Body Weight of Cherax Quadricarinatus and Indicators of Hs-Groups in Their Liver After Inclusion of Different Doses of Vermiculture Biomass in the Diets

Abstract

Crustacean products have a positive dynamic demand among the population of the country. Crayfish meat is an effective source of essential amino acids and other biologically active substances for the human body. An important element in the technology of crayfish farming is their feeding. The growth rate of crayfish Сherax quadricarinatus depends on the content and origin of protein in their diets. An effective source of protein for crayfish can be the biomass of a hybrid of red California worms. However, the issue of determining the effectiveness of using vermiculture biomass grown on a substrate containing broiler manure fermented with active aeration in crayfish diets remains unexplored. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of the optimal content of vermiculture biomass in diets on the growth of crayfish and the content of HS groups in their liver. To achieve the planned goal, in the conditions of the experimental farm of the Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, crayfish from the I, II and III experimental groups were fed standard diets containing 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 % of California worm biomass. Crayfish from the control group were fed standard diets (complete feed + oak leaves). The content of sulfhydryl groups in the homogenate from the liver of Cherax quadricarinatus was determined using the method of Ellman G.L. It was proved that feeding diets containing 20.0 % of vermiculture biomass increased the body weight of crayfish by 7.0 % compared to the control. The highest body weight of Cherax quadricarinatus at the end of the experiment was found in the group where the diet containing 15.0 % of California worm biomass was used. The difference with the control was 8.2 %. An increase in the preservation of crayfish by 8.0 % was found when feeding them 15.0 and 20.0 % of vermiculture biomass. The use of worm biomass increases the average daily and absolute growth of crayfish and does not cause a decrease in the content of sulfhydryl groups in their liver. The study of the chemical composition of muscle tissue of crayfish when fed diets containing vermiculture biomass is promising.