Evaluation of the Fatty Acid Composition of Earthworm Eisenia andrei Meal as an Alternative Lipid Source for Fish Feed

This study propose to evaluate the fatty acid composition of the earthworm Eisenia andrei as an alternative lipid source for fish feed. Methods: The analytical composition of moisture, protein, lipids, ash and non-nitrogenous extract of earthworm meal Eisenia andrei and fishmeal was initially determined. Subsequently, the fatty acid contents of the lipids of these two ingredients were determined by gas chromatography. Results: Significant differences were found in the content of group ω-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA), with higher value (19.85 %) in the earthworm flour vs. 13,29% in fish meal, specifically the group of C14 PUFA, C16:2 n-4; C18: 2 n-6; C18: 3 n-6; C20:2 n-6; C20:3 n-6 and n-6 C20:4. The content of ω-3 fatty acids, mainly C20:5 n-3 and n-3 C22:6 is also important in the earthworn flour. Conclusions: the flour of E. Andrei could be recommended as a source of protein and lipid in fish feed because of its high protein and PUFA content