Acceptability (measured as feed intake) by broilers of red earthworm meal (Eisenia Foetida)

Abstract

Red earthworm meal (Eisenia foetida) are potential to be utilized as feed resource due to their good nutritional composition. However, it is not known whether broilers can consume feeds containing significant levels of earthworm meal. This study determined acceptability of red worms by broiler chickens. Three experimental broiler finisher diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocalorific. Earthworm meal substituted fish meal in experimental diets. Diet 1 (control) containing no earthworm meal, diet 2 earthworm meal replaced 25% of fish meal and diet 3, earthworm meal replaced 50% of fish meal. Acceptability of diet was determined using two-choice test method. In each cage with a single broiler, two diets were offered to the broiler such that there were three combinations; i.e. diet 1 and diet 2; diet 1 and diet 3; diet 2 and diet 3. Feed intake was used to predict the acceptability of the diet. There were no variations (P >0.05) in acceptability of different levels of red earthworm meal. Birds did not show preferences for any of the dietary inclusion levels of red earthworm meal. It is concluded that earthworm meal from E. foetida can replace up to 50% fishmeal in broiler finisher feed without affecting feed intake. Therefore, Eisenia foetida meal is a promising protein source for broilers.