Journal of Northern Agriculture ›› 2025, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (6): 108-119.doi: 10.12190/j.issn.2096-1197.2025.06.10

• Aquaculture·Agricultural information technology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of earthworm feeding on the growth performance,nutritional composition,and non-specific immunity of Monopterus albus

WANG Teng1, LI Li2, WANG Zeping1, SHAN Jinfeng1, ZHU Chuankun3, WANG Xinhai1   

  1. 1. Suqian Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Suqian 223800, China;
    2. Jiangsu Farmers Training Institute, Suqian 223800, China;
    3. Huaiyin Normal University, Huai′ an 223001, China
  • Received:2024-09-25 Revised:2025-02-10 Published:2026-01-26

Abstract: 【Objective】 To investigate the effects of earthworm feeding on the growth performance,nutritional composition,and non-specific immunity of Monopterus albus,providing a reference for the application of earthworms in M. albus aquaculture.【Methods】 Experimental M. albus were divided into three groups:Group C,Group 35,and Group S. Group C and Group 35 were fed artificial formulated feed supplemented with 0 and 35% earthworm powder,respectively,while Group S was fed live earthworms. After a 60 d rearing period,samples were collected to measure growth indices,proximate nutritional indices,amino acid indices,fatty acid indices,and non-specific immune indices.【Results】 M. albus in Group 35 exhibited the highest final body weight(45.21 g),relative weight gain rate(94.05%),and specific growth rate(1.10%/d),all of which were significantly higher than those of Group S and Group C(P<0.05);the muscle crude protein content(19.29%) and crude ash content(0.76%) were the highest;the total amino acid content(76.50%),total essential amino acid content(26.85%),total non-essential amino acid content(49.65%),total flavor amino acid content(36.62%),and essential amino acid index(99.61) were relatively high. Regarding fatty acid indices of M. albus muscle,Group S showed the highest saturated fatty acid content(30.79%),followed by Group 35(28.85%),while Group C had the highest unsaturated fatty acid content(74.96%). For non-specific immunity,Group 35 showed the highest superoxide dismutase and catalase activities,reaching 321.21 and 1.35 U/mL,respectively;Group S recorded the highest total antioxidant capacity(7.65 U/mL);no significant differences were observed in catalase,phenoloxidase,and lysozyme activities among the three groups(P>0.05).【Conclusion】 Supplementation of 35% earthworm powder in the feed yields the best rearing results. It enhances the growth performance of M. albus,improves the nutritional level of muscle amino acids and serum non-specific immunity,but reduces muscle fatty acid content.

Key words: Monopterus albus, Earthworm, Growth performance, Nutritional composition, Non-specific immunity

CLC Number: 

  • S966.4