Penerapan Teknik Suplementasi Herbal pada Pakan untuk Pencegahan Penyakit Ikan Lele: Inisiatif Pengabdian Masyarakat di Pokdakan Patik Ulam Clarias, Gianyar, Bali

Abstract

This community service program implemented herbal supplementation techniques in commercial feed to prevent diseases in catfish at Pokdakan Patik Ulam Clarias, Gianyar, Bali. The collaborative initiative between Mataram University and Warmadewa University addressed key aquaculture challenges - disease outbreaks and high feed costs - by utilizing local herbs (turmeric, ginger, guava leaves) as immunostimulants. The methodology included needs assessment through FGD with 15 farmer group members, development of integrated training modules, and participatory training combining theory, tool demonstration, and hands-on practice in herbal feed formulation with 10-15% substitution. Results showed 90% of participants successfully mastered herb identification, processing (washing, drying, powdering), and feed mixing techniques using egg white-water binder. The program was strengthened by an Implementation Agreement between both universities as a foundation for ongoing collaboration. Evaluation revealed significant improvement in farmers' understanding of active compounds' mechanisms (flavonoids, curcuminoids) in enhancing fish immunity. The program's success aligns with previous research findings on herbal immunostimulants' efficacy. For sustainability, follow-up mentoring is needed to monitor field implementation and economic impact assessment, along with expansion to other farmer groups in Bali-Lombok region. The study demonstrates the potential of herbal supplementation as a sustainable solution for small-scale aquaculture.