Hormone-Enriched Culture of Chlorella sp. as a Practical Strategy to Improve the Nutritional Quality and Survival of Artemia

Abstract

Artemia sp. is widely used as a live feed in the larval culture of both marine and freshwater species. Inconsistent nutritional content can be overcome by enriching microalgae. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and quality of local microalgae as a source of enrichment to improve the quality of Artemia. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The microalgae used were a collection of isolates from the Fisheries Biology Laboratory, UBT. The research procedure consisted of 1) identification of microalgae based on cell morphology using a Labomed LX400 microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), 2) microalgae culture with the addition of IAA (auxin), BAP (cytokinin), and a combination of both hormones, and 3) Artemia enrichment with cultured microalgae with soaking times of 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test. The results showed that single treatment or a combination of IAA and BAP had no significant effect on cell density, protein, and carbohydrate content of microalgae, but lipid content increased significantly with IAA + BAP treatment. Enrichment with Chlorella sp. s significantly increased protein, carbohydrate, lipid content, and the survival rate of Artemia increased by 33.42% after 12 h of soaking.