Identification of the intestinal microbial community of Eisenia andrei (Annelida: Lumbricidae) raised in different substrates

Abstract :

Earthworms actions are favored by microbial activity of communities living in the gut of these organisms. Identification of the microbial flora of the digestive tract of Eisenia andrei, was performed in order to find differences that can be attributed to the different food substrates and similarities by the presence of endogenous microorganisms. The food substrates: goat manure (95%) + corn stubble (5%) and chicken manure (85%) + corn stubble (15%), composted for 1 month. Strains were isolated and identified by the use of biochemical tests in the key of Bergey's Manual. In animals bred in goat manure substrate, 11 strains were isolated: 1 strain of Micrococcus sp,. Pseudomonas sp., Neisseria sp. and Sporolactobacillus  sp.; 4 strains of Oscillospira spp.; and 3 dubious strains. In animals bred in substrate with chicken manure and corn residue 12 strains were isolated: 1 strain of Oscillospira sp., Bacillus sp. and Syntrophospora sp.; 3 strains of Beijerinckia spp.; 4 strains of Pseudomonas spp.; and 2 dubious strains.  The differences in species of microorganisms found are attributed to the different diets. Pseudomonas and Oscillospira strains matched on both treatments, so that could be part of the endogen communities of the intestinal track of this species of earthworm.


Keyword :

Intestinal microorganisms, diversity, Lumbricidae, Eisenia andrei, different substrates, vermiculture


Author(s) : Picón, M. C., Teisaire, E. S., Zutara, M. S., Giunta, S. A.
Downloads : 2236
Published Issue : 2015 Vol. 10 Number 1


2015 Vol. 10 Number 1