Effects of ant-nest plant (Myrmecodia pendens) bulb extract on histology of intestinal, liver and proximate fillet of Sangkuriang catfish (Clarias gariepinus Var)

Myrmecodia pendens bulb extract (MPBE) contains phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins and saponins that potential can be used as an additional fish feed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of MBPE to fish feed on the growth performance, intestine and liver histology, and proximate content of catfish (Clarias gariepinus Var) fillets. Fishes (initial weight 15 g) were randomly divided into several groups of triplicates, containing 20 fishes per group. The group one (K) is a control, while groups P1, P2, P3, dan P4 with the addition of 0.5; 1; 2; and 3 g/kg M. pendens bulb extract. Fishes were fed MPBE in the diet for 90 days and at the end of treatment fish growth was measured. Meanwhile, intestine and liver were taken out for histological analysis. The results showed, fish fed 3 g/kg MPBE had higher growth performance (p<0,05) than other groups. However, villi and depth of crypt intestine the fish fed MPBE was shorter than control group. The liver of the fish fed MPBE also showed significant effect on the histology of liver. Furthermore, the addition of MPBE to fish showed a better result of fillet proximate analysis compared to control