Capacity of various experimental diets to support biomass and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus

Bioresour Technol. 2002 Apr;82(2):147-50. doi: 10.1016/s0960-8524(01)00169-9.

Abstract

Biomass production and reproduction of a group of four adult Perionyx excaratus were studied in limited supplies of four experimental diets; cowdung alone and its mixtures with straw, bamboo leaf litter or kitchen waste, in order to select a suitable diet medium for vermiculture. P. excavatus showed maximum rate of biomass increase and reproduction in the mixtures with straw and bamboo leaf litter. In spite of achieving the highest final biomass value. P. excavatus showed the lowest rate of biomass increase and reproduction in the mixture with kitchen waste. Cowdung, a natural food of P. excavatus, was marginally better than the mixture with kitchen waste with regard to the rate of biomass increase and reproduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed*
  • Animals
  • Biomass*
  • Biotechnology
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Manure
  • Oligochaeta / physiology*
  • Reproduction
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Manure