Preliminary study on color enhancement of Macrobrachium lanchesteri using turmeric

Abstract

In ornamental species pattern and color are two criteria that are the major factor deciding the market value of the ornamental sector. The project's aims are to promote this freshwater shrimps as ornamental species by enhancing the pigmentation through pigmentation induction by using turmeric. In this experiment, Macrobrachium lanchesteri was use as selected species. For 8 weeks samples were fed with three different type of diet containing sources of color pigmentation and fed was given twice per day at 0900 and 1800. After 8 week, sample was measured and analysis any changes in physical color changes. Samples were killed and crude for extraction of pigmentation from the muscles of sample. The solution from extraction then was scan by using spectrophotometer from wavelength 800 nm to 400 nm. Analysis of graph of wavelength (nm) against absorption was used to determined successful on enhance pigmentation. From the experiment, feeding performances and acceptability show no significant different (P>0.05) for all treatment. In color analysis, turmeric show the highest absorption in shrimp body. The outcome of this experiment prove that turmeric can be one of natural sources of color pigmentation for enhancing coloration of ornamental species.