The effects of moisture and feeding rate on glycolytic metabolism in Eisenia fetida

Earthworms were raised in combinations of 2 levels of moisture and 2 feeding rates for up to 6 days and growth, respiration, activities of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes, and concentrations of glucose and glycogen in the tissues were measured. Neither moisture nor feeding rate influenced percent tissue hydration. Moisture had a positive effect on growth and the tissue concentration of glucose and glycogen, suggesting greater glucose use and reduced glycogen deposition when moisture is low.; Oxygen consumption increased with increases in soil moisture and feeding rate. Moisture and feeding rate had interactive effects on carbon dioxide production and the activities of the rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis. Generally, low moisture and low feeding rate caused an increase in the activity of glycolytic enzymes reflecting a compensatory anaerobic response to low moisture.