Utilization of Lemna minor sp. as a source of vegetable protein in fish feed for the growth and survival of tilapia (Oreochromus niloticus sp.)

Background: Fish feed is a key factor in the success of tilapia cultivation. Making fish feed requires various ingredients, one of which is plant-based protein. This research utilizes Lemna minor flour as the raw material for fish feed. Materials and Methods: This study employs an experimental approach to ascertain the impact of ingredients on the nutritional content of fish meal formulated in pellet feed. This study design used a Completely Randomized Design with 3 treatments and 1 control (K), namely commercial feed and 3 replications. The treatments tested were treatment K (commercial feed); treatment A 18% Lemna minor, 78% commercial feed, and 4% tapioca flour; treatment B 20% Lemna minor, 76% commercial feed, and 4% tapioca flour; and treatment C 22% Lemna minor, 74% commercial feed, and 4% tapioca flour. The feed was applied to tilapia fry. The parameters tested consisted of absolute weight growth, absolute length growth, specific growth, FCR, and water quality parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: The results of the study showed that the treatment had no effect on absolute weight growth, absolute length growth, specific growth, and survival rate. Meanwhile, the FCR showed that the treatment that had an effect was treatment A. Furthermore, water quality analysis showed that all water quality parameters analyzed were still in accordance with the life of tilapia. Conclusions: Using Lemna minor as a plant-based protein source can improve the growth and survival of tilapia fry. It also improves feed efficiency, particularly in terms of FCR. Feed made with Lemna minor also does not harm water quality for tilapia cultivation.