Effect of different sheep droppings media on the growth and cocoon production of Eisenia fetida

The rate of cocoon production of adult epigenic earthworm, Eisenia fetida kept in the 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 PSR (Percent Substrate Ratio) media prepared from partly decomposed sheep droppings waste with soil for 30 days was determined. The worms kept in 50, 75, and 100 PSR media for 30 days showed a gradual increase in their body weight up to 22 days thereafter, a gradual decline until the termination of this study. However, the worms kept in the same media (50, 75 and 100 PSR) after 30 days showed an increased value in their body weight over their respective initial weight. On the contrary, all the worms kept in 0 and 25 PSR media showed a gradual decrease in their body weight until the termination of this study. The worms kept in soil alone for 30 day though showed 100% survival value, only 2 cocoons were laid during the course of study due to less organic matters in the medium. Though the worms kept in their PSR media for 30 days produced relatively more cocoons. Than the control, the worms in 75 PSR sheep droppings medium is considered to be a good medium for the culture of earthworm, Eisenia fetida.