Raden Adharyan Islamy, Diana Aisyah, Ayu Winna Ramadhani, Syakir Ni’matullah, Najwa Lutfi Setyowati, Nurul Mutmainnah, Fitri Sil Valen, Ahmad Syazni Kamarudin, Michael Czech, Veryl Hasan
This study investigates the potential of Alternanthera philoxeroides as a functional feed ingredient in gourami (Osphronemus goramy) aquaculture. The objective was to evaluate its effects on growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and hematological responses. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted using four diets with varying inclusion levels of A. philoxeroides: 0% (P0), 10% (P1), 20% (P2), and 30% (P3). Specifically, the P2 group achieved an SGR of 1.64 ± 0.06%/day compared to 1.47 ± 0.05%/day in the control, and an FCR of 1.39 ± 0.04 versus 1.62 ± 0.03 in the control, representing a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05). Hematological analysis revealed that P2 also resulted in the highest erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, indicating enhanced physiological and immune status. Statistical analysis confirmed that P2 was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the control. The findings suggest that A. philoxeroides at a 20% inclusion level can be used to improve fish performance and health, while also offering a sustainable alternative protein source. These improvements not only demonstrate nutritional benefits but also highlight the feasibility of reducing feed costs while enhancing fish health in herbivorous aquaculture. Moreover, utilizing this invasive aquatic plant aligns with ecological and economic goals by converting waste biomass into value-added feed products. ©2025 The authors.
Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, Brawijaya University, Kediri, 64111, Indonesia; Center for Algae and Environment, Brawijaya University, Malang City, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Aquaculture, Universitas Bangka Belitung, Kampus Terpadu UBB, Bangka, 33172, Indonesia; School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Terengganu, 22200, Malaysia; Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, BOKU University, Vienna, 1180, Austria; Department of Aquaculture, Airlangga University, Surabaya, 60113, Indonesia
