Effect of tuna waste-based feed on gourami growth and protein digestibility

Gourami (Osphronemus gourami) have a relatively slow growth rate compare to other freshwater fish. One approach to deal with the feed problem is utilization of locally available raw materials as alternative protein source that are both accessible and good quality. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of tuna (Euthynnus affinis) waste-based pellets on the growth performance and digestibility of gourami. This experiment was conducted in 2024 at the Fish Breeding and Hatchery Laboratory, Faculty of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was applied, consisting of five treatments (different concentration of tuna waste flour) with four replications. The treatments were TWF1 (0%) control, TWF2 (35%), TWF3 (40%), TWF4 (45%) and TWF5 (50%). The results showed that the addition of tuna waste flour in diet had a significantly effect (P<0.05) on absolute weight, specific growth rate, and survival rate of gourami with the highest observed in treatment TWF4 (45%), namely 3.68 g, 1.30 %/day, and 90% respectively. However, no significant effect (P>0.05) was observed on feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, the protein digestibility of gourami exceeded 90%. In conclusion, tuna waste-based feed provides high nutritional value and positively supports the growth performance and digestibility of gourami.