Comparative evaluation of two balanced mixtures incorporating red coconut worm meat from California (Eisenia foetida) in Sasso line slow-growing chicken at the farm level

Abstract

The present study was carried out in Quetzaltenango, altitude of 2,333 masl, average annual rainfall of 2149.7mm, average temperature of 21 ° C. The purpose was to evaluate two balanced mixtures incorporating red coconut worm meat from California as an alternative source of protein in the slow-growing chicken diet of the Sasso line at the rural exploitation level, to improve the production parameters and propose an alternative diet for the area rural. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with 3 treatments, 5 repetitions and 15 experimental units for 60 days. Treatment A: 20.8% protein start phase (with an inclusion level of 9% worm meat). Phase of fattening 16% of protein (with an inclusion level of 10% of earthworm), treatment B: start phase 18.02% of protein (with an inclusion level of 1.3% of earthworm) stage of fattening 14.02% of protein (with a level of inclusion of 14% of worm) treatment C commercial balaceado (control). The variables evaluated were: food consumption, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, diet acceptability (analysis of variance and Tukey test). Regarding food consumption, there was no significant difference (P≥0.05). In relation to the increase in weight, reflection that the treatments “A” and “C” are statistically equal, finding significant difference (P≥0.05) with the treatment “B” being the least gain in weight was obtained. Regarding the feed conversion, it was found that there is no significant difference between treatments. The palatability of the diet, the “A” treatment and the “C” obtained greater acceptability, not the “B” treatment. At the conclusion of the experiment, the “A” treatment was the one that presented the best productive parameters. The hypothesis was found that the incorporation of California red coconut worm meat into balanced mixtures of slow-growing chicken favors the increase in weight compared to a commercial diet. In the financial analysis and determination of the production costs of each treatment, the “C” treatment obtained the best benefit / cost ratio.