Potential utilization of kombucha as a feed supplement in diets on growth performance and feed efficiency of catfish (Clarias sp.)

Kombucha is a tea beverage obtained from the fermentation of sugared tea by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha is known to have many beneficial effects in health due to its chemical content and a high source of acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria and yeast. This study aimed to investigate the effect of kombucha supplementation in feed on growth performance and feed efficiency of catfish (Clarias sp.). Four hundred fish were distributed randomly into five feeding treatment groups includes a basal diet (control) and kombucha supplementation in the fish diet at 4 mL, 6 mL, 8 mL, and 10 mL/kg of feed. The feed was administered for 30 days. Results showed that the administration of kombucha in feed significantly improved the growth performance of catfish (P<0.05). Fish fed with kombucha supplementation at 8 mL produced the highest weight gain, absolute growth rate, and specific growth rate. Feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency ratio were significantly enhanced in the administration of 8 mL kombucha in a fish diet compared to the control diet. This study indicated that administration of kombucha in fish diet had a potential for enhancing the growth performance and feed efficiency of catfish (Clarias sp.)