PROCESS OF PRODUCING FEED FOR SALINE-TOLERANT TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) FRY AND FINGERLINGS USING CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon nardus) ESSENTIAL OIL-BASED FEED ADDITIVE

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a process for producing feed for saline-tolerant tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry and fingerlings using a β-cyclodextrinencapsulated citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil-based feed additive. The utility model addresses the technical problem of uniformly applying a volatile antimicrobial feed additive onto feed pellets while preserving its stability and compatibility with conventional feed production. The process comprises preparing a liquid coating mixture by combining the encapsulated feed additive with a binding agent, applying the coating mixture onto feed pellets through thorough mixing, and drying the coated pellets under controlled ambient conditions. The process produces feed pellets with substantially uniform coating, improved adhesion, and enhanced stability of the encapsulated citronella essential oil. The disclosed process is particularly useful for producing antimicrobial feed for hatchery and nursery culture of saline-tolerant tilapia fry and fingerlings as a practical alternative to conventional antibiotic-based feed preparation.