Nutritional Growth Enhancement of G4 Transgenic Mutiara Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Broodstock Candidate Using Mixed Feed

Abstract

Transgenic mutiara catfish inserted with an additional gene (CgGH) exhibit faster growth compared to non-transgenic mutiara catfish. This potential for rapid growth also needs to be supported by proper nutrition. This study aimed to determine the optimal feed dosage using a mixture of HI-PROVITE 781 pellets and boiled tuna (Euthynnus affinis) flakes to evaluate growth efficiency and feed cost efficiency in sub-adult size G4 transgenic Mutiara catfish (5 months old) as they approach broodstock size. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of different doses of HI-PROVITE 781: treatment A (2.5%), B (2%), C (1.5%), and D (2.5% as control: non-transgenic mutiara catfish), based on the biomass weight of the test fish. Additionally, 10 g of boiled tuna flakes were added to each treatment for 42 days. The observed parameters included average weight gain (AWG), feed convertion ratio (FCR), and feed cost. The results showed that the best feed mixture of HI-PROVITE 781 pellets and boiled tuna flakes was found in treatment B (2% dose + 10 g), with an average weight gain of 1,515.00 g ± 422.26 g (3.35 times increase); FCR of 1.14 ± 0.11; feed cost of IDR 17,944.32 and the highest net income from feed at IDR 76,905.68.