Effect of Vermicompost Supplement on Rainbow Trout Performance

Abstract

Vermicompost is the product of organic waste digestion by earthworms besides aerobic decomposition at ambient temperature. It is a rich composition containing plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Some fishes, especially predatory species such as rainbow trout, need nutritive feed so that they can be healthy; a useful and cheaper additive such as vermicompost can supply this aim. In this study, the effect of different percentages of vermicompost in the diet of rainbow trout was investigated. For this purpose, 100 rainbow trout with an average weight of 120±3 g were distributed in 5 groups in concrete tanks. Their nutrition and physical and chemical water parameters were determined according to the standard. Vermicompost with confirmable analysis was added to their daily feed (2, 4, 6, and 10%). After 2 months, the feed conversion ratio and survival rate were examined. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the performance of the control group and the treatment groups (p<0.05). The data obtained from this experiment indicated that the 10% of vermicompost in the diet was more effective. Therefore, the use of vermicompost supplements can be recommended for the cultivation of rainbow trout.

Keywords

• Rainbow trout
• Vermicompost
• Performance
• Feeding

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