R. Adharyan Islamy, Diana Aisyah, Ayu Winna Ramadhani, Naufal Fadhilah, Sulung Ilham Maulana Abduh, Avifah Trialvina Nur Azizah, Nurul Mutmainnah, Fitri Sil Valen, Ahmad Syazni Kamarudin, Veryl Hasan
This study evaluated the nutritional enhancement of Alternanthera philoxeroides meal (AFM) through Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation and its effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% fermented AFM were fed to tilapia juveniles for 56 days. Fermentation significantly improved the nutritional quality of AFM by increasing total phenolics and flavonoids, reducing tannins and structural fiber, and enhancing enzymatic activities associated with nutrient breakdown. These changes contributed to stronger antioxidant properties, as indicated by lower DPPH IC50 values and higher ABTS radical scavenging activity. Fish fed the 20% AFM diet exhibited the best performance, achieving the highest weight gain (WG, 2.68 ± 0.12 g), specific growth rate (1.81 ± 0.06% day-1), and protein efficiency ratio (PER, 1.72 ± 0.05), along with the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.08 ± 0.04). Immune indicators, including lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin levels, were also significantly enhanced at this inclusion level. However, growth performance and immune responses declined at 30% AFM, likely due to excessive fiber content and reduced digestibility. Overall, S. cerevisiae fermentation effectively improved the nutritional and functional properties of A. philoxeroides, and a dietary inclusion level of 20% provided the optimal balance between growth performance and physiological health in tilapia. These findings highlight fermented A. philoxeroides as a promising functional ingredient, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources in aquafeeds. Copyright: ©2026 The authors.
Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Aquaculture (Kediri City Kampus), Brawijaya University, Kediri, 64111, Indonesia; Doctoral Program of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang City, 65145, Indonesia; Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Biology, Bangka Belitung University, UBB Integrated Campus, Bangka Regency, 33172, Indonesia; School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Besut, 22200, Malaysia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Airlangga University, Surabaya, 60113, Indonesia; Research Group of Environmental and Fisheries Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Airlangga University, Surabaya, 60113, Indonesia
