




































 

 

 
7 

† Corresponding author 
© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

MONOSEX BARB (OSTEOCHILUS HASSELTI ) CULTURE WITH REDUCTION FEED 
ON ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND COST REDUCTION AT NET CAGE IN CIRATA 
RESERVOIR 

 

Rita Rostika1† --- Achmad Rizal2 --- Dewanti3 
1Aquaculture Department, Fisheries Study Programe, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Padjadjaran University, Kabupaten Sumedang  Indonesia 
2Social  Economic Department, Fisheries Study Programe, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Padjadjaran University, Kabupaten Sumedang  
Indonesia 
3Aquatic Resource Management Department, Fisheries Study Programe, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Padjadjaran University, Kabupaten 
Sumedang  Indonesia 

 

ABSTRACT 

One of the consequences of intensive floating net cage fish farming is that it needs large amounts of manufactured feeds for the 

consumption of all the primary freshwater species reared. However, in trophic-level-based fish cultures, the population of fish 

that feed on plankton, periphyton, and detritus is larger than that of high-trophic-level carnivorous fish. This research aims to 

discover the ability of barb (Osteochilus hasselti) as a water purifier biological agent in Cirata Reservoir by find the Average 

daily Gains of the fish, Efficiency and Cost Reduction in production. The experiment ranges from September to November 2014 

at Cirata Reservoir’s Floating Net Cage, starting by acknowledging the genus and the number of periphyton from week 1 to 

week 6. To analyze Growth Rate (GR),  a Complete Randomized Design is used by applying five treatments, namely 

Treatment A: not fed (control), Treatment B: feeding level 1% of the fish’s weight, Treatment C: feeding level 2%, Treatment 

D: feeding level 3%, and Treatment E: feeding level 4%. The data are then collected in Variant Analysis; if a significant 

difference is found, it is proceeded to F Duncan Test. The economic parameter are Efficiency and Cost Reduction in production. 

The results show that there are 20 kinds of periphyton from phytoplankton genus. Twenty types of periphyton of the 

phytoplankton were of Bacilloriophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophiceae classes. As for periphyton of the zooplankton genera, 

it consisted of Euglenoidea, Rhizopoda, and Rotifer classes. The number of periphyton is not different among the treatments, the 

GR is not significantly different for every treatment. We found that increased efficiency in the treatment of A (not feed) and 

decreased production costs as 3 %. 

Keywords: Osteochilus hasselti, Net cage cirata reservoir, Growth rate, Water Purifier, Efficiency and cost reduction in production. 

 

Received: 2 November 2016/ Revised: 20 December 2016/ Accepted: 4 January 2017/ Published: 1 February 2017 

 

Contribution/ Originality 

The paper's primary contribution is finding that there are Economic Efficiency and Cost Reduction at Net Cage 

which Monosex Barb (Osteochilus Hasselti ) Cultured With Reduction Feed in Cirata Reservoir.   

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

A freshwater fish commodity in Indonesia, barb (Osteochilus hasselti) is famous for its tasty meat and eggs. 

Locally called nilem, barbs are herbivores that feed on floating plankton or plankton that cling on fish culture tanks. 

It is commonly known that plankton is rich with enzyme and antibodies [1]. 

Generally, barbs are reared in semi-intensive farms. In many cases, they are even secondary to such other fish 

as carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), tilapia (Tilapia mossambica Peters), nile tilapia (Oreocromis niloticus L.) and gourami 

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2017 Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 7-13 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.68/2017.4.1/68.1.7.13 
© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 
 

 
 

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Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 7-13 

 

 
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© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

(Ospronemus gouramy Lac.). In fact, low-trophic-level fish farms are actually sustainable and environmentally friendly 

[2]. Barbs are usually raised in in-ground ponds and even in floating net cages. 

One of the consequences of intensive floating net cage fish farming is that it needs large amounts of 

manufactured feeds for the consumption of all the primary freshwater species reared. In fact, however, in trophic-

level-based fish cultures, the population of fish that feed on plankton, periphyton, and detritus is larger than that of 

high-trophic-level carnivorous fish. Trophic-level-based fish farming method should be more widely adopted in 

open waters (dams/lakes) since, as in the case of fish cultures in Saguling, Cirata, and Jatiluhur dams, leftover feeds 

can be consumed by fish populating the second-layer net. Leftofer feeds will be suspended and consumed by 

plankton and detritus feeders. In a decomposed state, leftover feeds will serve as nutrients and can function as a 

fertilizer for periphyton organisms, which, in time, can be eaten by such herbivorous fish as barbs, snakeskin 

gouramis, and kissing gourami [3]. In trophic-level-based fish cultures, leftover feeds can also function as a water-

cleaning agent or undergo a further process to become bioflocs [4, 5]. Periphyton, a complex mixture of micro-flora 

and micro-fauna that are attached to underwater substrates. Growing abundantly in water, periphyton is a natural 

food source for barbs.  

In Saguling dam, such a natural water-cleaning agent is widely used because the process is easy, cheap, low in 

risk, and because it gives wide positive impacts to people. The barbs farmed in Cirata dam consume large amounts 

of periphyton. To grow into a weight of 100 grams, a 5-gram barb needs 6,373 grams of periphyton that clings to a 

19 m2 floating net substrate since periphyton is 0.46% protein and 97.06% water [6].  

 

1.1. Aim and Objective 

1) To measure the cleaning capacity of barbs as natural water-cleaning agents by means of identifying the types 

and population of periphyton in the floating net cages used in Cirata dam. 

2) To measure the efficiency and cost-reducing potentials of barbs that grow in farmed floating net cages in Cirata 

dam and are given a sub-normal feed level. 

 

2. METHOD  

The research was conducted from September to November 2014 in floating net fish farms in Cirata Dam, 

Cianjur Regency, West Java and the Aquaculture Laboratory at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, 

Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang Regency, West Java.  

The equipment and tools needed in the research were: 1x1x1 m nets with a 4-milimeter mesh size, water 

quality measurement tools (DO meter, pH meter, thermometer and other tools to measure ammonia, nitrite, and 

nitrate level), a fishing net, plastic bottles, a knive, monocular and binocular microscopes, a hand-held counter, 

identification log book, a secchi disk, writing utensils, and a digital camera. The materials used were: female bonylip 

barb seeds, fish feeds, formaldehyde.  

The research used the following treatments.  

 Treatment  A : no feed  only natural feed (control) 

 Treatment B  : 1 % feeding kevel  

 Treatment C  : 1 % feeding kevel  

 Treatment D  : 1 % feeding kevel  

 Treatment E  : 1 % feeding kevel  

2.1. Measured Parameters 

Periphyton was observed every week during the total seven-week observation period. The parameters 

measured were: 

PERIPHYTON DENSITY, measured by means of the Inverted Microscope Counting Method [7] using the 

following equation [8]. 



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© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

N = 
           

            
 

  

Notes :  

N = the number of the periphyton (Ind/cm2) 

n  = the number of the counted periphyton (ind) 

At = the area of the cover glass (50x20mm2) 

Vt = the concentrate volume in the sampling bottle (25ml) 

Ac = the observed area (50x20x1mm2) 

Vs = the volume in the cover glass (1ml) 

As = the scraped substrate area  (10x10cm2)  

 

DAILY GROWTH RATE 

Measured by using the following equation [8]. 

  DGR  = 
           

 
 x 100 % 

DGR = daily Growth Rate (% /day) 

Wt  = Fish biomass at the end of research (gram) 

Wo  = Fish biomass at the initial of research (gram) 

t  = duration (day) 

Nicholson [9] classifies efficiency into three categories, namely technical efficiency, price efficiency, and 

economic efficiency. Economic efficiency is the result of technical efficiency and price efficiency. 

In economics, however, technical efficiency and economic efficiency are recognized. Economic efficiency implies 

a wider macro scope as compared to the micro scope of technical efficiency. Technical efficiency measurement tends 

to be limited to the technical and operational correlations in the process of converting input into output. Thus, 

efforts to improve technical efficiency simply need a more internal micro policy to optimize control and resources 

allocation.  

With regard to economic efficiency, price is not given as it is subject to macro policy [9]. 

Efficiency is the ratio between physical output and input. The higher input ratio, the higher the economic 

efficiency. Efficiency can also be defined as the effort to obtain a maximum output from the use of certain resources. 

The higher the output as compared to the resources needed, the higher the efficiency level. 

Economic efficiency consists of technical and allocative efficiency. While technical efficiency is a combination of 

the ability and capacity of an economic unit to process a certain amount of input to produce the maximum output by 

using a certain technology, allocative efficiency refers to the ability and availability of an economic unit to operate at 

the same marginal value level as that of the marginal cost,  

According to Rizal [10] measuring efficiency serves three purposes. First, it serves as a benchmark to obtain a 

relative efficiency, making it easier to compare one economic unit to another. Second, in a case where the efficiency 

level varies among a number of business units, further analysis can be done to investigate what factors cause such a 

variation and find an appropriate solution. Third, information about efficiency has a policy impact because it can 

help policy makers decide the right policy. 

Efficiency is achieved when either of the following occurs: first, when the same amount of input yields a bigger 

amount of output; second, when a smaller input yields the same amount of output; and three, when bigger input 

yields even bigger output. If efficiency is to be defined in terms of input-output ration, then it can be expressed by 

the following equation. 

Eficiency  = I / O  [10]. 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 7-13 

 

 
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© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

E = Eficiency 

O = Output 

I = Input 

 

Periphyton was identified by using the descriptive method suggested by Sachlan [11]. Tables and charts were 

used to present growth rate and water data, based on which their variants were analyzed. F. Duncan Test was used 

in cases where the variants were significant. 

 

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION  

3.1. Periphyton Density 

Based on the data obtained from both the field and the laboratory, the types of plankton that adhered to the 

floating fish net cages were of Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae types. In addition, zooplankton of 

Euglonoidea, Rhizopoda, and Rotifer types. This condition according to Farashi, et al. [12]. 

Table 1 below presents information about the types and population of periphyton on the floating net cages in 

Cirata reservoir. 

 

Table-1. Type and Density of Perifiton (individu) on  week 1st and Week 6th . 

 Type of  Periphyton 1st week 6th week  % Periphyton consumed 

 Fitoplanton    
class Bacillariophyceae    

1 Cyclotella 152.93 68.01 55.53 
2 Navicula 585.47 136.66 76.66 
3 Nitzschia 315.53 146.33 53.62 
4 Synedra 149.53 45.99 69.24 

5 Diatome 286.47 34.33 88.02 
6 Pinularia 98.67 - 100 
7 Asterionella, 11.33 5.34 52.87 
8 Symbella  92.60 - 100.00 
Class Chlorophyceae    
1 Ankistrodesmus 110.67 23.67 78.61 
2 Coelastrum 200.53 25 87.53 
3 Spyrogyra 15.78 - 100.00 
4 Zygnema 9.00 - 100.00 
5 Crucigenia,  1.00 - 100.00 
Class Cyanophyceae    
1 Oscilatoria 1,078.00 198.01 81.63 
2 Merismopedia 82.67 - 100.00 
3 Spyrulina 2.00 - 100.00 
 Sum of Phytoplankton 3,192.18 125.57  
 Zooplankton    

Class Euglenoidea    
1 Euglena 44.27 19.66 55.59 

Class Rhizopoda    
1 Arcella  387.27 68.01 82.44 
Class Rotatoria    
1 Diurella 10.17 - 100.00 
2 Brachionus 13.89 - 100.00 
 Sum of zooplankton 455.6 17.56  
  Sum of  Periphyton 3,616.67   

 

The following figure shows that high consumption of periphyton occurred as can be seen in the very low 

periphyton density (30 individuals/cm2) found in the 6th week during treatments A, B, C, D, and E. 

 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 7-13 

 

 
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Figure-1.  Sum of Perifiton / week / Cm2 in  treatment A, B, C, D and E 

 

3.2. Barb Daily Growth Rate 

Growth is a major factor in fish culture. High growth rates ensure higher profits. Daily growth refers to the 

daily increase of weight within a certain rearing period. 

The highest growth rate (11.92%) was achieved during the first week of treatment B. However, the best daily 

growth rate (4.62%) was achieved during treatment D, in which a feed level of 3% of the fish biomass was 

administered. The lowest growth rate (3.83%) occurred towards the end of treatment A, in which 0% of feed (no 

manufactured feed) was given. During treatment A, barbs only consumed natural feeds or periphyton. During 

treatment E (feed level = 4%), growth rate did not reach a peak level because, as Suryanti, et al. [13] the optimum 

feed level for carps (Cyprinidae) is 3%. The barbs that were given treatment E might have consumed a sufficient 

amount of manufactured feeds and thus left the periphyton available uneaten. As a result, oxygen circulation was 

affected and growth rate was hindered. 

Based on the data, the barbs farmed in floating net cages in Cirata dam could actually grow only by eating 

periphyton. However to support their growth, additional manufactured feeds were still needed. As the results of the 

research suggest, the best barb growth rate was achieved during treatment D, in which feed level was 3% of fish 

biomass. 

 

Tabel-2. Average Growth Rate of Barb 

Treatment GR  (%) 

A (Without feed)             3,53 ± 0,17a 

B (Feed  1 %) 4,05 ± 0,15b 

C (Feed  2 %) 3,96 ± 0,13b 

D (Feed  3 %) 4,22 ± 0,27b 

E (Feed  4 %) 4,11 ± 0,14b 

Note: The same letter shows no significantly different (Duncan at  5%) 

Source: Dima [14] 

 

A study by Dima [14] revealed that the highest growth rate was achieved during treatment D (feeding level = 

3%). The Duncan test results indicated that growth rate during treatment A (without manufacture feeds) was 

significantly different from those occurring during treatments B, C, D, and E, whereas treatment B did not yield 

any significant difference as compared to treatments C, D, and E.  A feeding level of 1 - 4 % of fish biomass could be 

given since it would not yield any significant difference as compared to that achieved with a feed level of 3%. 

 



Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2017, 4(1): 7-13 

 

 
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© 2017 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

3.3. Benefit Cost Analysis 

  

Indicators Each  
Treatment  

A (0%) B (1%) C (2%) D (3%) E (4%) 

Amount of feed given  / kg fish Kg 0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 
Amount of feed given for  49 days Kg 0 0.18 0.28 0.45 0.58 
Jumlah Biaya pakan yang dikeluarkan Rp 0 1,360 2,104 3,385  4,382 
Amount of Fry cost   Rp 18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 
Amount of medicine and labour   Rp  10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 

Total cost /research unit Rp 28,000 29,360 30,104 31,385 32,382 
Total cost / floating net unit Rp 1,372,000 1,438,640 1,475,096 1,537,865 1,586,718 
Total harvest  Kg 3.14 3.84 3.71 4.10 3.93 
 Revenue Rp 62,866   76,891  74,288  82,022  78,670  
Margin / research unit   (1m x1m x1m) Rp  34,866   47,530   44,184   50,637     46,288  

margin/ floating net unit (7m x 7m 
x1m) 

Rp  1,708,434 2,328,970 2,165,016 2,481,213 2,268,112 

Efisiency = Benefit/cost  1.25 1.61 1.50 1.46 1.43 

 

The benefit ratio of each treatment indicated an optimum level at a 3% feed level. In general, however, all the 

different feed levels yielded better economic efficiency and cost reduction levels as compared to treatments where 

fish consume only natural feeds without additional manufactured feeds. 

Biologically, growth rates did not vary significantly among the different feed level treatments. However, in 

terms of economic costs, the different treatments yielded different economic benefits.  

 

4. CONCLUSION 

Twenty types of periphyton of the phytoplankton genera were identified. They were of Bacilloriophyceae, 

Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophiceae classes. As for periphyton of the zooplankton genera, it consisted of Euglenoidea, 

Rhizopoda, and Rotifer classes. The population of periphyton varied between treatments. Growth rate did not vary 

significantly between each fish group.  

The benefit ratio of each treatment indicated an optimum level at a 3% feed level. In general, however, all the 

different feed levels yielded better economic efficiency and cost reduction levels as compared to treatments where 

fish consume only natural feeds without additional manufactured feeds. 

 

Funding: This study received no specific financial support. 
 

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 
 

Contributors/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the study.  

 

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https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=Plankton%20composition%20and%20environmental%20parameters%20in%20the%20habitat%20of%20the%20Iranian%20cave%20barb%20(Iranocypris%20typhlops)%20in%20Iran
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