Physical properties of fish pellet from banana peel waste supplemented with trichanthera gigantea leaves

As a rapidly expanding industry, aquaculture faces challenges securing environmentally friendly and cost-effective feed sources. In pursuing sustainable alternatives for aquafeed production, this research delves into the physical properties of fish pellets formulated using banana peel waste supplemented with Trichanthera gigantea leaves. Four different formulations of fish pellets were prepared by adding different ratios of Trichanthera gigantea leaves and banana peel waste into a mixture of mealworms, tapioca, palm oil, and water. The physical properties of the formulated fish pellet were evaluated: size, swelling, floating, and leaching. Results show that the best fish feed formulation is F2 (Formulation 2) because it obtains ideal swelling and floating ability properties. This formulation has more starch and suitable oil content to float. It is ideal for covering the pellet in a hydrophobic barrier that decreases the ability to take water from the surroundings. The F2 (Formulation 2) also indicates that the formulation is highly stable and can resist quick degradation. Further study can be conducted on the chemical properties of this fish pellet to prepare this formulation for future commercialization.