Utilization of Fermented Mangrove Propagules (Rhizophora mucronata) as Feeding Material for Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The research was carried out at the Laboratory of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran for culture and observation of fish and at the Poultry Nutrition Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University on the fermentation process and the manufacture of test feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal percentage of Aspergillus niger fermented mangrove propagules meal in artificial feeding on the growth rate of nile tilapia. Tilapia fry used were 5-7 cm in size with an average weight of 4.97 ± 0.2 g. The study used a Completely Random Design (CRD) with five treatments and three repetition. Feeding is formulated on the percentage of fermented mangrove propagules meal use, that is 0; 2,5; 5; 7.5; and 10%. The main parameters observed were nutritional quality of fermented products, daily growth rate, feeding efficiency and survival. The data obtained were analyzed using F Test and continued with Duncan's Test if there were differences between treatments. The results showed that the addition of mangrove propagules fermented about 10% level. It gives results that there is no difference between the daily growth rate, feeding efficiency and survival whic is the same as those in tilapia. This is shows that mangrove propagulees can be used in fish feeding without causing negative effects on the growth of nile tilapia fry.