THE EFFECT OF TUNA HEAD MEAL FEED ON THE GROWTH OF NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of using tuna head meal as a substitute for commercial feed on the growth and feed utilization efficiency of Nile tilapia. The method used was an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of five treatments and three replications, namely P1 (100% commercial feed), P2 (75% commercial feed + 25% tuna head meal), P3 (50% commercial feed + 50% tuna head meal), P4 (45% commercial feed + 55% tuna head meal), and P5 (100% tuna head meal). The observed parameters included feed consumption rate, absolute weight growth, absolute length growth, specific growth rate (SGR), feed utilization efficiency (FUE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate (SR). The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan’s test at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that feeding with a combination of tuna head meal had a significant effect (P<0.05) on absolute weight growth, SGR, FUE, FCR, and feed consumption, but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on absolute length growth and survival rate. The best treatment was obtained in P4, with an absolute weight growth of 4.93 g, SGR of 0.024%/day, FUE of 54.11%, and FCR of 1.85. Based on the results, it can be concluded that tuna head meal can be used as a substitute ingredient for commercial feed and provides optimal results at a 55% inclusion level.