Study on the potential of fermented okara (soybean, glycine max, pulp) as alternative protein sources for gourami (trichogaster sp.)

This research aims to study the potential of fermented okara (soybean, Glycine gast as an alternative protein source for Gourami (Trichogaster max, pulp) et sp.) o kara, also known as soybean (Glycine max) pulp, is the insoluble residue that remains from ground soybean after obtaining the soluble protein used to produce tofu or soymilk. Five Gourami (Trichogaster sp.) fishes were stocked into each of the six glass aquariums (three replicates for each treatment). They were fed ad libitum until apparent satiation twice daily for the two treatments, namely Treatment A (commercial fish meal pellet) as the control and Treatment B (fermented okara) for a period of 28 days. The initial and final wet weight of the fishes was recorded at the start and end of the experiment respectively. The amount of feed provided was recorded daily and palatability of the feed was determined. Based on the results obtained, the fishes fed with Treatment A had the highest weight gain (4.827 ± 0.559 g), Mean Daily Weight Gain (MWG) (0.172 ± 0.020) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (3.900 ± 1.113) which were significantly different compared to the fishes fed with Treatment B. However, the fishes fed with Treatment B had higher Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) (28.752 ± 34.628) which was not significantly different compared to the fishes fed with Treatment A. Both treatments recorded a survival rate of 93.33%. Treatments A and B were given palatability scores of 3 and 2 respectively. Based on this study, it can be concluded that fermented okara (soybean, Glycine max, pulp) is a viable alternative protein source for Gourami (Trichogaster sp.). However, further research is needed to determine the appropriate level or percentage of replacement of fish meal with okara for efficient growth and feed utilization.
Key Words: fermented okara (soybean pulp), alternative protein source, Gourami, growth rate, feed conversion.