The effect of various doses of vitomolt as a feed additive on meat quality and feed nutrient retention in mud crab fattening

Vitomolt is a feed additive in fattening mud crabs (Scylla olivaceae). The study aimed to determine the best dose of vitomolt for meat quality and nutrient retention for fattening Scylla olivaceae. It was conducted at the Educational Farm of Universitas Hasanuddin, Barru Regency, Indonesia. The treatments were various doses of vitomolt in the feed, which 0, 200, 400, 600 mg kg−1 of feed. Rearing was held for 60 days and fed 5% body weight daily. The analysis showed that the dose of vitomolt in the feed affected the percentage of meat carcass weight, fat content, fat retention, and crab energy retention. However, it did not affect protein content, crude fiber, Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE), ash content, and crab protein retention. The best percentage of meat carcass weight at a dose of vitomolt 400 mg kg−1 and same from a dose of 200 mg kg−1, while the best fat content, fat retention, and energy at a vitomolt dose of 600 mg kg−1 and different from a dose of 400 and 200 mg kg−1, but different from the control. Vitomolt with a 200 mg kg−1 of feed is the best dose to produce the highest meat quality and nutrient retention in fattening crabs.