Synchronised adults are supplied for use in the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals:
No 222: Earthworm reproduction test. No 207: Earthworm acute toxicity tests. No 317: Bioaccumulation in Terrestrial Oligochaetes.
Synchronised adults weigh between 300 and 600 mg (wet mass), have a clitellum and are from cocoons collected over 2 weeks. Worms are ready for testing between 2 months and one year old. Cultures are reared on horse manure free from veterinary products.
Earthworms are shipped in ventilated plastic buckets of 100 worms in 0.5Kg of medium. They are ready to be used upon receipt. It is advised that worms not for immediate use should be transferred to a density of 100 worms/Kg of medium, with food in excess. Worms are usually shipped for delivery on Tuesdays, but other days can be accommodated.
Worms can often be shipped within a few days, however 5 weeks notice may be required for large orders.
We can supply air-dried, blended and pasteurised rabbit manure for feeding during studies. Verification documents for manure quality for rabbit and horse manure can be provided.
Maintenance conditions: 20 deg C, 70% relative humidity, 16L:8D photoperiod, 400lux.
