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PERFORMANCE OF FREE RANGE CHICKEN THROUGH FEED AND DRINKSUPPLEMENTATION USING TUBER CROPS, FRUITS, CROPS’LEAVES AND

HERBAL EXTRACTS

Dr. Judy M. Sorsano , Dr. Libna L. Lucas, Dr. Lazaro T. Lucas Dr. Anastacio C. Farin, Dr.Cornelio C. Garcia, Engr. Dinah E. Abugho, Prof. Josephine C. Asinas,

Mr. Noli S. Sorsano

ABSTRACT

The research project was conducted to determine the performance of free range chickenwhen provided with supplements coming from selected tuber crops, fruits, crops’ leaves andherbal extracts. Four studies were included in this project using the Completely RandomizedDesign. The first study focused on the performance of birds given with root crops as feedsupplements like sweet potato, cassava, yambean and taro. The second study was on fruitsupplementation using banana, watermelon, tomato, and Indian mango. The third studyconsidered crops’ leaves as feed supplements like sweet potato, cassava, alugbati and bananaleaves. And the fourth study dealt on herbal drinks preparation by extracting from oregano,lemon grass and pepper leaves.

In the first study, the sweet potato supplementation gave the highest average daily gain (ADG) of56 grams and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of 1.36 kilograms. However, cassava was foundmore economical to use as feed supplement because it provided the highest net income ofP622.02 and return above cost (RAC) of 75.79%.

The second study showed that banana supplementation gave the highest ADG of birds of 53.67grams, FCE of 1.40 kilograms, net profit of P631.72 as net profit, and 76.01 percent RAC amongthe fruits used.

In the third study, birds responded differently in various crops’ leaves supplementation. Bananaleaves gave the highest ADG of 58.33 grams, alugbati leaves was found the most efficientconverter of 1.37 kilograms; sweet potato leaves marked the highest net profit of P631.72; and inthe control, birds showed the highest percentage of return above cost with 76.01 percent.

And in the fourth study, lemon grass extract gave the highest ADG of 52.33 grams; and pepperleaves extract with the most efficient converter of 1.37 kilograms. The economic analysisshowed that birds given with lemon grass extract gained the highest net profit of 585.25, and thehighest RAC with 75.55 percent.

In the analysis, regarding daily gain in weight of birds as influenced by the various materials inthe four studies, the sweet potato tubers recorded the highest average daily gain in weight amongexperimental birds. Birds were found efficient converter when provided with banana fruits with1.40 kilograms FCE. Concerning the cost and return analysis, birds fed with banana fruits andsweet potato leaves equally gave the highest net profit of P631.72 respectively and the highestreturn above cost (RAC) with 76.01 percent.

Based on the abovementioned findings, the following are recommended: 1 various fruits, crop’sleaves, and tuber crops can be used as supplements to the feeds of free range chicken. 2) freerange chicken raisers may use crop’s leaves such as sweet potato, cassava, yambean and tarosupplementation if the intention is to increase weight production, high net profit and highpercentage of return above cost, and the most efficient converter of feeds for every kilogram ofmeat; and, 3) conduct studies on the levels of of tuber crops, crop’s leaves, fruits and herbalextracts to find out the limit of levels that could be used by the birds efficiently at least cost.

INTRODUCTION

Feeding chicken costs a lot more these days than it did when the term "chicken feed" wascoined. Feeding chicken is economically especially when letting them be free in a range at leastpart of the day. Many people choose organic chicken because of the absence of chemicals onfeeds in producing eggs and meat for the family.

Many vegetables can be great snacks for chicken because they can easily bestored to theircrop for easy munching. Free range chicken can eat potatoes, but they must be cooked. Rawpotatoes can be bad for a chicken's digestive system. Providing available carbohydrate feeds,such as cassava tubers, sweet potato, turnips and taro provides energy to support their activitiesin searching for their required food. Other feed sources are crop’s leaves such as from sweetpotato, cassava, banana, and alugbati that can be used as supplements to cut down the food billfor free range chicken.

Raising free range chicken by smallholder farmers in the Philippines is based onscavenging. Available low cost feeds that farmers can use to supplement their chicken could beby-products and leftovers that can provide energy or protein. Some locally available feeds, likebanana fruit, is a good source of energy but it is not used widely by farmers even though theyare abundant at harvesting time or the price is low. Watermelon can also be fed to chicken. Awatermelon is nominally 60% flesh, and about 90% of the flesh is juice that contains 7 to 10%(w/v) sugars; i.e., more than 50% of a watermelon is readily fermentable liquid. Bananas,watermelon, tomato juice provides Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and potassium which maintainsfluid and electrolyte balance, cell integrity, muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission.

Diseases are the main constraints of indigenous poultry production in the Philippines.The birds are raised mostly on low input extensive free-range system of production. Farmersusually have to start with new flock after heavy losses incurred due to disease outbreaks. Due tohigh cost of conventional medicines and vaccines coupled with the lack of knowledge on theiruse, these drugs are usually out of reach of the small-scale farmers. There is therefore need forcheap easy to use and sustainable local poultry disease control programs. Several types of herbalproducts like oregano, pepper, and lemon grass enhanced broiler performance and resulted ingrowth-promoting effects. These may serve as environmental friendly alternatives to theantibiotic growth promoters commonly used in animal and poultry feed. The proposed mode ofaction of herbal products is attributed to their antimicrobial properties, oxidative-resistantactivity, enhancement of the immune system, and, consequently, improvement in poultryperformance. Mounting concerns regarding food safety and increased awareness of negativeenvironmental consequences of modern agriculture have led to a growing demand for organicproducts, particularly in developed countries. Recently, many countries tended to prohibitantibiotics because of their side effects on both bird and human. Oregano (OriganumvulgareL.)is a species of Origanum, an aromatic herbal product, an alternative growth promoter in swineand poultry nutrition. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) is a perennial, which means once youplant it, the grass comes back year after year. Depending on the area you live in the plant will godormant. Cityral is the main element in lemon grass, which gives it its fresh lemon scent andrepels insects. Pepper leaves, by weight, are relatively high in vitamin A.

The free range chicken industry is one of the most dynamic world agribusiness tradestoday. It provides additional source of livelihood to many Filipinos. With its quality meat and

distinct taste, it has established a niche market and is unaffected by pressures from commercialbroiler markets.

OBJECTIVES

The research project aims to:

1. Know the production performance of free range chicken fed with different tuber crops,crop’s leaves, fruits and herbal extracts as supplements.( in terms of body weight, gain inweight, feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency of the birds)

2. Compare the return above cost of the free range chicken as resulted to feeding them withvarious supplements.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. On Tuber/Root Crops Supplementation

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) contain trypsin inhibitors, ranging from 90 % in somevarieties to 20 % in others (Lin & Chen 1985), which may reduce the ability of animals to utilizeprotein if eaten raw. Sasi, Kiran and Padmaja (2003) reported that when sweet potato tuber wascooked, between 17 and 31 % trypsin inhibitor activity remained and when it was prepared intoflour, only 5-12 % trypsin inhibitor activity was found. Dried sweet potatoes have been fedsuccessfully in rations for broilers and layers at a level of up to 35 percent. Dustiness and fungalgrowth during sun-drying are problems, but these can be overcome by boiling the tubers, whichis actually the form in which they are fed by smallholders. Ayuk (2004) reported that sweetpotato root meal could replace maize meal in the diet of broilers at up to 40 % with no effect onchicken weight gain. Sweet potato tubers are grown in many places by rural smallholders inorder to obtain starchy tubers for food and some cash. The small tubers and leftovers fromselling in local markets are an alternative for feeding to animals such as pigs and poultry. Theremaining foliage from harvesting the tubers can also be used as a protein feed for all kinds ofanimal. The productive potential of sweet potato tubers can reach from 24 to 36 t/ha/crop ofroots (Morales 1980) and the foliage production can vary from 4.3-6 t DM/ha/crop (Ruiz et al1980). Amino acid analysis of sweet potato tubers indicates them to be of good nutritionalquality but deficient in total sulfur amino acids and lysine (Fuller and Chamberlain 1982).

Tewe (1994) reported that using sun-dried and oven-dried sweet potato replacing maizeat 0, 50, and 100% in broiler rations reduced body weight gain and nutrient utilization whencompared with the maize-based control diet. The broiler performance was better with the oven-

dried rations, and it can replace maize at up to 50% in broiler rations. Performance was optimalat 30% replacement of maize with sweet potato.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Poultry feed constitutes more than 90 percent of allcommercial livestock feeds produced. The use of cassava as a substitute for maize will thereforemake its greatest impact if it can be incorporated into commercial poultry feeds. Certainprecautions need to be taken to achieve satisfactory performance of stock on cassava-based diets.These include removal of cyanide, higher protein supplementation with fish meal, soybean,groundnut cake or methionine in its pure form and the prevention of microbial activity duringsun-drying as well as overcoming dustiness. Most of the present studies indicate that satisfactorygrowth response has been obtained for growing chicken at 10% incorporation of cassava flour(lafun) or cassava peel into the diet; 40% inclusion of cassava flour or 20% inclusion of cassavapeel in layer’s diet is satisfactory for egg production. Combination of cassava root and leaves inratio 4:1 could replace maize in poultry diets and reduce feed cost without a loss in weight gainor egg production. Cassava tubers also provide starch for ethanol production (Kuiper et.al.,2007). The metabolizable value of good cassava meal (72% starch) is equivalent to that of maize(Sauvant et.al., 2004). Lower quality cassava (lower starch, higher fiber) have lower ME value,and the ME unpeeled cassava meal is about 85% that of maize (Agwunobi et.al. 2000).

Taro (Colocasia esculenta ) (Wikipedia 2006). Agwunobi et al (2002) reported thatboiling reduced (p<0.05) the amounts of the antinutritional factors in taro cocoyam cormels, andthat feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency for the diets containing boiled taro cocoyamcormels were better than for non-boiling and sun-drying. Padmaja and Balagopalan (1990)studied Trichoderma pseudokoningii enriched cassava waste: flour mix (50:50) as an energysource in broiler rations, using three levels of feed inclusion viz. 50, 55 and 60 percent. Thecalculated metabolizable energy values for the various test diets ranged from 2360 to 2450Kcal/Kg and the crude protein (g/Kg) ranged from 200 to 233. Gomez et al. (1987) showed thata 5% increase in ME, using supplemental vegetable oil or tallow, had no beneficial effect onbody weight of broilers fed mash diets containing 20–30% cassava meal. Although the feedefficiency of the fat supplemented chicks was significantly better than the unsupplemented ones,the use of fat supplementation could not be economically justified. FAO (1993) reported that taroleaf (in DM basis) has 25.0% crude protein, 12.1% crude fiber, 1.74% Ca and 0.58% P, andthus can be a good alternative feed for village chickens.

Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) Incorporating YB in the feeds of some livestocks hasbeen attempted (Agunbiade and Longe, 1998; Akinmutimi et al., 2006). Akimutimi et al. (2006)specifically remarked that YB would be a good alternative protein source for livestocks andpoultry. The percentage of the hull from the whole seed of YB according to Agunbiade andLonge (1998) was 7.3%. They revealed the chemical compositions of the hull of YB as follows:crude protein (11.4%), crude fat (2.6%), phytic acid (82 mg/100 g) and phytin-phosphorus (23mg/100 g). The high crude protein content (11.4%) was suspected for the responses observed.

B. On Fruits Supplementation

Researchers at UP Los Baños fed watermelon rind to chickens for 6 months. These werecompared to chicken given ordinary commercial feed. They observed that commercial feeds canbe replaced with watermelon rind up to 20%. Maximum inclusion rates of 7.5% and 10% bananafruits have been suggested for broiler diets. In one experiment, banana fruit replacing maizegrain resulted in significant reductions in the weekly weight gains when included at more than7.5% in the diet (Tewe, 1983). In another experiment, liveweight gain and feed conversionefficiency were significantly higher in chickens fed on 10% banana (Musa paradisiaca), andfeed intake increased linearly with the levels of banana. Growth performance decreased when theinclusion rate exceeded 10% (Sabutan, 1996). Lycopene (sometimes misspelled as Licopene) is abright red carotenoid pigment, a phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits. Freshbanana fruit also contains tannin (3.40 mg/g), oxalate (4.50 mg/g) and phytate (2.88 mg/g) butthe quantity of these anti-nutrients is not excessive (Onibon et al 2007). Banana in the form of mealhas been used in poultry diets, but high levels tend to depress growth and reduce feed efficiency(Sharrock 1996).

There have been few experiments dealing with banana fruits in poultry. Early researchsuggests that banana meal can be used in poultry diets but that no more than 5 or 10 % of thegrain content should be replaced by the banana meal, as higher levels are detrimental to growthand feed efficiency (Göhl, 1982). Indigeneous chickens with free access to various sources ofcarbohydrates (broken rice, cassava roots, sweet potato tubers and banana fruit) ate bananas insmall amounts and preferred the other feeds (Kong Saroeun et al., 2010).

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, andvitamin K. They are also a very good source of molybdenum, potassium, manganese, dietaryfiber, chromium, and vitamin B1. In addition, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, folate,copper, niacin, vitamin B2, magnesium, iron, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, vitamin E andprotein.

Mango (Mangifera indica) In broiler chicks, the inclusion of raw mango seed kernel mealgenerally results in degraded performance. Inclusion rates as low as 5 to 10% depressed growthand feed intake in some experiments (El-Alaily et al., 1976; Diarra et al., 2008; Teguia, 1995)while performance was maintained at 10% inclusion rate in another trial (Odunsi, 2005). In olderanimals, raw kernel meal seems to be better consumed and performance can be maintained(Diarra et al., 2008; Odunsi et al., 1997). The nutritive value of mango kernels was improved byboiling, which restored growth depressed with untreated kernels (Diarra et al., 2008; Joseph etal., 1997). Boiling or autoclaving reduced antinutritional factors as tannins of trypsin inhibitors(Farag, 2001). Soaking without boiling could also reduce antinutritional factors to some extentbut was not efficient enough to restore growth up to the level of the control diet (without mangokernels) (Ravindran et al., 1996). The recommendation for optimum growth is to use preferablyboiled mango seed kernels and to keep the inclusion rate below 5% in chicks and below 10% inolder animals. However, in slower growing animals higher inclusion levels could be tested. Theincorporation of 5% raw mango seed kernel meal in layers decreased laying rate and increasedweight loss in layers (Odunsi, 2005).

C. On Crop’s Leaves Supplementation

According to researchers in Southern Mindanao Agricultural Research in Kabacan, NorthCotabato, broilers fed with 5% chopped banana leaves gained weight almost 1-1/2 kilos morethan those fed with commercial starter mash ration or with 10% added banana leaves. Cassavaleaves contain an average of 21% crude protein, are good sources of minerals, ascorbic acid andminerals. It contains significant amounts of riboflavin, also rich in lysine.

The potential of sweet potato leaves (ipomoea batatas)and malungay leaves (moringa oliefera) assupplement for japanese quail (coturnix japonica) productionvaliant dominic d. velardeintroductionnature andimportance of the study in animal production one must not limit its focus on feed nutritionalone. Proper growth and development of animals is best achieved when all their metabolicprocesses are working harmoniously. Stress and diseases have always been a big factor thatalters these processes. They can alter the proper functioning of the digestive systemsand affects the absorption of essential nutrients (costa et al., 2008). The potential for sweet potatoleaves (Chen et. al., 2005) and “malungay” (Fahey, 2005) to modulate immune response and tocombat malnutrition has long been attested in humans.their uses as forage and feed materialhave further broadened their diversity for animal use (Ruiz et. al., 1980 and Fahey, 2005).

With the strict regulations on the use of antibiotic on animal, these crops have the potential ofbecoming an alternative source of remedy.

Alugbati (Basella alba), antifungal : Study yielded two antifungal peptides with potentactivity against Botrytis cinerea, Mycosphaerella arachidicola and Fusarium oxysporum.Antimicrobial: A study of the aqueous, ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of the leaves ofBasella rubra exhibited antimicrobial activity against all test organisms except P aeruginosa. Theethanolic extract showed maximum effect against E coli. Excellent source of calcium and iron;good source of vitamins A, B, and C, with a high roughage value.

A study recently conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), in partnershipwith the World Vegetable Center, a Taiwan-based research and development institution, showsthat at least 10 promising indigenous vegetables are classified as priority crops for massivepromotion.These include alugbati (Basella alba), ampalaya (bitter gourd) or bayok-bayok forleaves (Momordicacharantia), himbabao (Allaeanthusluzonicus), kulitis (Amaranthus), labong(bamboo shoot), upo or bottle gourd (lagenariasiceria), malunggay (Moringa), pako (fiddlehead),saluyot (Corchorus), and talinum (Talinumtriangulare). Alugbati leaves are rich in calcium,potassium and folic acid.

D. On Herbal Extracts Supplementation

Researchers are looking to natural means of reducing classical feed additives such asantibiotics in poultry nutrition (Genedy and Zeweil, 2003; Ibrahim et al., 2005). Severalresearchers (Kumprecht et al., 1995; Zeweil et al., 1996; El-Sheikh, 2006) have investigated thebeneficial effects. It has been well established that antibiotics have a valuable role in poultryproduction as growth-promoting agents and in disease control. However, because of increasingconcern regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria, their use in animal and poultry feed been bannedand is under significant public scrutiny in several countries. Consequently, the poultry industry

may be adversely affected by disease challenge and loss of production as a result of thoserestrictions.

Recent research shows that on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano (Origanumvulgare) demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more thanpotatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries (Faleiro, Leonor, et al.,2005). Also, it is high in iron, manganese and other important minerals needed for health. Alsoit’s a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids and rich in fiber necessary for better eliminations(Dragland, Steinar, et al., 2003). Fresh oregano is inexpensive, in fact its very easy to grow ityourself (Peter K.V., 2004). Researchers in Israel at Ben Guiron University have found that dailyintake of 1,000mg of citral represses cancer cells and helps battle depression. Oregano leavespossess in vitrro antimicrobial (Sivropoulon et al., 1996, Lumbert et al., 2001), antifungal(Thomson, 1989), insecticidal (Karpouhtsis et al., 1998), and antioxidant (Butsoglou et al.,2002). Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Hirtum) is a spice belonging to the Labiatae family,well known in Mediterranean countries. It contains a variety of bioactive components ascarvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene and exhibits considerable antimicrobial, antifungaland antioxidant activity (Giannenas et al., 2004, 2005; Florou-Paneri et al., 2005; Bampidis etal., 2006). In previous studies ground oregano has proven to be a promising dietary supplementmainly in poultry nutrition (Bampidis et al., 2005; Botsoglou et al., 2005). Lee et al. (2003)found that after supplementing the feed with cinnamaldehyde, water intake was suppressed. As aresult, the excreta dry matter was higher, which can be very useful in broiler production in termsof dry litter. Unfortunately, since there are not any other reports in the literature concerning theeffect of dietary supplementation with essential oils on feeding behaviour, safe conclusionscannot be drawn and further research is necessary.

Oregano exhibits insecticidal (Karpouhtsis et al., 1998) antimicrobial (Sivropoulou et al.,1996; Helander et al., 1998), cytotoxic (Sivropoulou et al., 1996), and antifungal activities(Akguel and Kivanc, 1988), and it can be speculated that some of these active compounds mighthave influenced muscle tissue growth. Ascorbic acid-α-tocopherol supplement increased α-tocopherol content in the feed by approximately fivefold but did not affect γ- or δ-tocopherolcontent. Oregano supplemented feed increased α- and γ-tocopherol content in the feed by 19 and8.1 mg/kg respectively, which is more than would be expected from additional tocopherols from3% oregano (6.5 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively). A number of volatile aglycones have beenidentified in oregano (Mastelic et al., 2000; Jerkovic et al., 2001), and strong antioxidativeactivity from the essential oil of oregano has been observed in vitro (Deighton et al., 1993; Miloset al., 2000; Vichi et al., 2001). Thus, it seems likely that compounds in oregano can induce theobserved sparing effect on the tocopherols in the feed or, alternatively, act through regenerationof α-tocopherol as has been demonstrated for catechins from green tea (Qin et al., 1999). Theincreased α-tocopherol content in the feed resulted in increased levels in PM by approximatelythreefold (P < 0.001) or 30% (P = 0.10) in chickens supplemented with ascorbic acid-αtocopherol or oregano, respectively. Activities of the antioxidative enzymes CAT, SOD, and Gpxin PM were not affected by ascorbic acid-α- tocopherol or oregano supplementation. Renerre etal. (1999) also found no effect on CAT, SOD, or Gpx activiF ties in turkey muscle tissue after α-tocopherol supplementation at a concentration similar to that used in the present study. In mucholder chickens (45 wk), an increase in SOD was observed after ascorbic acid supplementation aswell as increases in Gpx after ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol supplementation (Ozturk-Urek et

al., 2001). A direct comparison to the results of the present study is not possible as 45-wk-oldchickens are fully grown relative to 7-wk-old broilers, which are still growing. However,Maraschiello et al. (1999) found a decrease in Gpx activity and lower TBARS in broiler muscleafter 200 ppm α-tocopherol supplementation. T

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) is a perennial crop, which means once you plant it,the grass comes back year after year. Cityral is the main element in lemon grass, which gives itits fresh lemon scent and repels insects. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) leaves, by weight, isrelatively high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin,potassium and manganese. Hot pepper seeds reduce the fat content of poultry meat and increaseits flavor. These changes can usually be observed after two months of feeding chili seeds.Adding capsaicin, the spicy component of peppers, to the diet of neonatal broiler chicks appearsto increase their resistance to salmonella, according to Audrey McElroy, associate professor ofpoultry science at Virginia Tech. Chilli pepper species are reported to contain many differentcompounds, including capsaicinoids (e.g. capsaicin), carotenoids and flavonoids. Some studiesshow that Capsicum and capsaicin may have anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects. There is alsoevidence that capsaicin evolved as an anti-fungal agent.

METHODOLOGY

A. Materials

The materials used in the study were 480 heads (120 in each sub-study) of free rangechicken (Hubbard) at 21 days old, feeding and drinking troughs, weighing scale (10 kilogramscapacity), 1 piece fluorescent 40 watts, carbonized rice hull, fish net, bamboos, tie wire, knifebasin, mortar, pestle,Virkon-S disinfectant, sweet potato tuber, cassava tuber, yambean, taro,banana, watermelon, tomato, Indian mango,sweet potato leaves, cassava leaves, alugbati, bananaleaves, oregano, lemon grass and pepper leaves, chick booster crumble, broiler grower pellets,and broiler finisher pellets.

B. Methods

Prior to the start of the study, the experimental pens, drinking and feeding troughs,carbonized rice hull, and other equipments were disinfected with Virkon-S disinfectant. A 40watts fluorescent was made as the source of light in the experimental pens. The stocks and feedswere supplied by the Bounty Fresh Foods Incorporated to the contract grower- D.R. Farm atBarangay San Agustin, Iba, Zambales. The experimental birds were then randomly distributed totheir corresponding pen in accordance with the experimental layout. The study was composed offive treatments, each replicated three times in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Eachreplication consisted of eight birds or a total of twenty four birds per treatment.

C. Preparation of Treatments: Tuber Crops, Crop’s Leaves and Fruits

Cassava tubers and turnips were peeled before slicing it in cubes form using knife. Sweetpotato and gabi were cooked before slicing it into cubes form before feeding it to the birds.Thepreparation was uniform at 250 grams per treatment per day from day 1 up to the termination ofthe study.

Different crops’ leaves such as sweet potato, cassava, banana, and alugbati were used inthe experiment with fresh weight of 250 grams each. These were sliced before feeding it to thebirds until the duration of the study.

Different fresh fruits such as banana, watermelon, tomato and Indian mango wereincluded in one study. Using a knife, the fruits were sliced before giving it to the experimentalbirds with 250 grams per treatment per day.

D. Preparation of Different Herbal Extracts

Herbal drinks such as oregano leaves, lemon grass and pepper leaves were prepared using250 grams each of the raw materials using a 10 kilograms capacity weighing scale. These werethen extracted using mortar and pestle then mixed in one litter of water as a stock solution.Treatment 2 was mixed with 50 ml oregano in 1 gallon of drinking water; treatment 3 was given50 ml lemon grass stock solution, treatment 4 was mixed with 50 ml pepper extracts, andtreatment 5 wasa mixed with 50 ml combinations of oregano, pepper and lemon grass. Treatment1 was used as the control (plain H2O). Mixing herbal drinks in the drinking water started attwenty one days old (after their brooding stage) and terminated when birds reached 56 days old.Amount of water intake was increased as the birds get older.

E. Experimental Design

The research was composed of five (5) treatments, each replicated three (3) times inComplete Randomized Design (CRD). Each replication consisted of eight (8) birds per treatmentwith 120 birds in each study. A total of 480 free range chicken was usedin all the studies. All ofthe birds used belonged to the same breed (Hubbard). These were randomly assigned to thedifferent treatments and replications.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Performance of Birds under Various Feed Supplementation

The effect of feeding different supplements to of free range chicken was determined after21 days of brooding. This corresponds to the initial weight of the birds, daily gain in weight andfeed intake as well as the feed conversion efficiency.

Initial Body Weight of Birds

Table 1presents the average initial body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams). Tubercrops supplemented diet showed the grand mean of 429.33 grams. Crop’s leaves of 411.33 gramsaverage initial body weight. The fruits supplementation with a mean of 419.33 grams of the birdsand herbal extracts supplement weighing 429.98 grams average initial bodyweight of the birds.

Table 1. Average Initial Weight (grams) of the birds at 21 days old in every feedsupplementation group

Feed Supplementation Group Ave. Body Weight (Initial)(grams)

Tuber Cops 429.33Crop’s Leaves 411.33Fruits 419.33Herbal Extracts 429.98

Feed Intake of the Birds

Average feed intake of the birds in every supplementation group presented in Table 2. Itcould be noted that there were no significant differences among the treatment means through theanalysis of variance on the use of supplementations to the feeds of free range chicken of Hubbardbreed. Tuber crops supplementation showed 3289.00 grams of feed intake. Crop’s leaves used3195.33 grams of feeds per head throughout the duration of the study. The fruits were 3346.67grams of feeds per head as an average feed intake, and Herbal Extracts gave the grand mean of3196.67 grams.

Table 2.AverageFeed Intake (grams) of the birds in every feed supplementation group

Feed Supplementation Group Ave. Feed Intake(grams)

1 – Tuber Crops 3289.00 n.s.2- Crop’s Leaves 3195.33 n.s.3- Fruits 3346.67 n.s.4- Herbal Extracts 3196.67 n.s.

Daily Gain in Weight of the Birds

The average daily gain in weight of birds was determined by getting the difference of thefinal and initial weight divided by the total number of days until harvesting. The data gatheredwere subjected to statistical analysis wherein those in the tuber crops supplementation with 52.73grams were no significant differences among treatment means. However, birds fed with Crop’sleaves supplementation had significant differences among different treatments with 58.33 gramsaverage daily gain in weight per bird. Moreover, fruits and herbal extract supplementations wereall not significantly different in all treatment means with 41.53 grams and 48.32 grams,respectively.

Table 3.Average Daily Gain in Weight of the Birds (grams) every feed supplementationgroup

Feed Supplementation Group Ave. Daily Gain in Weight(grams)

Tuber Crops 52.73 n.s.Crop’s Leaves 58.33*Fruits 41.53 n.s.Herbal Extracts 48.32 n.s.

* - significant at 5% level of significance

Feed Conversion Efficiency of the Birds (kilograms)

Data on the average feed conversion efficiency of birds as presented inTable 4 revealsignificant differences on Crop’s Leaves and Herbal Extracts supplementations. The analysis ofvariance table proves that such is true because the computed F-value is greater than the TabularF-value of 4.0 declaring significant difference among the treatment means. Birds fed with TuberCrops and Fruits supplementations were notsignificant differences at all with 1.43 kilograms and1.47 kilograms, respectively.

Table 4.Average Feed Conversion Efficiency of the Birds (grams) every feedsupplementation group

Feed Supplementation Group Average Feed ConversionEfficiency (kilograms)

Tuber Crops 1.43 n.s.Crop’s Leaves 1.45*Fruits 1.47 n.s.Herbal Extracts 1.48

Economic Analysis

Table 5 shows the economics of giving different supplementation to the production offree range chicken. The analysis constitutes net profit and return above cost per bird. Resultsshow that birds given a supplementation of Crop’sLeaves (Treatment 2-Sweet Potato) and Fruits(Treatment 2-Banana) have the highest net profit of PhP 631.72 and %RAC of 76.01,respectively and consequently in the return above cost, followed by birds given Tuber Crops(Treatment 3-Cassava Tubers) with a net profit of PhP of 622.02 and the % RAC of 75.79 andthe lowest which is PhP 556.00 was obtained by birds given Herbal Extracts (Treatment 3-Lemon Grass) supplementation with a net profit of PhP 585.25 and % RAC of 71.22.

Table 5. Cost and Return Analysis per Bird Basis

Item SUPPLEMENTATION

TUBERCROPST3- CassavaTubers

CROP’S LEAVES

T2 – Sweet PotatoLeaves

FRUITS

T2-Banana

HERBALEXTRACTS

T3- Water +Lemon Grass

A. Live Weight 2.277 2.289 2.289 2.262B. Cost/live bird,

PhP 350.00/kg791.70 801.15 801.15 791.70

C. Cost / chickenmanure

10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

D. Cost/empty sack 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00TOTAL 821.70 831.15 831.15 821.70LESS:

A. Cost ofchick/head

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

B. Cost of feed 80.25 80.00 80.00 80.25C. Cost of

Tuber Crops18.23 18.23 18.23 50.00

D. Labor Cost 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

E. Cost ofElectricity

0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

TOTAL 199.68 199.43 199.43 236.45NET PROFIT 622.02 631.72 631.72 585.25%RAC 75.79 76.01 76.01 71.22

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of these studies, the following are hereby concluded:1) Based on the abovementioned findings, the following are recommended: 1 various fruits,crop’s leaves, and tuber crops can be used as supplements to the feeds of free range chicken.

2) Free range chicken raisers may use crop’s leaves such as sweet potato, cassava, yambean andtaro supplementation if the intention is to increase weight production, high net profit and highpercentage of return above cost, and the most efficient converter of feeds for every kilogram ofmeat.

3) Conduct studies on the levels of tuber crops, crop’s leaves, fruits and herbal extracts to findout the limit of levels that could be used by the birds efficiently at least cost.

APPENDIX TABLES

Table 1a. Body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams)-initial weight

Treatment Weight (grams Total Mean1 – Control 420 460 420 1300.00 433.332- SweetPotato

400 430 430 1260.00 420.00

3- CassavaTubers

420 460 420 1300.00 433.33

4- Yambean 420 410 430 1260.00 420.005-Taro 440 450 430 1320.00 440.00Grand Total 6440.00Grand Mean 429.33

Table 1.b Analysis of variance of body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams)-initial weightSource ofVariation

DF SS MS ComputedF-Value

Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 960 240.00 0.77 ns 3.48 5.99Error 10 3133.33 313.33Total 14 4093.33

Table 2a. Daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old (kilograms)

Treatment Weight (kilograms) Total Mean1 – Control 52 47 46 145.00 48.332- SweetPotato

58 52 58 168.00 56.00

3- CassavaTubers

58 51 49 158.00 52.67

4- Yambean 52 58 52 162.00 54.005- Taro 55 51 52 158.00 52.67Grand Total 791.00Grand Mean 52.73

Table 2.b Analysis of variance of daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old(grams)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 94.93 23.73 1.90 ns 3.48 5.99Error 10 122.00 12.20Total 14 216.93

Table 3a.Feed intake per bird from 21 to 56 days old (grams)

Treatment Weight (grams) Total Mean

1 – Control 3210 3210 3210 9630.00 3210.002- SweetPotato

3215 3210 3310 9930.00 3310.00

3- CassavaTubers

3210 3210 3310 10110.00 3370.00

4- Yambean 3210 3310 3190 9710.00 3236.675- Taro 3215 3210 3330 9955.00 3318.33Grand Total 49335.00Grand Mean 3289.00


Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 50526.67 12631.67 1.78 ns 3.48 5.99Error 10 121610.00 7108.33Total 14

Table 4a.Feed conversion efficiency of the birds (kilograms)

Treatment Weight (kilograms) Total Mean

1 – Control 1.43 1.53 1.58 4.544 1.512- SweetPotato

1.31 1.43 1.35 4.09 1.36

3- CassavaTubers

1.31 1.43 1.55 4.29 1.43

4- Yambean 1.44 1.35 1.42 4.21 1.405- Taro 1.37 1.44 1.48 4.29 1.43Grand Total 21.42Grand Mean 1.43

Table 4.b Analysis of variance of feed conversion efficiency of the birds (kilograms)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%



Treatment Weight (grams Total Mean

1 – Control 430 430 430 1290 430.002- CamoteLeaves

420 400 420 1240 413.33

3- CassavaLeaves

410 410 450 1270 423.33

4- AlugbatiLeaves

420 410 410 1240 413.33

5- BananaLeaves

400 410 440 1250 416.67

Grand Total 6290Grand Mean 419.33

Table 5.b Analysis of variance of body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams)-initial weightSource ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%





53 52 54 159 53.00

3- CassavaLeaves

52 54 48 154 51.33

4- AlugbatiLeaves

59 53 61 173 57.67

5- BananaLeaves

57 55 63 175 58.33



Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 290.66 72.67 6.69 ** 3.48 5.99Error 10 108.67 10.87Total 14 399.33

Table 7a.Feed intake per bird from 21 to 56 days old (grams)



3210 3310 3310 9830 3276.67

3- CassavaLeaves

3410 3210 3310 9930 3310.00

4- AlugbatiLeaves

4210 3310 3390 10910 3636.67

5- BananaLeaves

3315 3210 3330 9855 3285.00



Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%




1 – Control 1.54 1.49 1.51 4.54 1.512- CamoteLeaves

1.43 1.48 1.41 4.32 1.44

3- CassavaLeaves

1.53 1.41 1.58 4.52 1.51

4- AlugbatiLeaves

1.29 1.47 1.34 4.11 1.37

5- BananaLeaves

1.38 1.38 1.48 4.24 1.41

Grand Total 21.72Grand Mean 1.45

Table 9.b Analysis of variance of feed conversion efficiency of the birds (kilograms)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 0.07 0.02 10 ** 3.48 5.99Error 10 0.02 0.002Total 14 0.09


Item TREATMENT

T1 –Control

T2 – SweetPotatoLeaves

T3- CassavaLeaves

T4-AlugbatiLeaves

T5-BananaLeaves

E. Live Weight 2.140 2.289 2.132 2.158 2.182F. Cost/live bird,

PhP 350.00/kg749.00 801.15 746.20 755.33 763.70

G. Cost / chickenmanure

10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

H. Cost/empty sack 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00TOTAL 779.00 831.15 776.20 785.33 793.70LESS:

F. Cost ofchick/head

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

G. Cost of feed 78.75 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00H. Cost of

Fruits0.00 18.23 72.90 43.74 7.29

I. Labor Cost 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00J. Cost of

Electricity0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

TOTAL 179.95 199.43 254.10 224.94 188.49NET PROFIT 599.05 631.72 522.10 560.39 605.21%RAC 76.90 76.01 67.26 71.36 76.25



1 – Control 400 440 400 1240 413.332- Banana 400 420 410 1230 410.003- Watermelon

410 380 390 1180 393.33

4- Tomato 420 410 430 1260 420.005- IndianMango

420 410 430 1260 420.00


Table 11.b Analysis of variance of body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams)-initialweightSource ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%


Table 1 2a. Daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old (kilograms)



46 53 50 149 49.67


47 52 52 151 50.33


Table 1 2.b Analysis of variance of daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old(grams)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%


Table 13a. Feed intake per bird from 21 to 56 days old (grams)



3210 3210 3210 9630 3210.00


3210 3210 3210 9630 3210.00



Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%




1 – Control 1.51 1.38 1.53 4.42 1.472- Banana 1.38 1.35 1.46 4.19 1.403- Watermelon

1.58 1.43 1.48 4.49 1.50

4- Tomato 1.61 1.43 1.43 4.47 1.495- IndianMango

1.57 1.44 1.43 4.44 1.48


Table 14b. Analysis of variance of feed conversion efficiency of the birds (kilograms)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%


Table15a.Feed conversion efficiency of the birds (kilograms)

Treatment Total Mean

1 – Control 1.43 1.53 1.58 4.54 1.512- SweetPotato

1.31 1.43 1.35 4.09 1.36

3- CassavaTubers

1.31 1.43 1.55 4.29 1.43

4- Turnips 1.44 1.35 1.42 4.21 1.405- Gabi 1.37 1.44 1.48 4.29 1.43Grand Total 21.42Grand Mean 1.43


Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

TreatmentErrorTotal


Item TREATMENT

T1 –Control

T2- Banana T3- Watermelon

T4-Tomato

T5- IndianMango

I. Live Weight 2.140 2.289 2.132 2.158 2.182J. Cost/live bird,

PhP 350.00/kg749.00 801.15 746.20 755.33 763.70

K. Cost / chickenmanure

10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

L. Cost/empty sack 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00TOTAL 779.00 831.15 776.20 785.33 793.70LESS:

K. Cost ofchick/head

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

L. Cost of feed 78.75 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00M. Cost of

Fruits0.00 18.23 72.90 43.74 7.29

N. Labor Cost 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00O. Cost of

Electricity0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20




1 – Control(plain h20)

440 430 420 1290 430.00

2- Water +Oregano

440 430 400 1270 423.30

3- Water +Lemon Grass

420 450 420 1290 430.00

4- Water +Pepper

420 430 420 1270 423.30

5- Water +Oregano +Lemon Grass+ Pepper

450 440 440 1330 443.30


Table 17b. Analysis of variance of body weight of birds at 21 days old (grams)-initialweightSource ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 800 200 1.11 ns 3.48 5.99Error 10 1800 180Total 14 2600




45 46 45 136 45.33

2- Water +Oregano

56 51 49 156 52.00


46 49 62 157 52.33

4- Water +Pepper

46 56 49 151 50.33


49 50 46 145 48.33


Table 18b. Analysis of variance of daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old(grams)Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%


Table 19a.Feed intake per bird from 21 to 56 days old (grams)Treatment Weight (grams) Total Mean1 – Control 3230 3110 3110 9450 3150.00

(plain h20)2- Water +Oregano

3210 3210 3210 9630 3210.00


3210 3210 3210 9630 3210.00

4- Water +Pepper

3210 3210 3190 9610 3203.30


3210 3210 3210 9630


Table 19b. Analysis of variance of daily gain in weight of birds from 21 to 56 days old(grams)

Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%





1.62 1.53 1.56 4.71 1.57

2- Water +Oregano

1.34 1.46 1.53 4.33 1.44


1.57 1.47 1.46 4.50 1.50

4- Water +Pepper

1.29 1.34 1.48 4.11 1.37


1.47 1.46 1.57 4.50 1.50



Source ofVariation


Tabular F5% 1%

Treatment 4 0.07 0.02 4ns 3.48 5.99Error 10 0.05 0.005Total 14 0.12


Item TREATMENTT1 –

Control(plainH20)

T2- Water +Oregano

T3- Water + LemonGrass

T4- Water + Pepper T5- Water + Oregano + LemonGrass + Pepper

M. Live Weight 2.017 2.243 2.262 2.185 2.135N. Cost/live

bird, PhP350.00/kg

705.95 785.05 791.70 764.75 747.25

O. Cost / chickenmanure

10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

P. Cost/emptysack

20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00

TOTAL 735.95 815.05 821.70 794.75 777.25LESS:

P. Cost ofchick/head

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Q. Cost offeed

78.75 80.25 80.25 80.08 80.25

R. Cost ofHerbs

0.00 5.00(estimatedvalue)

5.00(estimatedvalue)

5.00(estimated value)

5.00(estimated value)

S. LaborCost

1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

T. Cost ofElectricity

0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20


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