Weight Growth Rate Research Articles

Pengaruh Pemberian Probiotik Lactobacillus sp. dan Bacillus sp. dengan Dosis yang Berbeda pada Media Pemeliharaan Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Kelangsungan Hidup Udang Vaname (Litopenaeus vannamei)

In semi-intensive aquaculture, not all the feed given can be digested by shrimp; therefore, appropriate technology, namely, the use of probiotics, is needed. This study aimed to analyze the effect of probiotics in rearing media on the growth and survival of vannamei shrimp and to identify the optimal dose. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD). The variables used were growth rate, survival, and water quality (salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia). Data analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Data demonstrating a significant effect were analyzed using Tukey's continuation test. The results of this study indicate that the administration of probiotics to vannamei shrimp rearing media has a significant effect on the absolute weight and daily growth rate of shrimp. Meanwhile, the survival of vannamei shrimp did not have a significant effect on their growth of vannamei shrimp. The average water quality temperatures were 25 °C in the morning and 27 °C in the afternoon. The average morning pH was 7 and the evening pH was 7, the average salinity was 30 ppt, the DO average was 5.6, and the ammonia average was 0.3. The best dose in the study was treatment C with added probiotics at a dose of 2.5 ml/l.

An evaluation of the growth and immunity of New Zealand black-footed abalone (Haliotis iris) treated with encapsulated feed and probiotics

Encapsulation technology has been applied in aquaculture for developing more efficient delivery systems of nutrients and probiotics to various species. This study aims to investigate the effect of an encapsulated probiotics feed on the growth and health of New Zealand black-footed abalone (Haliotis iris). Juvenile abalone were fed with four different dietary treatments, including commercial pellets, commercial feed sprayed with probiotics, combination of commercial feed and chitosan-coated alginate (CCALG) beads containing probiotics and CCALG beads containing both probiotics and nutrients. A multi-technique approach was used to evaluate the growth performance and health parameters of the experimental animals after 57 days in feeding trial. The results showed a significantly higher growth rate (p < 0.05) in shell length (50.06 ± 5.91 µm/day) and weight (25.55 ± 2.55 mg/day) of abalone fed with CCALG beads containing both probiotics and nutrients (optimal diet) compared to the other groups. The feed conversion rate (FCR) for abalone fed with the optimal diet (1.04 ± 0.06) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the other experimental diets. Furthermore, a low level of haemocytes with reactive oxygen species (ROS) was found associated with the optimal diet (13.24 ± 4.2%). A total of 31 differently regulated metabolites across the four treatments were revealed with a characteristic enhancement of free amino acids in the samples obtained from abalone fed with the optimal diet. The combined results from the growth parameters, flowcytometry and metabolomics indicate that CCALG beads encapsulating probiotics and nutrients can efficiently improve the growth and immunity of juvenile abalone.

Replacing expensive synthetic media with banana stem compost extract medium for production of Chlorella vulgaris

ABSTRACT Microalgal cultivation by small scale aquaculture farmers is limited by the high cost of synthetic culture media. The current study was conducted to investigate use of banana stem compost extract (BSCE) as an alternative medium for cultivation of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. C. vulgaris was batch cultured for 24 days in the laboratory using synthetic Bold Basal Medium (BBM) as a control and BSCE at concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10% (by volume) as the treatments. Algal growth was evaluated by measuring dry cell weight and specific growth rate (SGR) during the experimental period. Chemical composition was analysed following standard analytical methods. Variations in growth trends among culture media were attributed to variations in nutrient concentration and lack of acclimatization period. Some macro- and micronutrients in BSCE-cultivated C. vulgaris were higher than or similar to those observed in BBM-cultivated algae. The macronutrients differed among BSCE treatments. It was concluded that BSCE can be used as the culture medium, providing similar nutritional value and supporting similar growth performance to synthetic media. However, selection of BSCE concentration should be based on macronutrients and take into account the intended use of cultivated microalgae.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid-producing Bacillus velezensis fermentation can improve the feed properties of soybean meal

Soybean meal (SBM), a high-protein animal feed, contains several anti-nutritional factors, which limit its utilization. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a biological macromolecule, can significantly improve the health and growth benefits of animal feed. However, there are rare reports about SBM fermentation with γ-PGA-producing bacteria to improve its nutritional quality. In this study, we isolated a glutamic acid-independent poly γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) producing Bacillus velezensis SCP024–S-4 bacterial strain and used it for solid fermentation of SBM. The results showed that the maximum γ-PGA yield in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) reached up to 89.64 g/kg without adding glutamic acid. Meanwhile, the content of proteins, free amino acids and small peptides increased by 12.83%, 347.96 μg/g and 108.11 mg/g, respectively. Soy globulin, β-conglutinin and trypsin inhibitor all decreased below 3 mg/g. Mice were fed with CK (control diet), SBM and FSBM respectively. The average daily food intake in the FSBM, SBM, and CK groups were 7.68, 5.25, and 6.36 g, respectively. Compared with the CK group, the mice weight growth rate was significantly higher in the FSBM group. Mice blood and spleen tests showed no negative effect of FSBM. The high-throughput sequencing of mice intestinal microflora indicated that FSBM increased the richness of intestinal microbiota; especially, the types and quantities of Lactobacillus were significantly increased. This study provides a feasible strategy to improve the nutritional quality of SBM as an animal feed.

Effect of Beak Color on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Pekin Ducks

Background: Pekin ducks are broadly raised over the world, particularly in Asia continent, moreover, they are famous for the delightful taste of Beijing roast duck around the world. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of beak color on growth performance, carcass traits and sexual dimorphism of Pekin ducks. Methods: A total of 250 one-day-old Pekin ducks were separated according to beak color into two groups, yellow beak (YB) and blue beak (BB). Body weight and body weight gain were recorded from the first week to the marketing age (6 wks). Carcass traits were taken at the marketing age (20 ducks /each phenotype). Sexual dimorphism was calculated for live body weight and carcass traits at marketing age. Result: show that YB ducks have significantly heavier body weight at 1 and 5 wks of age compared to BB, however the body weight of BB ducks was higher at 3 and 4 wks of age. At marketing age, the differences in body weight between two phenotypes were not significant. Generally, BB ducks have significantly higher body weight gain and growth rate compared to YB ducks. The mortality and defect ratio were affecting beak color, the blue beak ducks recorded higher relative mortality rate and lower defect ratio compared to yellow beak ducks. There was no effect of beak color on carcass traits. However, the sexual dimorphism was significantly higher for the YB ducks for most traits compared to BB. In conclusion, we concluded has a significant effect beak color on growth performance and sexual dimorphism of Pekin ducks.

Meat productivity of broiler chickens when feeding an enzyme drug

The purpose of the work was to study the meat productivity of broiler chickens of the cross Ross PM3 when feeding the enzyme drug VP-1. The work was carried out on the basis of the poultry farm of JSC “Lindovskaya poultry farm-breeding plant”. The control group of broiler chickens were fed with complete compound feed without additives. The poultry of the 1st experimental group received an enzyme additive in the amount of 0,4 kg/t of feed, the 2nd group received it 0,5 kg/t of feed, the 3rd group received it in the amount of 0,6 kg/t of feed. The enzyme additive was incorporated by stepwise mixing. The broiler chickens of the control group were characterized by a fairly high growth rate, which by the age of 38 days had a live weight of 2082,29 g. At the same time, the broiler chickens of the 1st experimental group had slightly better indicators. So, by the age of 38 days their average live weight was 232,42 g higher than their herdmates from the control group (P ≥ 0,999). The broiler chickens of the 2nd experimental group had the average live weight of 2271,72 g, which was by 189,43 g or 9,10 % (P ≥ 0,999) higher than in the control group. The maximum live weight for 38 days of rearing was gained by broiler chickens of the 3rd experimental group 2352,92 g, which exceeded broiler chickens of the 1st experimental group by 38,21 g or 1,65 %, as well as the live weight of chickens of the 2nd experimental group by 81,20 g or 3,57 %. The maximum positive dynamics of live weight was shown by broiler chickens of the 3rd experimental group, and the minimum was shown by chickens of the control group. Chickens of the 1st experimental group and the 2nd experimental group showed the dynamics of live weight gain significantly exceeding the growth rate of live weight of broilers of the control group.

Addition of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) to Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Rearing Media in Fresh Water

Vannamei shrimp cultivation in freshwater media is still not optimal. Scabra et al., 2022 stated that the growth of vannamei shrimp reared on media supplemented with CaCO3 was higher than that reared on media without the addition of CaCO. However, it is still lower than the vannamei shrimp reared in seawater media. The addition of other types of minerals is needed to complement CaCO3 in supporting growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rearing vaname shrimp on low-salinity media with the addition of CaCO3 and MgSO4 ratios with different doses. The treatment in the study was the addition of CaCO3 : MgSO4 with different ratios, namely 40:0 (P2), 40:20 (P3), 40:40 (P4), and 40:60 (P5). A treatment was also applied which was a positive control, namely the rearing of vannamei shrimp in seawater media (P1). The results showed that the best specific growth values were P1 (3.83%), P4 (3.64%), P5 (3.5%), P3 (3.46%), and P2 (3.42%) ). In fresh water rearing, P4 was the best treatment which resulted in a survival rate of 77%, a specific weight growth rate of 3.64%, and a specific length growth rate of 2.14%. Shrimp growth in fresh water media is still not as high as maintenance in seawater media. Therefore, it is still necessary to add other types of minerals that can support growth.

Tragacanth Gum and Linseed Gum as Adhesives Improved the Survival, Digestive Function, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, and Immunity in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Larvae

A 30-day feeding experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different adhesives on survival, growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae (initial weight 8.40 ± 0.18 mg). Four iso-nitrogenous (55% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (22% crude lipid) microbound diets (MBD) were formulated to contain 2% sodium alginate (SA), 2% tragacanth gum (TG), 2% linseed gum (LG), and 2% poloxamer (PX), respectively. Results showed that larvae fed with TG and LG diets had significantly higher survival rate than the larvae fed with SA and PX ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Larvae fed with the PX diet had lower final weight and specific growth rate than the other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Larvae fed with TG diet had significant higher activities of lipase in pancreatic segments and trypsin in intestinal segments than the larvae fed with the PX ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Meanwhile, the lipase activities of larvae fed with LG was significantly higher in intestinal segments than those fed with SA and PX diets ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Larvae fed with TG and LG diets had significantly higher activities of AKP in brush border membranes than larvae fed with SA and PX diets ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Moreover, the mRNA expression of pcna and zo-1 increased, respectively, in larvae fed TG and LG diets compared with the other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Larvae fed with LG and TG diets had significantly higher activities of SOD and T-AOC than those fed with PX diet ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The content of GSH increased significantly in larvae fed with SA, TG, and LG diets compared with PX treatment ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The activities of iNOS significantly increased in larvae fed with TG and LG diets compared to other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of il-10 significantly increased in TG and LG groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ). In conclusion, results of the study demonstrated that TG and LG can be used as feed binders for microdiets with positive effects on survival, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response. However, PX inhibited the survival and growth, and further study is needed to determine the suitable usage and dosage.

SUBSTITUTION OF FERMENTED DUCKWEED MEAL (Lemna Sp.) AS AN ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCE SOYBEAN MEAL IN SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater fish commodity that has high economic value, is widely cultivated and has high demand. However, the obstacle that is often experienced by farmers is the high price of feed caused by the high price of imported feed raw materials. Overcoming this can be done by looking for alternative raw materials that can replace soybean meal flour such as fermented lemna flour. This research was conducted to study the growth performance of tilapia fed a test feed using fermented lemna flour (Lemna sp.) substitution. The total treatment used was 5 treatments and 3 replications, with a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment A (0% TLF), B (25% TLF), C (50% TLF), D (75% TLF), and treatment E (100% TLF). Parameters observed were absolute weight gain, daily growth rate, protein retention, feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, survival rate, and water quality. The results showed that treatment B (25% TLF) gave the best results compared to other treatments, where the absolute weight growth rate reached 7.11 g, the daily growth rate (SGR) was 3.39%, feed conversion (FCR) was 2.22 and protein retention 36.08%.

Evaluation of Different Transition Periods in Feeding Live Feed for Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer, Castelnau 1855) Larvae

The production of tiger shovelnose catfish (TSN) is limited by the very low growth during feeding transition in phase larvae. This research aims to evaluate the difference in feed transition period from nauplii Artemia sp. to Tubifex sp. on the growth and activity of digestive enzymes of TSN larvae. TSN larvae 1 dph (day post hatching) with total length of 4.05±0.16 mm and weight of 4.18±0.67 mg were used in this study. Nine aquariums with 10 L of water were stocked with larvae at a density 30 larvae/L. This study consisted of three treatments of different feed transition time in triplicates i.e. transition at 9 dph (P1), 10 dph (P2) and 11 dph (P3). The result showed that the transitional on 11 dph (P3) recorded the highest total length (36.9±0.56 mm), total weight (242.5±2.4 mg), daily length growth rate (13.43±0.81 %.mm/day), daily weight growth rate (25.4±0.06 %.mg/day), survival rate (81.7±3.1%), and protease enzyme activity (0.222±0.019 IU/mL) compared to 10 dph (P2) and 9 dph (P1). The transition period of 11 days is the mostappropriate time to change the feed for nauplii Artemia sp. to Tubifex sp. in TSN larvae because it produces the best growth and digestive enzyme activity values.

Does supplementation of oocytes with additional mtDNA influence developmental outcome?

Introducing extra mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into oocytes at fertilization can rescue poor quality oocytes. However, supplementation alters DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of preimplantation embryos. To determine if thesealterations impacted offspring, we introduced mtDNA from failed-to-mature sister (autologous) or third party (heterologous) oocytes into mature oocytesand transferred zygotes into surrogates. Founders exhibited significantly greater daily weight gain (heterologous) and growth rates (heterologous and autologous) to controls. In weaners, cholesterol, bilirubin (heterologous and autologous), anion gap, and lymphocyte count (autologous) were elevated. In mature pigs, potassium (heterologous) and bicarbonate (autologous) were altered. mtDNA and imprinted gene analyses did not reveal aberrant profiles. Neither group exhibited gross anatomical, morphological, or histopathological differences that would lead to clinically significant lesions. Female founders were fertile and their offspring exhibited modified weight and height gain, biochemical, and hematological profiles. mtDNA supplementation induced minor differences that did not affect health and well-being.

The role of dietary chia seed powder in modulating cold stress-related impacts in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Two months feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the role of chia seed powder (CSP) enriched diets in improving Oreochromis niloticus tolerance to cold thermal stress. A total of 200 Nile tilapia fish were divided into 5 experimental groups with 4 replicates (10 fish/ replicate). Experimental groups were fed on the basal diet (BD) supplemented with CSP at levels 0.0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 g/ kg diet and reared at 16–19 °C temperature range. Fish growth performance (final weight, total gain, and specific growth rate) was linearly increased with increasing dietary CSP supplementation (linear, P < 0.0001) along with improved FCR compared to the control. The highest survival rate was recorded in tilapia which received 6 g chia /kg diet. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) % of fish whole body were increased (linear response, P = 0.009, P < 0.0001, respectively), while ash and crude lipids % were reduced in CSP-supplemented tilapia (linear, P = 0.0008, P = 0.0186, respectively). A linear increase in red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) counts and hemoglobin (P < 0.0001) of fish was also achieved with increasing chia level. The serum lipid profile parameters, glucose and cortisol levels in Nile tilapia fish under cold stress tended to decrease in response to increasing chia powder level (linear, P < 0.0001). Serum antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity-TAOC, reduced glutathione-GSH and catalase-CAT) and immune response parameters concentrations (IgM, IgG and lysozymes) were significantly improved with supplemental CSP added in diet reared under cold stress. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of chia seed powder (optimum level 4.5 and 6 g/ kg diet) in Nile tilapia raised under lower temperature (16–19 °C) showed a stress relieving effects through increasing their survival rate, enhanced growth performance, antioxidants, immunological responses and reducing the stress related indicators as cortisol.

Effect of Additives Inclusion in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.) Diets on Growth, Enzyme Activity, Digestibility and Gut Histology Fed with Vegetable Meals.

The fishmeal replacement by vegetable meals or other alternative sources, without affecting fish performance and productivity, is one of the principal challenges in aquaculture. The use of hydrolyzed porcine mucosa (HPM) and nucleotide (NT) concentrates, as feed additives in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) non-fishmeal diets was assessed in order to determine the possible effects on growth, feed efficiency, protein digestion, and gut histology when these were included in a plant-based diet (HPM 1% and 2%, P1 and P2; NT 250 and 500 ppm, N250 and N500), in comparison with two control diets, AA0 (100% plant-protein-based diet) and FM100 (100% fishmeal-protein-based diet). Diets were assayed in triplicate and the growth assay lasted 134 days. Results showed a significant improvement in all groups in terms of final weight and specific growth rate in comparison with the AA0 group. An improvement in the feed conversion ratio and the protein efficiency ratio was also observed when the additives were included in lower percentages (P1 and N250) compared to the FM100 group. Significant differences were found in hepatosomatic index, villi thickness, and goblet cells. Thus, the inclusion of NT and HPM was tested as beneficial for the improvement of efficiency of plant feed in seabream.

Влияние разных уровней селена в рационе откармливаемого молодняка овец на продуктивность и обмен веществ

The results of studies on 4 groups of fattening rams of the Dagestan mountain breed on the study of selenium supplements in diets deficient in this element are shown. It installed, that the lack of selenium in the feed of young sheep in the south of Dagestan reduces the digestibility of nutrients in diets and the rate of body weight growth. The optimal level of DAFS - 25 additive (15 mg/1 kg) in the feed of 3 - 9 month old rams installed.

Pea crabs (Pinnotheres pisum) colonisation of five commercial bivalve species from southern Portugal

Abstract This study reports the spatial and depth distributions, occurrence and prevalence, infestation rate and intensity of the pea crab Pinnotheres pisum colonising five commercial bivalve species (Chamelea gallina, Donax semistriatus, Donax trunculus, Donax vittatus, and Spisula solida) along the south and southwest coasts of Portugal. In addition, the study also analysed the colonisation pattern, morphometric measurements and relative growth of P. pisum inhabiting those bivalve species. Overall, 33,370 bivalves were analysed, collected in 371 sampling stations at depths ranging from 3 to 25 m. A total of 102 bivalves hosted 106 P. pisum, corresponding to an infestation rate of 0.31%. Besides 13 juveniles, were recorded 60 males and 33 females of P. pisum, corresponding to a male-biased sex ratio (1M: 0.6F). Pea crabs carapace width ranged from 1.3 to 13.5 mm and males were smaller than females (hard females were also smaller than ovigerous soft females). In general, larger and heavier bivalves hosted larger and heavier P. pisum. Pea crabs morphometric relationships presented negative allometries, reflecting slower growth rates in carapace length and total weight compared to carapace width throughout the species ontogeny. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into diverse descriptors of bivalves' colonisation by P. pisum, comparing the main results and trends with analogous information available throughout the species distributional range. Although the current fairly low infestation by P. pisum does not constitute a health concern for these bivalve species, its evolution under a climate change scenario should be periodically monitored in the mid- and long-term.

Effect of dietary honey supplementation on weight growth performance of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

This study aimed to identify the effect of local bee (Apis dorsata) honey as a feed additive on the growth performance of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). The honey was supplemented at 1%, 2%, and 3% per kg diet. The test fish were reared for 35 days in a net placed in a floating-net cage (KJA). The results showed that the dietary honey supplementation affected the absolute weight and specific growth rate (p<0.05). The supplementation of 3% honey per kg diet obtained the highest growth performance compared to other treatments with the weight growth at 42.43 ± 12.78 g, specific growth rate at 1.21 ± 0.37 g/day and survival rate at 100%. The water quality parameters in the rearing tank of test fish were eligible based on the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) of 01-6493.1-2000 about water quality for Asian seabass grow-out rearing.

Effects of supplementing rice straw with two fodder tree leaves and their combinations on voluntary feed intake, growth, and nitrogen utilization in sheep.

Fodder tree leaves (FTL) are limitless nutrient resources that provide high-quality feed, particularly during the dry season, improving animal diets, and reducing the use of concentrates in ruminant livestock farming. In order to determine the benefits of FTL, two experiments were conducted to measure the voluntary feed intake, growth performance, and nitrogen utilization of forest-type (FT) sheep fed rice straw (RS) and supplemented with either Leucaena leucocephala (LEU) or Samanea saman (SAM) or their equal combination (LS). For the growth trial (Experiment 1), 12 male FT sheep with mean initial body weight (BW) of 17.0 ± 1.0 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design. The diets were Urea-treated RS (UTS) (Control), RS + L (LEU), RS + S (SAM), and RS + 50% L + 50% S (LS). After 14 d of adjustment period, feed intakes and refusals were recorded daily, whereas BW was recorded bi-weekly for 12 wk. Four rams weighing 17.0 ± 1.0 kg BW were randomly assigned to the four treatments over a four period in a repeated (4 × 4) Latin square design to estimate the nitrogen (N) balance study (Experiment 2). Treatment diets were the same as that of Experiment 1. Dry matter intake of straw was highest (P = 0.0001) for sheep fed UTS. However, combining L with S increased (P = 0.0001) straw DM intake compared to feeding L or S alone. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in total feed intake between sheep offered UTS and LS, but both were significantly higher (P = 0.0001) than those offered LEU and SAM. Body weight gain (3.70 kg) and growth rate (196.15 g/d) were highest (P = 0.0001) for sheep offered LS compared to the other treatment groups. Values for N balance differed (P = 0.0001) among treatment diets. N balance for LUE and LS supplemented diets were higher than that of SAM but all were higher (P = 0.0001) than those offered UTS. Leucaena and Samanea leaves could, therefore, be utilized as supplement to poor-quality straws to improve the productivity of small ruminants especially during the long dry seasons in the tropics.

Influence of Some Plant Growth Regulators on Quality Attributes of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)

Aims: A trial was conducted to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators on the growth and quality attributes of pineapple fruits.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized completed block design (RBCD) with three replications using 25 plants per replication.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out between 2020 and 2021 at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Aignia, Bhubaneswar, India.&#x0D; Methodology: The application of PGRs i.e. naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and brassinosteroid (BR) was done at the flower initiation stage. Only water application is done in case of control. Fruits were harvested at the ripe stage and an analysis of different growth and quality parameters were done.&#x0D; Results: The application of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and gibberellic acid (GA) significantly improved the yield and quality attributes of pineapple. Application of NAA 200 mgL-1 (T3) was found to be the most effective in enhancing absolute growth rate (2.65 g day-1), fruit weight (1.58 kg), and fruit/crown ratio (6.38). It was also evident that the application of NAA 200 mgL-1 improved fruit quality in terms of soluble solid contents (17.67 oBrix), soluble solid contents to acid ratio (19.49), reducing sugar (3.54%), and total sugar content (12.38%). Higher pulp content (73.89%), pulp-to-peel ratio (3.49), and juice content (54.50%) were also observed with NAA 200 mgL-1.&#x0D; Conclusion: NAA 200 mgL-1 significantly improved fruit growth i.e. fruit weight, fruit-to-crown ratio, and absolute growth rate. It also enhanced the quality attributes of pineapple fruits i.e. pulp content, pulp-to-peel ratio, juice content, pH, soluble solid contents, SSC to acid ratio, reducing sugar, and total sugar content.

Comparison of Production Performance of Striped Catfish Larvae (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Fed With Live And Frozen Daphnia

Daphnia magna as a live feed in the maintenance of striped catfish larvae in the form of frozen feed is still limited. Evaluation of the production performance of striped catfish larvae using live feed D. magna in both live and frozen compared with feeding Tubifex became the objective of this research activity. The experimental design used feed treatment with Tubifex (P1) as a control, live D. magna (P2), and frozen D. magna (P3) with four experimental replications for 15 days of rearing using a completely randomized design. Twelve aquariums with a water volume of 150 L were used in the experiment. Striped catfish larvae (1.5 cm TL), as many as 9 fish/L were stocked in each aerated aquarium. The amount of feed given was 15% of the weight of fish biomass with a frequency of 4 times a day and increased every day by 10% from the total feed of the first day. Results of the experiment showed different feeding significantly affected absolute length growth, total biomass, and feed conversion, with the best treatment being Tubifex (P1) with values of 0.6 ± 0.02 cm, 83.93 ± 5.99 g, and 1.31, respectively. The best growth rate of weight and length were obtained on larvae fed Tubifex (P1). The best protein efficiency and retention ratio resulted from frozen D. magna feed (P3) treatment of 12.45 and 7.11%, respectively. Live and frozen D. magna was not significantly different, so frozen D. magna feed can be used as an alternative natural feed with a high level of availability.

PENGARUH BUBUK DAUN KETAPANG (Terminalia catappa) TERHADAP PERFORMA PERTUMBUHAN IKAN GUPPY (Poecilia reticulata)

Indonesia has biodiversity and one of which is the diversity of ornamental fish species both marine and freshwater. One type of freshwater ornamental fish is quite in demand, namely guppies. This study aimed to analyze the effect of adding tropical almond leaf powder to the growth performance of guppies. This study used an experimental method with the addition of tropical almond leaf powder. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments, namely treatment A (without the addition of tropical almond leaf powder/control), B (tropical almond leaf powder with a dose 0,13 g/L), C (tropical almond leaf powder with a dose 0,26 g/L), D (tropical almond leaf powder with a dose 0,40 g/L), E (tropical almond leaf powder with a dose 0,53 g/L), and each treatment was repeated 3 times. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significant level of 5% with a 95% confidence interval and continued with the Duncan test. The result showed that the addition of tropical almond leaf powder had a significant effect on the parameters of absolute weight growth, specific weight growth rate, absolute length growth, specific length growth rate, feed conversion ratio, bacterial abundance and oxygen consumption level. Yet, it did not have a significant effect on the parameters of the survival rate of guppies. The best dose of tropical almond leaf powder obtained in this study was in treatment C (0,26 g/L).Keywords: Growth Performance, Guppies, Tropical Almond.