Dietary Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) enhanced growth performance of nursery-reared milkfish <em>Chanos chanos</em> (Forsskål, 1775)

Abstract

Lipid quality plays a pivotal role in early milkfish nutrition, yet the potential of medium‑chain triglycerides (MCTs) as productivity‑enhancing lipid sources remains insufficiently characterized in milkfish aquaculture. The study evaluated the effects of dietary MCTs on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient retention, and carcass composition of juvenile Chanos chanos. An 8‑week feeding trial was conducted using diets supplemented with 0%, 3%, 4%, and 5% MCTs in a flow‑through seawater system. Growth parameters, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), survival, carcass composition, and nutrient retention were assessed at the end of the trial. MCT supplementation significantly influenced fish performance. The highest weight gain (1217.7%) and specific growth rate (4.1) were observed in the 5% MCT group, while 3% and 4% inclusion improved protein retention (8.95%, 6.79%) and carcass crude protein content (84.45%, 83.60%). FCE and PER were also enhanced at 4-5% inclusion. However, excessive supplementation (5%) led to elevated lipid retention (43.35%) and body fat deposition, accompanied by reduced protein retention (2.77%). Survival (61-70%) did not differ significantly among treatments, indicating good tolerance. Overall, the results of this study indicate that dietary MCTs can be incorporated as functional lipid sources in milkfish diets, with a 4% inclusion level providing improvements in growth, feed efficiency, and protein utilization while limiting excessive fat deposition, thereby supporting enhanced juvenile milkfish production.