EFFECT OF PROCESSED PROTEIN RICH POWDER FROM Perionyx excavatus ON YOURSHIRE AND LANDRACE WEANER PHYSIOLOGY: PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION

Abstract

Perionyx excavates, a common earthworm species plays an important role in improving soil structure and fertility. In addition, the high protein content of earthworm is also a valuable source of nutrients for the livestock industry. In this study, earthworm hydrolysis was prepared in a homemade semi-automatic fermentation system. The preliminary optimal fermentation conditions were found to be 18 hours at 40℃, 130 revolutions per minute, pH 6.5, and in the presence of 5% molasses, 1% SEBNeutral PL protease, 5mM Ca2+ for 40% earthworm meat as starting raw material. Hydrolysate solution was mixed with 20% maltodextrin M100 and subjected to spray dried to create soluble protein rich powder for easy storage, transport and used as breeding supplement. We showed that weaners piglets supplemented with 2% protein rich powder displayed the best growth with good health and stable physiological activities. Undergoing farm-scale studies have been carried out on many other domestic animals in order to commercialize this Perionyx excavatus processed protein rich powder product.