EFFECTS OF DIETARY PROBIOTIC Bacillus NP5 ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCES OF CATFISH (Clarias sp.)

Probiotic have long been applied to aquaculture and produce positive effects on fish and shrimp. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic Bacillus NP5 to promote the growth of catfish (Clarias sp.). Five doses Bacillus NP5 with 3 replicates, namely 0% probiotic (control), 0.5 % probiotic, 1% probiotic, 1.5% probiotic and 2% probiotic (g/100 g feed) were used. The result showed that application of probiotic in catfish feed can promote better growth performance compared to control. Total digestibility and protease enzyme activites were significantly highest in 1% probiotic. The value of specific growth rate showed in 1% probiotic (2.67±0.18% day^-1), followed by 2% probiotic (2.63±0.02% day^-1), 1.5% probiotic (2.42±0.07% day^-1), 0.5% probiotic (2.29±0.14% day^-1) and control (1.60±0.01% day^-1). The addition of 1% Bacillus NP5 as probiotic in catfish feed showed the best result on protease enzyme activities, protein digestibility, total digestibility, final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain, feed efficiency and, the protein efficiency ratio than other probiotic doses.