OPTIMIZATION OF FEEDING STRATEGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN SHORT-CYCLE BARRAMUNDI (Lates calcarifer) GROW-OUT USING COMMERCIAL DIETS

Abstract

The integration of feeding strategies, monitoring systems, and environmental assessments within short-cycle aquaculture systems is crucial for achieving optimal productivity and sustainability in coastal ecosystems. However, very few studies have been conducted on the interplay of these factors within shorter production cycles. The current study aimed to investigate the growth performance, feed efficiency, and survival rate of Lates calcarifer cultured for 30 days in offshore floating net cages under an at-satiation feeding strategy supplemented with probiotics and multivitamins. Observational data were collected from field trials conducted at Balai Besar Perikanan Budidaya Laut (BBPBL) in Lampung, Indonesia. Fish were administered feed bi-weekly, while essential water quality parameters were recorded weekly. Key findings included a specific growth rate of 1.4% per day, absolute weight gain of 36.8 g, a feed conversion ratio of 1.4, and an average survival rate of 82.8%. Throughout the study period, water quality parameters remained optimal. These results suggest that short-cycle barramundi farming facilitates efficient and sustainable production when combined with adaptive feeding schedules informed by consistent environmental monitoring. This research offers practical recommendations for small-scale marine aquaculture enterprises, highlighting the importance of advanced precision feeding frameworks and digital technologies in coastal aquafarming regions.