Studies regarding the effects of the redworm meal utilization as a protein substitute in Japanese quail diets

The aim of this research was to highlight the effect of utilizing redworm meal, Eisenia foetida (red manure worm) as a protein substitute for soybean meal protein in the diet of Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The research was carried out on three experimental lots, in which the control group (CD) was fed with a compound fourage specific for the age category of the species, and in the experimental groups the soybean meal protein from the same compound fourage was substituted in a proportion of 10% (D1) and 20% (D2) respectively with protein from redworm meal. The experiment has demonstrated that the use of earthworm protein ensures an accumulation of body weight superior to the control group. Thus, group D1 recorded the highest weight increase compared to the control group, the difference being statistically very significant (p < 0.001), followed closely by the D2 group. There were no significant differences between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The D1 group also recorded the highest body weight gain and the D2 group had the superior feed conversion ratio. During the experiment no mortality occurred within the three groups. In conclusion, the use of redworm meal in diets of the quail chicks is justified in a proportion of 10%, because it resulted in superior growth performances.