Evaluation Of Dual Culture Solid State Fermentation of Azolla-Rice Bran (ARB) Mix Substrate in Diets for The Freshwater Catfish, Pangasius sp.

Abstract

The aquaculture industry is the fastest growing sector in animal protein production, but is increasingly facing challenges due to rising cost of aquafeed, which significantly impacts overall operational expenses and profitability, making the industry economically unsustainable for many, particularly small-scale farmers. Plant-based proteins have emerged as sustainable and viable alternative for aquafeed ingredient in many aquatic species. However, their application is limited by the presence of high insoluble fibre and antinutritional factors (ANFs), which hinder digestibility and negatively affect animal growth. The study explores the potential application of microbial treated plant-based diets for the freshwater fish, Pangasius sp.