Uso da minhoca como alimento alternativo na Piscicultura

Abstract

Earthworms belong to one of the main groups of edaphic organisms that act in the processes of particle movement and nutrient cycling. Vermicomposting, which is the cultivation of earthworms to produce humus, optimizes this process of using earthworms for the production of humus. These organisms could be used to feed fish and other animals. Feed management and the type of diet can directly influence the zootechnical performance of fish and consequently the success of production. In this sense, the objective of the present study is to carry out a bibliographic survey about the use of earthworms in the feeding of fish and other animals. A laboratory test was also carried out using two earthworm species, one native (Pontoscolex sp.) and one exotic (Eisenia foetida) with two forms of supply for silver catfish (Rhamdia sp.), called “biomass” and “in natura” respectively. Bromatological analysis of the native species was performed. Six articles were found that met the search criteria on the use of earthworms in fish feeding and two articles related to other animals. In relation to the laboratory test, biometrics were performed at the beginning and at the end of the test, which totaled 10 days, determining which of the two offer options had better acceptability. It was possible to observe that the two options were accepted, as for the determination of the days of food training, the complete consumption was only observed during the third day with the juveniles taking about 5 minutes to feed, from the third day there was complete consumption in less than 1 minute, making it possible to affirm that for the catfish the feeding training is also quite viable. The bromatological analysis of the native species (Pontoscolex sp) showed similar results to those found in the literature for the exotic species (Eisenia foetida).