ABSTRACT
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, 100 094 Beijing, P.R. China. E-mail: sunl08@cau.edu.cn
Abstract The chemical compositions of the earthworm Eisenia foetida, its casts and body fluids were investigated and compared with those of a variety of common foods and animal feeds. Nutrient analyses showed that Eisenia foetida meal has a high protein content in the range of 54.6 to 71.0% dry matter. The protein content and amino acid composition were close to those of fish meal and eggs, and higher than cow milk powder and soybean meal. Casts of E. foetida had a protein con tent of 7.9% dry matter, similar to that of com meal, and hence earthworm casts could be used not only as an excellent organic fertilizer, but also for partial re placement of com meal or wheat bran in animal diets. Earthworm body fluids contained 9.4% protein and 78.79 free amino acids per liter and were rich in vitamins and minerals, in particular iron (Fe). Our nutrient analyses suggest that the earthworm (Eisenia foetida) could be an excellent protein supplement for animal feed and human food.
