EFFECTIVENESS OF EARTHWORM (LUMBRICUSRUBELLUS) SUBSTITUTION FLOUR IN FEED FORMULATION ON SPECIFIC GROWTH RATE, FEED CONVERSION RATIO AND FEED EFFICIENCY OF NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS)

The production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is quite significant but the unstable quality of feed and the uncertain supply increase the demand of fish flour. The aim of this study is to find out the substitution of fish flour to earthworm (Lumbricusrubellus) flour on specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency of Nile Tilapia. The study was experimental study using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The concentration of worm flour was P0 (0%), P1 (30%), P2 (35%), P3 (40%), and P4 (45%). The parameters observed were specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency. Data analysis used ANOVA. The results show that the addition of worm flour in feed formulations of Nile Tilapia for 45 days could increase specific growth rate, feed efficiency and could reduce feed conversion ratio. The fastest growth rate is in P4 treatment (mean = 2.31%) which was added of 45% worm flour. The lowest feed conversion ratio is in P4 treatment (1.26). The best feed efficiency is P4 treatment (79.06%). The substitution of fish flour into earthworm flour at a dose of 45% in fish rations can be used to increase the specific growth rate and feed efficiency and can reduce the feed conversion ratio.