The effect of formulated diets with different protein sources on feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient retention of scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus)

Abstract

Scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) is a type of marine biota that has high economic value. Lobster cultivation must to be developed, which is in terms of feed. Currently, the majority of cultivators still depend on trash fish as the main food for lobsters. This study was conducted to find the best feed formulation as an alternative to trash fish. The method used is an experimental method with five treatments and four replications where trash fish as control (T0), fish meal formula (T1), rebon shrimp flour formula (T2), maggot flour formula (T3), and snail flour formula (T4). Lobster rearing was carried out for 30 days with the observed parameters including the feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient retention. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test with a level of 5% to determine the best treatment. The results showed that formulated diets with different protein sources was able to affect the feed consumption and nutrient retention of scalloped spiny lobster, but was not affect on the feed conversion ratio. These results indicate that the best formula feed is rebon shrimp flour formula which shows the best results from the four artificial feeds.