Aplikasi Daun Kremah (Alternanthera sp.) sebagai Pakan Fungsional dalam Meningkatkan Efisiensi Pencernaan dan Histomorfologi Usus Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of kremah leaf meal (Alternanthera sp.) supplementation in commercial feed on gastric evacuation rate and intestinal villi histology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). A completely randomized design with four treatments and three replicates was applied: control (0%), 2%, 4%, and 6% kremah leaf meal inclusion. A total of 120 fish (7–9 cm) were reared for 28 days. Parameters observed included gastric evacuation rate (GER), intestinal villi length, specific growth rate (SGR), survival rate (SR), and water quality. Results showed that supplementation significantly affected GER and villi length (p<0.05). At week 4, the lowest stomach content weight was recorded in the 6% treatment (0.12 g), indicating faster gastric emptying and improved digestive efficiency. Intestinal villi length increased progressively with higher inclusion levels, reaching the highest value (234.90 µm) at 6%, reflecting enhanced absorptive surface area. The 6% treatment also produced the highest SGR and SR (86.67%), suggesting improved physiological condition and nutrient utilization. Water quality parameters remained within optimal ranges throughout the experiment. In conclusion, supplementation of 6% kremah leaf meal in commercial feed optimally enhanced digestive performance and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia, supporting its potential as a local alternative feed ingredient to improve aquaculture productivity.