Effect of Betaine Hydrochloride as an Attractant on Feed Consumption, Growth Performance, and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Ornate Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus ornatus)

The addition of attractant is highly essential to increase feed consumption and growth of ornate spiny lobsters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of betaine hydrochloride (BeHCl) as an attractant on feed consumption, growth, and enzyme activity of ornate spiny lobsters. Four types of feed containing 0, 1, 3, and 5% BeHCl were prepared and designed as test Feed A, B, C, and D, respectively. A total of 36 juvenile ornate spiny lobsters were distributed into 12 plastic tanks (three juveniles/tank) with a size of 61 × 43 × 38cm³ and were reared in a recirculating system for a 50-day period. Lobsters were fed twice daily at 09.00 am and 05.00 pm at a dose of 3% of their biomass weight. The results showed that lobsters fed diets containing BeHCl exhibited higher feed consumption levels than those fed diets without attractant supplementation. Incorporating 3% BeHCl in feed resulted in the highest feed consumption, feed efficiency, and growth performance. Statistical analysis indicated that the activity of digestive enzymes, including amylase, protease, and lipase, in ornate spiny lobsters did not differ significantly among the different BeHCl doses. However, a tendency was observed associated with an increased digestive enzyme activity with higher BeHCl doses. In conclusion, supplementing diet with 3% BeHCl in feed can enhance feed consumption, growth, and digestive enzyme activity of ornate spiny lobsters.