Fermentation of probiotic-enriched commercial feed to improve tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growout performance

Abstract

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater food fish farmed in many regions around the world, including Indonesia. Feed is often the main input in aquaculture systems; however, feed quality is not always optimal for fish health and growth. Probiotics are microorganisms which can help break down complex compounds and make feed more digestible through fermentation. Benefits can include improved health, survival and faster growth. This research studied the effect of feed enrichment through fermentation with a probiotic (BOSTERR) on O. niloticus grow out performance. The probiotic was added to commercial feed (HI-PRO-VITE 782) with eight fermentation time treatments (A = 0 days = control; B=1 day; C=2 days; D=3 days; E=4 days; F=5 days; G=6 days; H=7days). Experimental fish were 120 O. niloticus fingerlings (total length 4-5 cm; weight 0.90-1.25 g) from Kalawara Hatchery, Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Five fingerlings were placed in each experimental unit (aerated aquaria, 20 L water) and fed 3 times/day at 5% of bodyweight. Variables measured were growth (length and weight), survival rate (100% under all treatments) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Water quality was monitored. The best results in terms of growth and FCR were obtained with 2 days of probiotic fermentation treatment.