Effect of various local natural ingredients fortified in fish feed on the gonad histology and water quality of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The addition of natural ingredients fortified in fish feed was developed to enhance good formulation engineering. Currently, there is a need to improve follow-up research strategies for designed feed formulations using natural ingredients in tilapia farming. It is hoped that a sustainable and eco-friendly fish farming system will be improved. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local natural ingredients fortified in fish feed on the gonad histology and water quality of tilapia (O. niloticus). Following these results, the histology test of tilapia showed that more than 50% of the gonad tended to be male in all treatments. This showed that the use of natural ingredients in the appropriate dosage in feed would affect the masculinization of tilapia. Furthermore, the specific growth rate (SGR) with the addition of natural ingredients to the feed showed results comparable to that of synthetic hormones. It can be concluded that the use of natural ingredients such as honey, cow testes, and Tribulus fortified in fish feed revealed a positive effect on the masculinization of tilapia and water quality levels in the fish farming system.