Mengoptimalkan Formulasi Pakan Ikan: Meningkatkan Kandungan Protein Dengan Media Ikan ‘Sapu-Sapu’ Sebagai Bahan Baku Industri Perikanan

Abstract

The decrease in production and the rise in the price of protein feed have increased costs and financial pressure on fish farmers. Data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries shows production costs have risen by 2.13%. This research aims to provide an alternative to high-protein feed by using suckermouth catfish as an ingredient. The study uses a Research and Development approach with a 4-D model (define, design, develop, disseminate). The sample includes two catfish per participant. Data was collected through monitoring, questionnaires, and expert reviews, using a four-point Likert scale. Results indicate 60% of volunteers observed increased fish growth, 66.7% stated fish health was very good, and 53.3% reported increased feed consumption. However, 66.7% of volunteers rated water quality as poor. Despite this, 60% rated the physical and nutritional quality of the alternative feed as good, and 53.3% rated the benefits and cost as very good. In conclusion, using suckermouth catfish as an alternative feed ingredient can reduce feed costs and improve catfish growth and health, though water quality management needs improvement. These findings offer hope for fish farmers to tackle rising feed prices with a more affordable and sustainable solution.