SOME RESEARCH RESULTS ON TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT FOR AUTOMATED EARTHWORM CULTIVATION AND PROCESSING SUMMARY

The worm farming process, the main factors affecting worm growth include: Worm feed consisting of cow manure, sugarcane bagasse, green vegetables, and agricultural by-products, all finely chopped and mixed; the suitable temperature for worm farming is 23-27°C with a suitable humidity of 60-70% and a suitable pH of 6.5-7.5. The design, fabrication, and installation of an automated environmental control system for worm farming, capable of remote monitoring and control via smartphone or computer over the internet, meets technological requirements. Regarding the processing of earthworm meat, research has developed a hydrolysis process for earthworm liquid (after cold grinding) with the following key parameters: Stirring speed of 55 rpm (stirring blade radius 0.22 m); hydrolysis temperature of 55°C; hydrolysis time of 8 hours; and hydrolysis environment pH of 7.0. Two earthworm farming models, 300 m2 and 200 m2, have been developed, applying advanced techniques, automatically controlling the earthworm farming environment and the automated processing system for hydrolyzing earthworm liquid. In terms of efficiency, compared to the old model before applying the research results, the earthworm farming time has decreased from 3.5 months to 2.5 months. The 300 and 200 m2 earthworm farming models, along with the processing of earthworm meat using advanced equipment (results of the research), have a payback period of 3-5 years, with depreciation of the factory and equipment system of 10 years. The net profit margin compared to revenue is 23.6%; the net profit margin compared to investment capital is 27.7%.