THE EFFECT OF FEEDING COMMERCIAL FEED WITH DIFFERENT PROTEIN LEVELS FROM DIFFERENT PRODUCERS ON SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF HOVEN’S CARP (Leptobarbus hoevenii)

Abstract

Hoven’s carp is a local freshwater fish commodity that has high economic value, but its availability in nature is decreasing. Protein is a key element needed for growth and health in all types of fish. This study aims to determine the effect of giving commercial feed with different protein levels and determine the right protein level for the survival and growth of Hoven’s fish (Leptobarbus hoevenii) fingerlings. The method used in this research was an experimental method giving commercial feed with different protein levels, namely P18-20, P29, P35, and P40. The experimental design used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and three replications. Parameters observed included survival, total length growth, absolute weight growth, Specific Growth Rate, feed utilization efficiency, and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that giving commercial feed with different protein levels did not have a significantly different effect on survival (P>0.05). However, it gave a significantly different effect on total length growth, absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and feed utilization efficiency (P<0.05). Total length growth of P35 2.47 cm, absolute weight growth of P35 6.69 g, specific growth rate of P35 1.57%, feed utilization efficiency of P35 68.99%, and feed conversion ratio of P35 1.46 showed the best values. The best treatment was found in feed P35 using the FF–999 brand produced by PT. Central Proteina Prima with a protein content of 35%, seen from the highest total length growth, absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, and feed utilization efficiency, as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio.