Biologists have achieved a remarkable feat by elevating the protein levels in worms and snails.
Researchers from Tomsk State University (TSU) have successfully heightened the protein, vitamin, and mineral content in the biomass of worms and snails, marking a groundbreaking achievement unmatched anywhere else in the world. This accomplishment brings the establishment of domestic biofarms within closer reach.
The experimental investigations conducted by TSU’s Biological Institute encompassed the modification of protein, vitamin, and mineral levels in the biomass of invertebrates, conventionally bred for use in animal feed, culinary applications, and organic waste processing.
According to Anastasia Simakova, the head of the Invertebrate Zoology Department at TSU, the vitamin C level in earthworms increased by 1.6 times, while the content of B-group vitamins notably surged. Furthermore, a noticeable rise in various minerals such as iron, selenium, zinc, among others, was observed. All of these advancements were achieved through the application of environmentally sustainable invertebrate cultivation methods.
These results pave the way for the development of specialized farms in Russia focused on breeding invertebrates for the production of dietary and pharmaceutical supplements.