The growth of bloodworm, Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) fed with fish waste and chicken manure

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of bloodworms that were fed with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) waste, Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) waste and chicken manure. The study used a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 3 replications. Bloodworms were reared in a 40 X 30 X 13 cm plastic container filled with 8 l of water. Food items were provided into culture media at the rate of 1.5 g.l-1. Bloodworm larvae aged 1 day were stocked at a density of 1000 individuals/container and harvested at day 11. The results show that the survival rate of bloodworms was 43.83-52.43%. Bloodworms fed with Nile Tilapia waste, Climbing perch waste, and chicken manure had length growth rates of 0.769 mm.d-1, 0.781 mm.d-1 and 0.837 mm.d-1 respectively. The protein content of bloodworms harvested ranged from 38.63–50.12% and is still suitable for the nutritional needs of fish.