EARTHWORM MEAL: A NOVEL NON-CONVENTIONAL FEED INGREDIENT FOR SUSTAINABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION

The poultry industry is one of the most important/vibrant sectors in livestock industry. Feed economics highly important production poultry, especially intensive farming. Protein intake key factor for sustainable process and growth rates. Mainly soybean fish meal used to fulfill protein requirements feed, however, currently, other conventional ingredients are facing problem shortage supply resultantly increasing prices. So, there an urgent need explore alternatives cheaper sources. In past 20 years, amongst different alternative sources, private companies research institutes have focused on use algae, insects, invertebrates diets whereas particular attention needs be paid dietary earthworms as it agood palatable source protein. Earthworms can successfully aquaculture environmentally friendly feed ingredient. this review, we summarize suitability, productivity, effectiveness earthworm meals ingredient has investigated exhibited increase body weight, conversion ratio, intake, rates broilers well egg layers. shown inclusion level diet up 25-30% whilst its broiler should not go beyond 15%. Supplementation may trigger performances without affecting quality final product. goal review deliver recent scenario meal; offer a better understanding novel production.