Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan Volume 19. Nomor 2. Desember 2024: 128-135 https://jurnal. univpgri-palembang. id/index. php/ikan PENGARUH SUPLEMENTASI SODIUM BUTIRAT TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN IKAN NILA (Oreochromis sp. The Effect of Sodium Butyrate Supplementation in Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis sp. Nurul Fatimah1*. Aldi Huda Verdian2. Rio Yusufi Subhan1. Linuwih Aluh Prastiti2. Arif Faisal Siburian3 Department of Fish Hatchery Technology. Politeknik Negeri Lampung. Indonesia Department of Aquaculture. Politeknik Negeri Lampung. Lampung. Indonesia PT. Behn Meyer. Tangerang Selatan. Indonesia *Corresponding author: nurulfatimah@polinela. ABSTRAK Budidaya ikan nila (Oreochromis sp. ) kerap menghadapi tantangan, terutama dalam sistem pemeliharaan intensif, di mana efisiensi pakan yang rendah berdampak negatif pada pertumbuhan ikan. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan solusi untuk meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan efisiensi pakan. Salah satu pendekatan yang dapat dilakukan adalah suplementasi asam butirat dalam pakan. Manfaat suplementasi asam butirat terhadap kinerja pertumbuhan dan kesehatan saluran pencernaan pada mamalia dan unggas telah banyak dilaporkan. Namun, informasi mengenai efeknya pada ikan nila masih terbatas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi efek dan menentukan dosis optimal produk sodium butirat mikroenkapsulasi . %) terhadap kinerja pertumbuhan ikan nila. Percobaan dilakukan selama 75 hari untuk mengukur parameter kinerja produksi. Pakan diberikan tiga kali sehari sebanyak 3-5% dari bobot tubuh per hari menggunakan pakan komersial dengan kandungan protein 25-30%. Sodium butirat . %) ditambahkan ke pakan pada kolam perlakuan dengan dosis 0% . g/kg paka. , 0,1% . g/kg paka. , 0,2% . g/kg paka. , dan 0,3% . g/kg paka. , dengan tambahan minyak sebagai perekat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa suplementasi sodium butirat . %) dalam pakan meningkatkan kinerja pertumbuhan ikan nila, dengan hasil terbaik diperoleh pada dosis 2 g/kg pakan. Kata kunci: Ikan Nila. Pertumbuhan. Sodium Butirat. Suplementasi. ABSTRACT Cultivation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis sp. ) often encounters challenges, particularly in intensive farming systems, where low feed efficiency adversely affects growth Therefore, solutions to enhance both growth and feed efficiency are required. One promising approach is the supplementation of butyric acid in feed. The benefits of butyric acid supplementation on growth performance and gut health in mammals and poultry have been well-documented. However, information on its effects on Nile tilapia remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and determine the optimal dose of a microencapsulated sodium butyrate . %) product on the production performance of Nile The experiment was conducted over 75 days to assess production performance Feeding was carried out three times daily at 3-5% of body weight per day with commercial feed containing 25-30% protein. Sodium butyrate . %) was added to the feed in the treatment ponds at doses of 0% . g/kg fee. , 0. 1% . g/kg fee. , 0. 2% . g/kg fee. , 3% . g/kg fee. , with additional oil used as a binder. The results showed that e-ISSN 2620-4622 p-ISSN 1693-6442 Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 supplementation of 30% sodium butyrate to the feed improved the growth performance of Nile tilapia, with the best results observed at a dose of 2 g/kg feed. Keywords: Growth Performance. Nile Tilapia. Sodium Butyrate. Supplementation. INTRODUCTION Nile tilapia (Oreochromis sp. ) is one of the most widely cultivated fish species globally, valued for its adaptability, rapid growth, and high market demand. However, intensive aquaculture systems often face challenges such as suboptimal feed utilization and poor gut health, which can negatively affect fish growth and overall production In such systems, feed constitutes 60-70% of total production costs, emphasizing the need for strategies to optimize feed efficiency (Sugiharto et , 2. One promising approach to addressing these challenges is the use of functional feed additives, such as sodium butyrate, a derivative of butyric acid. Butyric acid has been extensively studied for its benefits in enhancing gut health, improving nutrient absorption, and modulating immune responses in various animal species, including poultry and livestock (Hoseinifar et al. , 2. Despite its proven efficacy in these fields, its application in aquaculture, particularly for Nile tilapia, remains underexplored. Sodium butyrate, as a short-chain fatty acid, serves as an energy source for intestinal epithelial cells and promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria. This results in improved gut integrity, enhanced digestion, and better nutrient uptake (Wang et al. , 2. Previous studies on other fish species, such as common carp and grass carp, have shown that sodium butyrate supplementation can enhance growth performance, feed conversion ratios, and immune responses (Tian et al. , 2. In the context of Nile tilapia, a species characterized by its tolerance to diverse environmental conditions, the potential benefits of sodium butyrate This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate on growth performance, survival rates, and feed efficiency in Nile tilapia. Additionally, it seeks to determine the optimal dosage of sodium butyrate that maximizes these parameters without causing adverse effects or economic The findings of this study have implications for sustainable aquaculture practices. By improving feed utilization and promoting fish health, sodium butyrate supplementation could reduce production costs and enhance the profitability of Nile tilapia farming. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on functional feed additives and their role in advancing aquaculture Aquaculture systems today are becoming increasingly reliant on innovations to meet global demand for environmental sustainability. As such, functional feed additives like sodium butyrate provide a dual advantage: improving the efficiency of nutrient utilization and supporting fish health. These benefits are particularly valuable in intensive aquaculture settings where fish are exposed to greater stressors, such as high stocking densities and variable water quality (Hoseinifar et al. , 2. The role of sodium butyrate in aquafeeds also extends to its antimicrobial properties. reducing pathogenic bacteria in the gut, sodium butyrate enhances the resilience of fish to infections, thereby contributing to higher survival rates. Such properties make it a suitable candidate for replacing or reducing antibiotic usage in aquacultureAia critical step toward Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 sustainable and responsible farming practices (Wang et al. , 2. The application of sodium butyrate is not without its challenges. Factors such as the encapsulation process, dosage optimization, and integration with existing feed formulations must be carefully considered. Encapsulation helps ensure the stability of sodium butyrate during feed processing and delivery to the gut, where it exerts its beneficial effects (Zahran et al. , 2. However, the cost of encapsulated additives can be a limiting particularly in regions where aquaculture margins are slim. Furthermore, the interaction of sodium butyrate with other feed additives, such as probiotics and prebiotics, represents an area of growing Studies suggest that combining sodium butyrate with these additives can result in synergistic effects, enhancing gut health and overall fish performance more effectively than using single additives This opens new avenues for research into multi-functional feed strategies (Xu et al. , 2. Climate change and its impact on aquaculture practices further underscore the need for resilient feed solutions. Rising temperatures and changing water quality parameters can affect fish metabolism and immune function. Sodium butyrate, with its role in supporting gut integrity and immune responses, can be a valuable tool for mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stressors on aquaculture species (Yang et al. , 2. In addition to its biological benefits, sodium butyrate offers economic advantages by improving feed conversion ratios (FCR). Even marginal improvements in FCR can lead to significant cost savings, given the high proportion of feed costs in aquaculture This economic aspect makes sodium butyrate an attractive option for producers seeking to enhance profitability while maintaining sustainable practices (Kim et al. , 2. Future research should aim to address the long-term effects of sodium butyrate supplementation under different aquaculture conditions, including varying water quality, stocking densities, and feed Additionally, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed benefits of sodium butyrate can provide deeper insights into its mode of action and potential for broader application (Lin et , 2. As aquaculture continues to expand, innovations in feed technology will play a pivotal role in meeting global seafood demand. Sodium butyrate, as a versatile and effective feed additive, has the potential to address key challenges in aquaculture while supporting the industry's transition toward more sustainable practices. By exploring its full potential, researchers and producers can unlock new opportunities for enhancing fish health, growth, and overall production METHODS Nile tilapia (Oreochromis sp. fingerlings were used, and the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments, each replicated three The treatments included: Control (K), with no butyric acid supplementation. Treatment A . g/kg fee. Treatment B . g/kg fee. and Treatment C . g/kg fee. Fish were stocked in outdoor ponds . mA) at a density of 300 fish per pound and fed three times daily using commercial feed -30% microencapsulated sodium butyrate. Growth performance, including weight gain, survival rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) was measured every 15 days. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a 95% confidence level, and DuncanAos test was performed to identify significant Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 Descriptive analysis was used for water quality parameters and nonsignificant growth differences. clearly and in detail. The statements on the results can be based on a method that has been done or presented in the form of texts and figures. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results should be presented 225,06a 226,85a 219,95b 215,00b 188,12 187,55 180,07 172,28 Day of Culture 145,23 139,86 132,97 128,82 0,00 2g/kg feed 67,51 64,53 59,67 56,62a 3g/kg feed 98,23 90,40 88,31 85,95 27,72 27,51 27,77 27,73 50,00 1g/kg feed Control 100,00 150,00 200,00 250,00 Weight . Figure 1. Graphic of Mean Body Weight. Different superscript letters in the same row indicate a significant difference (P<0. The treatment group with the highest sodium butyrate supplementation level . g/kg fee. exhibited the greatest mean body weight . ,06 . by the end of the experiment. While there were improvements in mean body weight (MBW) across treatments, no statistically significant differences were observed in growth rates between the control and treatment groups (P > 0. This suggests that sodium butyrate supplementation did studyAos However, the trend indicates that higher supplementation levels may positively influence growth, as evidenced by the gradual increase in MBW with higher sodium butyrate concentrations. These findings align with previous studies indicating that butyric acid can enhance feed efficiency by improving gut health, potentially leading to better nutrient absorption and lower feed conversion ratios (Tian et al. , 2. Sodium butyrate, as a form of protected butyric acid, is known for its vital role in improving the integrity of the intestinal tract in fish. Butyric acid has been shown to stimulate the growth of intestinal villi and increase digestive enzyme activity, thereby maximizing nutrient absorption (Dehler et , 2017. Hoseinifar et al. , 2. Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 100,00 90,00 80,00a 80,00a 81,00a 80,00a Control 1g/kg feed 2 g/kg feed 3 g/kg feed Survival rate (%) 80,00 70,00 60,00 50,00 40,00 30,00 20,00 10,00 0,00 Figure 2. Graphic of Survival Rate. Different superscript letters in the same row indicate a significant difference (P<0. Concurrently, the survival rate (SR) analysis revealed a slight improvement with increased butyric acid supplementation, with the highest SR of 2% in the group receiving 2 g/kg feed, closely followed by the 3 g/kg feed group 0%, consistent with Tian et al. , who found that sodium butyrate enhances immune responses and resilience to environmental stress in cultured fish. Lower SR values were observed in the control and 1 g/kg feed groups, both near 80%. Although these differences were minor and not statistically significant, they support findings from other research suggesting that butyric acid supplementation can enhance health and survival in aquaculture species through improved gut health and immune function (Hoseinifar et al. , 2. In their study. Hoseinifar et al. noted that butyric acid promotes gut integrity and reduces pathogenic bacteria, contributing to increased survival rates in The marginal increase in survival rate may be attributed to butyric acidAos role in enhancing gut integrity and modulating immune responses. Studies have shown that butyric acid strengthens the intestinal barrier and promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria, which can lead to reduced mortality (Dehler et al. , 2. This is particularly relevant for aquatic species like Nile tilapia, where improved gut health can enhance resilience to environmental Furthermore. Dehler et al. found that butyric acid supplementation led to improved health and growth performance in species such as common carp and rainbow trout, highlighting the potential benefits of butyric acid across various aquaculture Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 2,00 1,80 1,67a 1,48b 1,60 1,39b 1,40 1,31b 1,20 1,00 0,80 0,60 0,40 0,20 0,00 Control 1 g/kg 2 g/kg 3 g/kg Treatment Figure 3. Graphic of FCR. Note: Different superscript letters in the same row indicate a significant difference (P<0. The marginal improvement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is consistent with previous studies demonstrating that butyric acid improves feed utilization by optimizing gut microbiota. This reduction in pathogenic microorganisms facilitates better nutrient absorption and overall digestive health (Yan et al. , 2. similar trend was observed in turbot (Scophthalmus maximu. , where sodium intestinal health and growth performance without yielding statistically significant differences (Wang et al. , 2. The performance between treatment groups suggest that environmental factors, such as water quality, temperature, and stocking density, may have influenced the These factors are critical in aquaculture and can modify the efficacy of feed additives like sodium butyrate. Studies on similar aquaculture species have emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal rearing conditions to maximize the benefits of dietary supplements (Sugiharto et al. , 2020. Zahran et al. , 2. Furthermore, underline the importance of determining the optimal dosage of sodium butyrate. While 2 g/kg feed proved most effective, higher doses . , 3 g/k. did not significantly enhance performance and may lead to diminishing returns or unnecessary economic costs. This phenomenon has been observed in other aquaculture studies, where exceeding optimal levels of feed additives resulted in metabolic inefficiencies or increased production costs (Gao et al. , 2021. Kim et , 2. Additionally, the role of sodium butyrate in modulating the immune response and gut integrity warrants further It has been suggested that combining sodium butyrate with other functional feed additives, such as probiotics and prebiotics, could produce synergistic effects, leading to enhanced resistance (Xu et al. , 2021. Yang et al. Future studies could investigate such combinations to optimize aquafeeds for Nile tilapia and other species. The economic viability of sodium butyrate supplementation is another critical aspect. Cost-benefit analyses are essential for determining whether the observed improvements in growth performance and feed efficiency justify the added expense. In commercial aquaculture, where feed constitutes a significant portion of production costs. Pengaruh Suplementasi Sodium Butirat Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila. Nurul Fatimah et al. Jurnal Ilmu-ilmu Perikanan dan Budidaya Perairan. Vol. Desember 2024:128-135 even marginal improvements in FCR can translate to substantial economic savings (Kim et al. , 2020. Sun et al. , 2. Lastly, extending the duration of feeding trials and incorporating a broader range of environmental conditions could provide deeper insights into the long-term Such research would recommendations for its use across different aquaculture systems, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and profitability of Nile tilapia farming (Zhao et al. , 2021. Lin et al. , 2. %) at a dosage of 2 g/kg feed . can significantly improve feed efficiency and production performance. Specifically, this dosage was found to reduce FCR and increase EPP, highlighting its potential as an economically viable strategy for improving the efficiency of Nile tilapia Further studies are needed to explore the long-term benefits and optimal conditions for using sodium butyrate in aquaculture, but the findings suggest a production costs while maintaining or enhancing growth rates. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that supplementing Nile tilapia diets with ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors would like to thank DIPA POLINELA 2024 for funding this study. REFERENCES