The Effectiveness of Turmeric and Maggot Enriched Pellets to Improve Growth and Survival of Osphronemus goramy

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant properties. Maggot meal, derived from the larvae of Hermetia illucens, is a high-protein ingredient rich in essential fatty acids and minerals. This study was conducted from March to July 2024 at the Laboratory of Fish Parasites and Diseases, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Riau University, Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The objective was to evaluate the effects of turmeric- and maggot-enriched feed on the growth and survival of Osphronemus goramy infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. The experiment followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of a negative control (CN), in which fish received no maggot-enriched feed and were not infected with A. hydrophila; a positive control (CP), in which fish received no maggot-enriched feed but were infected with A. hydrophila; and three experimental groups fed with maggot-enriched diets at levels of 20g/ kg (T1), 30g/ kg (T2), and 40g/ kg (T3). A single dose of turmeric at 0.7g/ kg feed was applied to all treatment groups. The results showed that turmeric- and maggot-enriched feed significantly improved fish survival, immunity, and growth, even under pathogen challenge. The T2 group, which received 30g/ kg maggot meal combined with 0.7g/ kg turmeric, exhibited the best performance, with the highest survival rate (93.33%) and optimal growth. In contrast, the positive control group showed the lowest survival rate (36.67%) and developed severe clinical symptoms, including ulcerated lesions. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that feed enriched with turmeric and maggot meal is effective in enhancing gourami resistance to A. hydrophila infection by reducing clinical symptoms and accelerating wound healing.