Application and Evaluation of Bacillus Sp. as Feed Additive for Vaname Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Reared in Floating Net Cages

Abstract

Vaname shrimp (Litopanaeus vannamei) is one of the shrimp species introduced to Indonesia. This shrimp has now become a major commodity with growing domestic and international market demand. This increase is still below global demand, so the use of marine areas for vaname shrimp farming has great potential, namely through the use of floating net cages. This study aims to analyze the effect of adding Bacillus sp. probiotic to feed on the growth and survival rate of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). This study was conducted from August to September 2025 in Ekas Bay, Ekas Buana Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The research method used was an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD), with 5 treatmentsds, namely without probiotic bacteria administration (A), administration of Bacillus sp. probiotics at 1.5 g/kg of feed (B), administration of Bacillus sp. probiotics at 3.0 g/kg feed (C), administration of Bacillus sp. probiotic 4.5 g/kg feed (D), and administration of Bacillus sp. probiotic 6.0 g/kg feed (E). Vaname shrimp were raised in 1x1x1m floating net cages at a density of 50 shrimp/1m3 for 56 days. The parameters observed in this study included weight and length growth, survival rate, and blood profile. The results showed that the addition of Bacillus sp. probiotic bacteria to the feed had a significant effect (P<0.05) on absolute growth, specific growth rate, and survival rate, while it had no significant effect on blood profile. The administration of Bacillus sp. probiotics at 6.0 g/kg of feed resulted in the highest values for absolute weight growth (10.00±0.08 g), absolute length growth (6.85±0.07 cm), specific growth rate (3.17±0.07 %/h), and survival rate (85.33±5.03 %). The addition of Bacillus sp. probiotics has been proven to increase the growth and survival rate of vaname shrimp in floating net cages. A dosage of 6.0 g/kg of feed can be considered the optimal dosage for cultivation in the field.