Ahmad G. Mustofa, Ardiansyah, Sri Wahidah, Mulyati, Hasniar, Indrayani
The optimum inclusion level of fermented duckweed (Lemna minor) in formulating feed for the juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) was evaluated using growth performance, feed utilization, and physiological parameters. The juveniles were randomly stocked at a density of 15.86 kg m-3 in 15 independent integrated recirculating aquaculture systems (IRAS) and fed diets containing 0, 15, 25, 35, and 45% fermented duckweed (diets CD, F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively). The average weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed-diet F4 were lower (p < 0.05) than those fed diets F1, F2, F3, and CD. Average WG of barramundi juveniles increased in all the dietary treatments when compared to the CD except diet F4. The highest WG and specific growth rate (SGR) were recorded for F2 fish. Fish-fed diet F3 also showed good performance in terms of WG and SGR. PER was highest in fishfed F3 (p < 0.05). PER was lowest in CD-fed fish. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowest for fish-fed F3 and highest for F4 (p < 0.05). With increasing dietary fermented duckweed meal inclusion, glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations increased, whereas triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased. Activities of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in juvenile barramundi fed the CD and F1 diets were higher (p < 0.05) than in fish fed other experimental diets. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were lower (p < 0.05) in all duckweed supplemented diets. The highest carcass protein deposition was observed in fish fed F2 diet. These results indicated that F3 diet did not adversely affect the growth or metabolism of juvenile barramundi. © 2022, BIOFLUX SRL. All rights reserved.
Fish Nursery Technology Study Program, Department of Aquaculture, Pangkep State Polytechnic of Agriculture, South Sulawesi, Pangkep, Indonesia; Aquaculture Technology Study Program, Department of Aquaculture, Pangkep State Polytechnic of Agriculture, South Sulawesi, Pangkep, Indonesia; Agricultural Technology Education Study Program, Makassar State University, South Sulawesi, Makassar, Indonesia
