±0.28) and less in Perionyx excavatus (1.33±0.23). The mean weight of juvenile (mg) at the time of hatching was more in EE (7.90±0.20) followed by EF (7.00±0.57) and less in PE (5.70±0.35). The attainment of sexual maturity was observed early during 6th -9th week in EF and PE, but it was late in EE during 7th -10th week and commencement of cocoon production was noticed soon after one or two week of maturity i.e. from 8th week onwards. It was continuous and multimodal in nature with slight decline in the growth rate after maturity and cocoon production in all three epigeic earthworm species (EE, EF and PE). The various life activities such as incubation period and number of hatchling, maturity were more in EF as that of EE and PE, whereas percent hatching and juvenile weight were more in EE followed by EF and PE. Therefore, the success of vermiculture and vermicomposting process for the production of quality and quantity worm biomass (vermiprotein) and vermicompost (biofertilizer) is mainly depends on the biology or life cycle of the epigeic earthworms, type of organic waste materials used and it also depends on the prevailing abiotic factors.

Phytotoxicity of composts based on Surgut sewage sludge in closed ground conditions

The paper is devoted to the study of the toxicity of composts based on sewage sludge in relation to radish seeds and seedlings, as well as earthworms. The most phytotoxic are the substrates of variant b - with the microbiological preparation Tamir and worms, the substrates of variant b - with Tamir (without worms) were less toxic, a weak toxic and even stimulating effect on the growth of radish roots was detected in the substrates of variant a - control, without worms and Tamir. Due to the high phytotoxicity, compost № 1, № 3, № 5 and № 6 are not recommended for use in crop production, and substrates № 2(a) and № 4(a) in connection with the identified stimulating effect can be recommended. Phytotoxicity of substrates may be related to their composition: food waste is present in the composition of toxic composts, and this component is not present in non-toxic composts. The decrease and increase in the biomass of worms in composts does not correlate with the revealed phytotoxicity and the composition of their mycobiota. Due to the low species diversity and abundance of cosmopolitan, toxin-forming and conditionally pathogenic fungal species in the structure of mycocoenoses of bioconversion substrates, it can be assumed that their maturation time is insufficient. With an increase in the incubation time of composts of a similar composition for more than 30 days, we predict a change in the structure of their mycocoenoses towards an increase in the species diversity of non-toxic saprotrophs, as well as cellulolytics of the genera Trichoderma and Chaetomium . The prospect of further research in this direction is the compilation of a collection of micromycetes of composts.

Do organic additives stimulate specific body weight gain and reproductive parameters of Earthworms Eisenia fetida and Aporrectodea caliginosa?

Food resource availability is one of the most important factors affecting the performance and different activities of earthworms. Thus the present study focuses on testing the biological responses of two different species of earthworms one of them represents an epigeic forms Eisenia fetida and the other belongs to edaphic (Aporrectodea caliginosa) towards a mixture of organic substances of rice straw, cow dung, leaf litter, sawdust, banana peel, and kitchen waste. Specific body weight gain (SBWG) and different reproduction parameters were measured in relation to the diet quality of organic additives. Significant effects of the used organic additives on different studied parameters of both worm species could be recorded. The two earthworm species showed different responses toward the organic additives. In conclusion, it could be suggested that species specificity, worm’s ecotype, as well as food resource availability, are the main factors controlling worm biomass and different earthworm activities.

PRODUCTION OF CALIFORNIAN WORM BIOGUMUS DEPENDING ON THE CONDITIONS OF THEIR CONTAINMENT

When worms process 1 ton of organic waste in terms of dry matter, 600 kg of biohumus is obtained, and the remaining 400 kg are transformed into 100 kg of complete protein in the form of worm biomass. Raw materials for biohumus in California worms, in addition to livestock and crop waste, can be fallen leaves, household organic waste and other organic and biological waste. The study and widespread use of the products of the California red worm is an extremely important task in the cultivation of biologically high-quality agricultural products, as it is possible to obtain high yields of environmentally friendly products without excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. The largest number of vermiculture of the California worm was found in the heated room - 348 individuals, while in the non-heated room they were 12.9% less - 303 individuals per box. The increase in the number of vermiculture of the California worm in the heated room was 42.5%, and in the unheated room - 34.0%. The weight of biohumus produced by California worms after 180 days of development in the heated room was 1647 g per container, which was 35.8% more than in the version of the development of worms in the unheated room. The use of compost in the cultivation of cabbage helped to increase its yield by 33.9%, and cucumbers - by 26.9%. The use of organic waste as a raw material for biohumus is a promising area for the development of organic farming. Breeding of red California worms of the genus Eisenia for processing organic waste should be carried out at a temperature of 23-25 ° C and use the products of their activity - compost for fertilizing vegetable crops, which provides a yield increase of 26.9-33.9%. The use of vermiculture products in organic farming is a powerful factor in improving the ecological state of the environment, as well as a necessary condition for the sustainable functioning of agroecosystems.

The Influence of cobalt concentration in nutrient medium on growth of California worm biomass and metal accumulation in it

The biomass of the California redworm hybridis abiologically valuable feed additive for farm animals, poultryand fish. Worms contain a large amount of protein, lipids,vitamins and trace elements. The chemical composition ofworm biomass depends on the nutrient medium on whichit was grown. Worms are able to accumulate trace elementsfrom the nutrient medium in their body. Using this property,we conducted research on the biomass of worms enrichedwith Cobalt with the prospect of its furthe rusein fishfeeding. It was found that increasing the number and weightof worms depends on the content of Cobalt in the nutrientmedium. The in troduction of 20 mg/kg of Cobalt in to thenutrient medium increased the number and weight of wormsweighing 0.4-0.8 g, respectively, by 38.0% and 40.4%. Anincrease in the number of immature worms by 32.2% wasdetected. By adding 40 mg/kg of Cobalt to the nutrientmedium, the umber and weight of worms increase by 45.9and 51.1%, respectively. The introduction of Cobalt in theamount of 160 mg/kg resulted in a decrease in the numberof worms weighing 0.4-0.8 g compared to the experimentalgroups by 6.5-27.7%. It was found that at a dose of Cobalt160 mg/kg, the number of small worms decreased relativeto the experimental groups by 24.0-50.7%. There was adecrease and weight of young worms relative to control by22.4%.It is established that with increasing cobalt content in thenutrient medium increases its concentration in the biomassof worms. The highest content of Cobalt was found in thedrymatter of the biomass of worms grown on a nutrientmedium to which was added the test metalin the amount of160 mg/kg.The biomass of worms grown on a nutrient medium towhich was added 40 mg/kg of the investigated metal canbeuse das a protein supplement with high cobalt content infish feeding. Key words: vermiculture, wormbiomass, metalaccumulation, nutrient medium, Cobalt, atomicabs orptionspectros copy.