Laboratory evaluation of life cycle of earthworms, Eisenia fetida on cow dung
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jefa.2025.20.2.9Keywords:
Eisenia fetida, earthworms, life cycle, clitellum, cocoonAbstract
A clean environment, crucial for human health and soil fertility, is essential for agricultural productivity. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil quality and posed health risks. Organic fertilizers like vermicompost, produced by the earthworm Eisenia fetida, offer a sustainable alternative by recycling organic waste and improving soil health. This study evaluated the reproductive performance and growth of E. fetida using cow dung as a substrate under laboratory conditions. Results showed clitellum development by the third week, with cocoon production starting in the sixth and ending by the twelfth week. Each worm produced an average of 9.73 ± 0.20 cocoons, with 2.60 ± 0.176 hatchlings per cocoon and a hatching success rate of 82.22 per cent. The highest individual weight recorded was 756.83 ± 23.76 mg, with a daily growth rate of 16.54 ± 0.82 mg. The study concludes that cow dung supports efficient growth and reproduction of E. fetida for vermicomposting.
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