The effectiveness combination of maggot (Hermetia illucens) flour with commercial feed on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a freshwater fish commodity that has high economic value. One way to increase tilapia production is to conduct intensive culture efforts by providing artificial feed. However, an important problem in tilapia farming is the high price of commercial feed. One way to reduce the cost of producing expensive commercial feed is by utilizing alternative raw materials that are easily available. Maggot flour is an alternative raw material that has high nutritional value ranging from 30-45% at a cheaper price. This study aims to determine the addition of maggot flour to commercial feed can increase the growth rate and feed efficiency, and reduce the feed conversion ratio of tilapia. The method was experimental with a completely randomized design (CRD) as an experimental design. This research used five treatments and four repetitions consisting of P0 (0%), P1 (24%), P2 (49%), P3 (74%) and P4 (94%). The results showed that the addition of maggot flour to commercial feed had no effect (p> 0.05) on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency of tilapia. The concentration of adding maggot flour which can produce values of growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and feed efficiency of tilapia is 24%.