The effect of feeding earthworm (Eisenia fetida) on some reproductive parameters of crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata) broodstock

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the feasibility of natural earthworm (Eisenia fetida) enriched with fish oil in the feeding of crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata) broodstock. In the 1st experiment; frozen forms (DS, ZDS) of natural (CS) and fish oil enriched (ZCS) versions of earthworms and pellet feed (KY) were used to feed Cherax quadricarinatus broodstock and their effects on the reproduction of crayfish broodstock were investigated. In the 2st experiment; the effects of the same earthworm groups on the reproduction of Poecilia reticulata rootstocks were investigated. Within the scope of the research, it was determined that the enrichment of earthworms caused a significant increase (36-fold) in DHA ratios and freezing caused an increase in SFA ratios. The number of broodstock laying eggs during the 16-week experiment was ZCS:24, KY:23, CS:22, ZDS:19 and DS:16. Here, it is seen that the groups fed with enriched earthworms performed better. According to the egg counts in the first 6 weeks, the highest number of eggs was determined in the ZCS group (5270 eggs). As for the biochemical effects of crayfish on eggs, it was determined that monounsaturated fatty acids accumulated at higher rates in eggs than in other tissues. The highest volume and weight values were obtained from ZDS (3.72±0.49 mm³-4.29±0.42 mg) group. The number of broodstock that fledged during the 5-week experiment was ZCS:31, CS:30, KY:20, ZDS:20, DS:13 and the highest number of fry was obtained from CS (1655) and ZCS (1605) groups. It was observed that ZCS and CS had a positive effect on reproduction in guppies, while there was a significant decrease in the number of broodstock fledged in ZDS and DS fed groups. As for the biochemical effects of feeding on the offspring, it was determined that the amounts of SFA, DHA and oleic acid accumulation were high. The highest length and weight values of the offspring obtained in the experiment were measured in the ZCS group (8.03±0.36 mm-6.07±0.86 mg). According to the data obtained, it was determined that the use of earthworm as live and live enriched had positive effects on reproduction in crayfish and guppy broodstock.