Replacement of fish meal by earthworm meal (Eiseniafoetida) in Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenserbearii) diet and its effect on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass composition

A 12-week feeding trial was carried out to assess the effect of fish meal replacement by earthworm meal (Eiseniafoetida) on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass composition of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenserbaerii). Fish with mean weight 21.32 ± 1.91 (mean ± SD) were fed with five experimental diets which 0% (Control), 10% (EWM10), 20% (EWM20), 30% (EWM30) and 40% (EWM40) of fish meal protein was replaced by earthworm meal protein. At the end of the feeding trial final body weight, weight gain, condition factor, feed coefficient ratio (FCR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were monitored. Fish fed EWM10 and EWM20 had highest weight gain and final weight respectively but no significant differences were observed between different treatments (P>0.05). Fish fed EWM40 had lowest final weight and weight gain and significant differences were observed between this treatment and EWM10 and EWM20 (P<0.05). The whole carcass protein and ash content were not influenced by earthworm meal replacement and significant differences were not observed between different treatments (P>0.05). Fish fed EWM30 showed lowest carcass lipid content that was significantly lower than control treatment (P< 0.05). This treatment also had highest moisture content and was significantly higher than control treatment (P<0.05). The results of the present study showed that inclusion of earthworm meal in diets can improve growth performance and feed efficiency. So 10 to 20% of fish meal can be replaced with earthworm meal without negative effects on growth performance of the Siberian sturgeon.