The effect of adding coconut pulp resulting from Aspergillus oryzae fermentation in commercial feed on the growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Abstract. Elyana P, Pangastuti A, Nugraheni ER. 2018. The effect of adding coconut pulp resulting from Aspergillus oryzae fermentation in commercial feed on the growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Cell Biol Dev 2: 33-42. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) is one type of fish with the potential as an animal protein source. Quality feed, particularly feed containing basic protein nutrients, is required to increase fishery product production. Coconut pulp is one type of household waste with a relatively high nutritional content, particularly protein, and the potential to be processed into fish feed ingredients. Coconut pulp is initially processed through a fermentation process with Aspergillus oryzae (Ahlb.) Cohn, which is expected to increase protein digestibility. This study aims to determine the effect of adding fermented coconut pulp as a mixture in feed on the protein content and growth of Nile tilapia. This study used an experimental method called Completely Randomized Design (CRD). This study lasted 60 days and included four treatments containing fermented coconut pulp and commercial pellets. The composition of each treatment I, II, III, and IV was 75%:25%; 50%:50%; 25%:75%; and 0%:100%. Each treatment was replicated three times. Data analysis revealed that adding 75% fermented coconut pulp to the feed increased the water, fat, and crude fiber content by 25.72%, 20.36%, and 10.56%, respectively. In addition, the growth of Nile tilapia increased after they were fed fermented coconut pulp. The concentration of adding coconut pulp to the optimal feed for Nile tilapia growth and protein content was 25%. However, it is necessary to improve the nutritional composition of the feed to increase growth and meat protein.