“Vermiculture as a source of animal protein” by Elena Antonova, Igor Titov, Irina Pashkova, and Devard Stom presents an in-depth analysis of vermiculture (earthworm farming) as a viable source of animal protein. Key insights from the paper include:
Protein-Rich Earthworm Biomass: Earthworms, specifically species like Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia fetida, and Eudrilus eugeniae, contain high levels of animal protein (62.0-71.5%) and essential amino acids, making them a promising alternative protein source.
Vermiculture for Animal Feed: Research in the USA, Great Britain, and other countries has shown that earthworm biomass can be used as high-quality fodder premixes. Dry and paste vermiproducts have been successfully used as feed additives in various sectors, including fishing, poultry farming, and mammal breeding.
Nutritional Composition: Vermiproducts like vermimeal are rich in protein (64.5-72.9% per dry weight), essential amino- and fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and iron. These compositions make them comparable to, or even richer than, traditional animal feeds like fish meal.
Economic and Practical Considerations: The paper covers the economic aspects of producing vermicompost and vermiproducts, highlighting the potential for significant bioconversion of organic waste into valuable protein sources.
Human Consumption Potential: The study also explores the possibility of using vermiproducts as food supplements for humans, considering their high protein content and nutritional value.
Processing and Safety Aspects: The paper discusses various methods of processing earthworms into high-quality protein products, addressing concerns about biological safety, parasites, and heavy metal accumulation.
Global Applications: The research indicates the widespread use of vermiculture across countries like the USA, Great Britain, Germany, China, and India, underlining its global relevance and potential in addressing protein needs.
Environmental Implications: Utilizing earthworm biomass for protein production aligns with sustainable practices, offering a way to recycle organic waste while producing high-quality protein feed and food supplements.
In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the significant potential of vermiculture as an eco-friendly, efficient, and sustainable source of high-quality animal protein, suitable for both animal feed and potentially human consumption.
