Effect of Protein Level on Growth Performance of Abalone Haliotis Squamata

The effort to find alternative artificial feed for abalone is important to replace the natural feed of seaweed; Gracillaria sp., in order that the quantity and quality of abalone feed does not depend on the season. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of protein in the feed on growth performance of H. squamata abalone, through feeding with different levels of protein; 52%, 43%, 32%, and 22% for three months period. Feed ingredients such as tempe powder, fish meal, shrimp head flour, seaweed extract of Gracillaria sp. This study was conducted using 240 abalones. The size of abalones ranging from 40.5mm to 45.3mm with an average weight of 12.98 g. The 22% and 43% of protein levels had the same specific weight growth values but differed significantly from other protein levels. Protein levels did not show significant differences in shell length growth and survival rate of abalone.