EFFECT OF SEAWEED BRAN-BASED CONCENTRATE (GRACILARIA SP.) SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE GROWTH OF LANDRACE PIGS IN FARMS AT SANDING VILLAGE, GIANYAR REGENCY

Abstract

Landrace pigs are one of the livestock commodities that produce animal protein and are widely raised in Bali because of their rapid growth rate. Efforts to improve livestock growth can be achieved by improving feed quality using alternative feed ingredients, such as Gracilaria sp. seaweed, which contains important bioactive compounds and nutrients. This study aimed to determine the effect of Gracilaria sp.-based seaweed bran concentrate supplementation on the growth of landrace pigs on farms located in Sanding Village, Gianyar Regency. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of two groups, namely a control group without concentrate supplementation and a treatment group supplemented with 1 kg of seaweed bran-based concentrate. The formulated concentrate contained 69.7% Gracilaria sp. seaweed bran per kg of feed mixture. A total of 32 male landrace pigs, aged approximately ± 2 months, were maintained for three months. The observed parameters included chest circumference, body length, and body weight, and the data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test with IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26). The results showed that the treatment group had higher average chest circumference (109.05 ± 0.32 cm), body length (112.21 ± 0.30 cm), and body weight (95.31 ± 0.70 kg) than the control group. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, supplementation with the seaweed bran-based concentrate Gracilaria sp. significantly improved the growth of landrace pigs and has the potential to be an effective and economical alternative feed supplement. Further studies are recommended to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of seaweed supplementation on livestock production.