Proximate evaluation of redworms (Eisenia foetida) as an alternative protein ingredient to fish meal

Abstract

Current study evaluated the proximate composition of redworm meal, an alternative protein source to fish meal in fish feeds formulation. Proximate analysis results of crude protein, crude lipids, moisture, ash and crude fibre content in redworms varied insignificantly from fish meal (P≥0.05). Redworms had highest crude protein content of 62.29±1.13% against 57.71±0.77% of fish meal. Crude lipids had mean values of 6.34±0.48% and 5.51±0.19% for redworms and fish meal respectively. Redworms’ moisture content was 7.97±0.06% compared to 6.07±0.06% of fish meal. Redworms recorded mean ash content of 12.23±0.12% compared to 9.25±0.23% of fish meal. Crude Fibre content of 3.02±0.80% and 5.15±0.08% were recorded in redworms and fish meal respectively. Findings of this study indicates that Redworms have almost similar nutritional values with fish meal hence a potential animal protein to supplement fish meal. When adopted for year-round mass production, redworms could result into increased aquaculture production while enabling sustainable fisheries.