Earthworm Powder Research Articles

湖南洞口县蚯蚓干粉和蚯蚓粪代替部分豆饼玉米养猪试验

湖南洞口县蚯蚓干粉和蚯蚓粪代替部分豆饼玉米养猪试验

Earth Worming-An Evaluation of Earthworm (Eisenia andrei) as an Alternative Food Source.

Aside from their bioremediation roles, little is known about the food and feed value of earthworms. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition (proximate analysis and profiles of fatty acids and minerals) and techno-functional properties (foaming and emulsion stability and capacity) of earthworm (Eisenia andrei, sourced in New Zealand) powder (EAP) were investigated. Lipid nutritional indices, ω6/ω3, atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio, and health-promoting index of EAP lipids are also reported. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents of EAP were found to be 53.75%, 19.30%, and 23.26% DW, respectively. The mineral profile obtained for the EAP consisted of 11 essential minerals, 23 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. The most abundant essential minerals were potassium (8220 mg·kg-1 DW), phosphorus (8220 mg·kg-1 DW), magnesium (744.7 mg·kg-1 DW), calcium (2396.7 mg·kg-1 DW), iron (244.7 mg·kg-1 DW), and manganese (25.6 mg·kg-1 DW). Toxic metals such as vanadium (0.2 mg·kg-1 DW), lead (0.2 mg·kg-1 DW), cadmium (2.2 mg·kg-1 DW), and arsenic (2.3 mg·kg-1 DW) were found in EAP, which pose safety considerations. Lauric acid (20.3% FA), myristoleic acid (11.20% FA), and linoleic acid (7.96% FA) were the most abundant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The lipid nutritional indices, such as IT and ω-6/ω-3, of E. andrei were within limits considered to enhance human health. A protein extract derived from EAP (EAPPE), obtained by alkaline solubilisation and pH precipitation, exhibited an isoelectric pH of ~5. The total essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of EAPPE were 373.3 mg·g-1 and 1.36 mg·g-1 protein, respectively. Techno-functional analysis of EAPPE indicated a high foaming capacity (83.3%) and emulsion stability (88.8% after 60 min). Heat coagulation of EAPPE was greater at pH 7.0 (12.6%) compared with pH 5.0 (4.83%), corroborating the pH-solubility profile and relatively high surface hydrophobicity (1061.0). These findings demonstrate the potential of EAP and EAPPE as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients suitable as alternative food and feed material. The presence of heavy metals, however, should be carefully considered.

Meiobenthic nematode Oncholaimus campylocercoides as a model in laboratory studies: selection, culture, and fluorescence microscopy after exposure to phenanthrene and chrysene.

Numerous studies have focused on the response of meiofauna after exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but none has been devoted to their uptake into nematode body compartments. The present study monitored PAH uptake by Oncholaimus campylocercoides which was selected after 40 days in the laboratory through original protocols from natural sediments collected in the Old Harbor of Bizerte, Tunisia. To achieve the mono-species level, a grain size magnification was applied by gradually adding a biosubstrate made from either the crushed shells of Mytilus galloprovincialis or minced leaves of Posidonia oceanica. After selection, O. campylocercoides was cultured and fed with earthworm powder (560 mg.l-1). Thereafter, it was exposed for 3 weeks to phenanthrene and chrysene (38, 116, and 348 ppb). Fluorescence microscopy revealed higher intensities of PAHs at the spicules, mouths, and pharynges compared with the other organs considered. Moreover, the buccal fluorescence showed a significant correlation with that measured in the biosubstrate made with shells of M. galloprovincialis.

Effect of diets containing earthworm powder and vermihumus on egg production, hatchability, blood parameters and immunity of Japanese breeder quails

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of earthworm (EW) powder and vermihumus (VH) on the growth performance, humoral immunity response, plasma constituents and reproductive performance of Japanese breeder quails. A total of 336 birds were assigned to seven treatments in a completely randomized design from day 30 to 90 of age. The dietary treatments were carried out, one without any addition of EW and VH, the second had a standard rate of VH at 0.8%, while a range of EW additions was supplied from 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%. The effects of treatments on body weight and mortality were not significant (p>.05). The highest feed intake was observed in birds fed the diets supplemented with 1% and 1.5% EW (p<.05). The highest titre of antibodies against influenza virus and sheep red blood cells belonged to the EW and VH treatments (p<.05). The antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was not affected by the treatments. In general, the birds receiving EW and VH had the highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass weight (p<.05). Nonetheless, various levels of EW powder negatively affected hatchability and increased mortality and leg disorders (p<.05). The results showed that the levels of dietary 1% and 1.5% of EW powder gave the best growth and reproductive performance to birds respectively.

Dietary supplementation with selenium-enriched earthworm powder improves antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens

Selenium (Se) has been recognized as an essential dietary nutrient for decades, and organic Se sources rather than inorganic ones are increasingly advocated as Se supplements. Earthworms have been studied as a feed additive and animal protein source for many yr. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Se-enriched earthworm powder (SEP) on the antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens. A total of 120 27-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups (30 hens per group). Laying hens were fed diets supplemented with SEP having 0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg of Se or with earthworm powder alone. After 5 wk of supplementation, serum from the hens was tested for nutritional components (protein, globulin, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose), antioxidative properties (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide), and immune responses (lysozymes, immunoglobulin G, IL-2, and interferon gamma). We found that SEP with 1.0 mg/kg of Se upregulated the hens' total protein, albumin, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, IgG, and IL-2 and downregulated triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and nitric oxide. These results indicate that SEP improves antioxidative levels and immune function of laying hens, indicating potential benefit from use of SEP as a feed additive in the poultry industry.

Assessment of Earthworm (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lumbricidae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Species Suitability for Processing into Powder

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk of the need to reduce the use of traditional sources of protein (from ruminants, pigs, chickens) due to adverse effects on the environment. Alternative sources of protein are encouraged, for example, people should consume different insects and larvae. Crickets, grasshoppers, locusts and mealworms have attracted attention among the many species of edible insects, that's why they are likely to be the first to be legal in Europe. In Latvia, earthworms are common in nature and are grown on farms. They could be a potentially edible. However, they have not been adequately studied for human consumption. It is necessary to evaluate the safety aspects during the processing of earthworms. The studied earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Eisenia veneta react differently during the pre-processing stage, and the quality of the obtained product differs significantly in several aspects. The evaluation of the quality of earthworm powder obtained from earthworms shows their high nutritional value, as well as the significant effect of the drying method on the physical and sensory properties of the product, as well as microbiological parameters. In general, sublimated earthworm powder has a wider range of applications in new products; however, it is important to remember that additional heat treatment is provided to ensure safety.

Investigation the level of IL-10 and IFN-γ in mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica and treated with earthworm powder

This study was carried out to detect the effect of earthworm powder on the Entamoeba histolytica in white mice and to measure the serum of two cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) of infected and treated mice with earthworm powder in comparing with metronidazole drug after 3, 7 and 9 days. Result showed that the infected mice which treated with earthworm powder in a concentration of 200 mg/ml for 10 days the level of IFN-γ in serum was (170.67, 150.33 and 145.67 pg/ml) respectively compared with control group, in the earthworm powder group (none infected) level of IFN-γ after 3, 7, 9 days was (105.50, 121.50, 127.00 pg/ml) respectively, also in the metronidazole treatment group IFN-γ level after 3, 7, 9 days was (188.33, 263.50, 253.33 pg/ml) respectively compared to control group. In the treatment earthworm powder group level IL-10 after 3, 7, 9 days was (108.67, 105.67 and 103.17 pg/ml) respectively compared with control group, but in the earthworm powder group (none infected) level IL-10 after 3, 7, 9 days was (95.67, 95.83, 95.67 pg/ml) respectively, also in the metronidazole treatment group IL-10 level after 3, 7, 9 days was (109.83, 107.67, 103.33 pg/ml) respectively compared with control groups.

Anticancer Activity of Earthworm Powder (Lumbricus terrestris) Against MCF-7 and PC-3 Cancer Cell Lines.

The importance of earthworm in treatment of various diseases has been proven in ancient literatures. Nowadays, with advances in biotechnology, earthworm is considered a rich natural source of many biomolecules that possesses antioxidant and antitumor activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity of earthworm powder (Lumbricus terrestris) against two cell lines, breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Fully matured earthworms (L. terrestris) were collected from soil in Baghdad, Iraq. To assess the cytotoxicity of earthworm powder, the MTT assay was conducted on cancerous (MCF-7 and PC-3 cells) and normal cell line (WRL68 cells) lines. It was revealed that earthworm powder exerts cytotoxic effects against two cancer cell lines. The viability of MCF-7 and PC-3 cells decreased with increasing the concentration. The IC50 values for PC-3 and MCF-7 cell lines were 265.5 and 965.9μg/ml, respectively, while the earthworm powder exhibited no cytotoxicity against the WRL68 cells. According to the analysis of the results of the multiple cytotoxicity assay (HCS), the treatment of PC-3 cells with 100, 200, and 400μg/ml of earthworm powder for 24h at 37°C led to cell death by changing the permeability of mitochondrial membrane resulting in cytochrome C release and inducing apoptosis. The results of the present study contribute additional evidence for the antitumor activity of earthworm extracts. Therefore, further research should concentrate on isolating and identifying the earthworm's active biomolecules that have antitumor activity by investigating the molecular mechanism, genetics, and pathways responsible for the antitumor activity of these biomolecules.

Use Powder of Earthworm to Increase Growth and Spores Numbers of Two Species of Fungi (Aspergillus niger and Pencillium expansum)

The present study prepars various concentrations of dried earthworm powder from ( 200 – 250 – 300 – 350 – 400 – 450 - 500) mg / ml used to increase the growth of Aspergillus nigerandPencillium expansum and the spore number , the result show the growth of A.niger and the spore number more than P. expansumin all concentrations along the period of experiment and analysis show differences significant ( p˂ 0.05 ) among the different concentrations of earthworm powder.

Measuring the acute toxicity of earthworms (Pheretima javan-ica K.) through examining SGOT, SGPT, and liver histophatology corroborated by the observation on the physical characteristics of white rats (Rattus norvegicus L.)

Pheretima javanica K. is a type of earthworm potentially used as typhoid fever medicine because its contents, such as Lumbricin I, is an antimicrobial peptide which can nullify the permeability of bacterial membranes. In this study, fine earthworm powder was produced through drying and mixing process. This study aimed to test the acute toxicity of earthworm powder (Pheretima javanicaK.) by examining SGOT and SGPT levels, histopathological observations of white rats’ liver (Rattus norvegicus L.), and theobservation of the rats’s physical characteristics. Fifty white rats were divided into 5 treatment groups, including treatment 1 (dose 400 mg/Kg BW), treatment 2 (dose 800 mg/Kg BW,) treatment 3 (dose 1600 mg/Kg BW), and treatment 4 (dose 3200 Mg/Kg BW). The white rats were given earthworm powder dissolved in aquades for 14 days, and then the rats’ liver were dissected, and histopathological preparations were done using Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining technique. LD50 calculation using Thomson and Weil method was operative to analyse the data. The analysis result indicated that the treatment involving 14-day interval of more than 5.000 mg/Kg BW was proven practically non-toxic. Anova test results focusing on SGOT and SGPT indicated no significant effect on liver function, as marked by significant value I, whereas the Histopathology test revealed no difference between negative control and treatments involving dosages ranging from 400 mg mg/KG BW to 3200 mg/KG BW. The observation of physical characteristics evinced that generally the rats were classified to be health, which was marked by soft dense furr, sharp red eye color, solid faeces, and increased weight gain on weekly basis

Effects of Dietary Supplementation With Earthworm Powder on Production Performance, Blood Characteristics, and Heavy Metal Residues of Broiler Pullets

SUMMARY Earthworms have been studied as a feed additive and animal protein source for poultry for many years. The interest in earthworm use for manure management has greatly increased over the past few decades. However, it is unknown whether earthworm powder in the diet poses a potential heavy metal risk for broiler pullets. This study was conducted to investigate the safety of adding earthworm powder in the diets of broiler pullets. A total of 240 Ningdu Yellow broiler pullets were randomly assigned to 4 groups receiving diets supplemented with 0%, 1%, 3%, or 5% earthworm powder for 30 d. Feed conversion ratios were improved by 12.64% and 22.45%, when 3% and 5% earthworm powder, respectively, were added (P = 0.02). Supplementing the diet with 5% earthworm powder had no negative effects on the growth of pullets, and increased antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) activities in the liver (P

High-pressure tolerance of earthworm fibrinolytic and digestive enzymes

Earthworms contain several digestive and therapeutic enzymes that are beneficial to our health and useful for biomass utilization. Specifically, earthworms contain potent fibrinolytic enzymes called lumbrokinases, which are highly stable even at room temperature and remain active in dried earthworm powder. However, the high-temperature sterilization method leads to the inactivation of enzymes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of high-pressure treatment (HPT) (from 0.1MPa to 500MPa at 25°C and 50°C) on the enzymatic activity of lumbrokinase (LK), α-amylase (AMY), endoglucanase (EG), β-glucosidase (BGL), and lipase (LP) of the earthworm Eisenia fetida, Waki strain, and its sterilization ability in producing dietary supplement. LK showed thermo- and high-pressure tolerance. In addition, HPT may have resulted in pressure-induced stabilization and activation of LK. Although AMY activity was maintained up to 400MPaat 25°C, the apparent activity decreased slightly at 50°C with HPT. EG showed almost the same pattern as AMY. However, it is possible that the effects of temperature and pressure compensated each other under 100MPaat 50°C. BGL was shown to be a pressure- and temperature-sensitive enzyme, and LP showed a thermo- and high-pressure tolerance. The slight decrease in apparent activity occurred under 200MPaat both temperatures. Furthermore, the low-temperature and pressure treatment completely sterilized the samples. These results provide a basis for the development of a novel earthworm dietary supplement with fibrinolytic and digestive activity and of high-pressure-tolerant enzymes to be used for biomass pretreatment.

蚯蚓粉对柴鸡抗氧化性能指标和免疫指标的影响

本试验旨在探讨给柴鸡饲喂蚯蚓粉对其抗氧化指标的影响，为开发新型蛋白质饲料资源提供试验依据。选择30日龄鸡120只，采用单因子试验设计，随机分为4组，每组5个重复，每重复6只，即对照组(0 g蚯蚓)、试验I (2 g蚯蚓粉)、试验II组(4 g蚯蚓粉)和试验III组(6 g蚯蚓粉)。试验预饲7 d，正式试验期30 d。试验结果表明：添加蚯蚓对柴鸡血液中超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶和总抗氧化能力活性均分别最高提高6.2%；免疫球蛋白G (IgG)含量有增加趋势，随着添加量的增加IgG含量增加趋势明显，但是没有统计学意义。 The aim of this study was to explore the effect of feeding earthworm powder on the antioxidant indexes of Chicken, and to provide experimental basis for the development of new protein feed resources. A total of 120 chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups, 5 replicates, 6 rats in each group (0 g earthworm), test I (2 g earthworm powder), test group II (4 g earthworm powder) and test group III (6 g earthworm powder). Pre-feeding test is 7 d, and the formal test period is 30 d. The results showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant activity in the blood of chicken were increased by 6.2%, and the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased with the addition of earthworms. The increase in the amount of IgG increased significantly, but there was no statistically significant increase.

Protective effect of composite earthworm powder against diabetic complications via increased fibrinolytic function and improvement of lipid metabolism in ZDF rats.

Thrombosis is the leading cause of mortality globally. It is not only a complication but also a risk factor for progression of diabetes. However, alternative oral therapies and prophylaxis with less adverse effect for thrombosis have not been well studied. In this study, composite powder containing earthworm (CEP) was used and its fibrinolytic activity was measured. CEP was found to have a high urokinase-type plasminogen activator like activity in an in vitro assay. It also had significantly shortened euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) at 4 and 24h after ingestion in Sprague Dawley rats. Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats were used to assess the effect of CEP on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. After 10weeks of feeding, CEP significantly shortened ECLT and attenuated HbA1c, hepatic lipid accumulation, and urinary albumin excretion and improved glomerular mesangial matrix score. Therefore, CEP may have beneficial effects on diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.

In vivo pretreatment of Eudrilus eugeniae powder attenuates β-adrenoceptor toxicity mediated by isoproterenol in rat model

The present study was designed to discover the potential cardioprotective function of earthworm powder (EWP) extracted from Eudrilus eugeniae on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with six rats in each group. Certain rats were pretreated with EWP (200mg/kgbwt) (Group III), and a myocardial infarction was then induced by subcutaneous injection of ISO (85mg/kgbwt) (Group II). Oral pretreatment of 200mg/kgbwt of EWP for 28days significantly (p>0.05) improved the blood profile levels, including (a) the lipid profile of total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acids (FFA), and triglycerides (TG); (b) low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and protein; and (c) A/G ratio, glucose and uric acid levels. The electrophoretic pattern of elevated lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) levels was recovered by EWP treatment as evidenced by comparison with ISO-induced rats with cardiac damage. The above results indicate that EWP (200mg/kgbwt) provides a cardioprotective effect by attenuating the blood profile, lipid profile, biochemical levels, and LDH patterns in rats that experienced an ISO-induced myocardial infarction.

Formulation of Fish Feed with Optimum Protein-bound Lysine for African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) Fingerlings

Earthworm powder is a potential source of lysine, a first limiting amino acid which is essential in fish diet. The incorporation of other feed ingredients with acceptable composition of lysine can help to enhance lysine content in fish feeds. The focus of this study is to optimize lysine content in fish feeds with difference percentages of each selected feeds ingredients. The optimization study was conducted using central composite design (CCD) as statistical tool. The optimum lysine content was obtained at 25.00%, 20.88%, 10.00% and 20.00% of earthworm powder, soybean waste, leucaena leucocephala leaves and fish meal, respectively. The lysine content in formulated fish feeds was significantly affected by the composition of earthworm powder and fish meal in fish feed formulation. Earthworm powder and fish meal have contributed the largest portion of lysine in fish feed due to high lysine content which were 4.48% w/w and 3.60% w/w, respectively. The optimized fish feed shows high lysine content of 23.39% w/w which doubles the lysine content in commercial fish feed (11.21% w/w). The composition of fish feed obtained from this study can be used as guidelines for formulation of high lysine fish feeds for African catfish fingerlings.

Effects of Fish Meal Replacement by Red Earthworm (Lumbricus Rubellus) Meal on Broilers’ Performance and Health / Uticaj Supstitucije Ribljeg Brašna Brašnom Kalifornijske Gliste (Lumbricus Rubellus) Na Proizvodne Rezultate I Zdravstveno Stanje Brojlera

Abstract The research was performed to determine the nutritive value of raw earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) and dried earthworm powder, or earthworm meal (EM). In addition, the effects of a diet in which fish meal was substituted with EM or fresh earthworms on the health and productive performance of broilers were monitored. The experiment, which lasted 42 days, was conducted on one hundred Hybro G broilers divided into four equal groups. The control group was fed a standard feed, whereas, the first and the second one were given diets in which 50% or 100% of fish meal had been substituted with EM. The third experimental group received no fish meal but was given fresh earthworms ad libitum. The results of chemical analyses showed that earthworm meal contained 41.42% proteins (in dry matter) and satisfactory amounts of amino acids. Microbiological examination and tests for heavy metals suggest that earthworm meal and fresh earthworms did not contain heavy metals and harmful bacteria. Therefore, these feeds may be considered suitable for chickens. In the experiment as a whole no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed in the productive performance between the experimental groups of broiler chickens. These results suggest that dehydrated earthworm meal can be an adequate substitute for fish meal in the broilers’ feed.

Evaluation of Potential Alternative Ingredients for Formulation of Fish Feed

Freshwater aquaculture has high production rate, but the inconsistency supply of feeds can lead to low quality of fish. This initiates a high demand of fish feeds with complete diet to assist in growth and performance of the reared fish. The conventional fish meal has high protein content but it is expensive and can lead to high manufacturing cost of fish feeds. Therefore, present study is conducted to demonstrate nutritional value in several potential ingredients for formulation of new and economically favorable fish feed formulation for catfish. Proximate analysis of earthworm powder, fish meal,leucaena leucocephalaleaves, soybean waste and rice bran was performed to analyze their moisture, ash, protein and crude fiber content. While amino acid analysis was carried out to obtain amino acid profiles. Based on the results, the selected ingredients demonstrated remarkable nutritional content which are required in the catfish diet, thus indicate their high potential as substitute ingredients in fish feed formulation.

Earthworm powder as an alternative protein source in diets for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The increasing need for aquafeed resources and the finite availability of conventional feed resources are making it necessary to search for alternative high-protein resources that are not used as human food. The earthworm Perionyx excavatus was tested as a feed ingredient in diets for common carp. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of earthworm powder as a replacement for fishmeal. In a recirculation aquarium system, triplicate groups of five common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were fed a control feed (fishmeal based protein), or experimental diets in which 30% (EW30), 70% (EW70), or 100% (EW100) of fishmeal protein was replaced by earthworm protein. Fish growth, feed digestibility and feed utilization were monitored. Growth rate, protein efficiency and energy retention in fish were similar (EW30, EW100) or higher (EW70) for diets containing earthworm meal compared to the control diet. Protein digestibility in EW30, EW70 and EW100 was higher than in the control diet, but in (EW100), lipid conversion was lower. We conclude that earthworm is a suitable partial replacement for fishmeal in feeds for common carp.

Effect of steaming process on new formulation and physical properties of earthworm-based fish pellets for African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Fish feed has been recognized as one of main part/unit in aquaculture industry. However, current fish feed faces few challenges in terms of health aspects and cost issues. Alternatively, new nutritional and economical/low cost formulation of fish pellets was designed by combination of earthworm powder and other economical ingredients such as fishmeal, soybean waste, rice bran and tapioca flour. The formulation was calculated using Pearson's square and optimized by One-Factor-At-Time (OFAT) method. The effect of steaming processing on the water stability, soaking experiment, protein leaching test and breaking force of the earthworm-based fish pellets was investigated. Results indicate steam pellet at 80 degrees C for 40 min has higher water stability, less protein leaching and more durable than unsteam pellets. Introduction of this new formulation of fish meal is expected to provide essential nutrient, energy and improved the quality of pellets to fuel the growth of aquaculture industry.