Effects of Feed Enriched with Freshwater Fish Oil on the Nutritional Profile and Growth Performance of Asian Redtail Catfish (Hemibagrus nemurus) Fry

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feed enriched with freshwater fish oil (FFO) on the composition of fatty acids, amino acids, growth performance, survival, and seed yield of Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus nemurus). A total of 1,125 seeds (1.5 mg, 5 mm long) were divided into five groups, each with three replications. Maintenance was carried out in 15 aquariums (15 L of water, 75 seeds per tank) for 40 days. The feed was enriched with 0%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14% FFO, and the seeds were fed as much as they could. The results showed that feed enrichment with FFO significantly affected the composition of fatty acids, amino acids, growth performance, and survival (p<0.05). Proximate analysis showed differences in crude protein and fat in feed, with total n-3 content increasing from 0.42% to 0.72%, and n-9 increasing from 21.96% to 27.3%. Meanwhile, n-6 decreased from 8.73% to 5.17%, and unsaturated fatty acids increased from 52.88% to 64.14%. The EPA content increased from 1.33% to 1.67% in the 14% FFO diet. The total amino acid content increased from 43.69% to 61.67%, with methionine, tyrosine, and leucine as the most abundant essential amino acids. The final body weight and survival rate of fry fed with 10% FFO were 875.27 mg and 82.22%, respectively. In conclusion, among the treatments involving feed enrichment with FFO, the feed enriched with 10% FFO resulted in the highest growth and survival rates of Hemibagrus nemurus fry.