GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF COBB BROILER AS AFFECTED BY

VARYING LEVELS OF FERMENTED WATER SPINACH (Ipomoea

aquatica) AND WATERLEAF (Talinum triangulare)

A Thesis Outline
Presented to the Faculty of the
College of Agriculture Systems and Technology
Pampanga State Agricultural University

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
( Animal Science )

By

NATHANIEL M. BADIOLA

December 2022
 INTRODUCTION

Importance of the Study

Broiler industry contribute a lot in economic and food security of the country.

Asmarina (2018) stated that broiler chicken are farmed to fulfill the necessity of

marketing because they had high marketing value, nice benefit, and easy to breed method.

The term ‘broiler’ is mostly used for a meat producing meat. Broilers are just like other

common poultry birds, scientists have developed broiler specifically for producing meat

in a short period of time (Roys Farm Staff, 2021). However, there are challenges in

raising a broiler such as diseases, viruses, and lack in nutrition that may increase the

mortality rate of the broiler chickens and may affect the broiler meat production. On the

other hand, fermented plant juice can also be used as a supplement to farm or poultry

animals like cobb broiler.

Reboldela and Raguindin (2014) found out that fermented plant juice from fresh

kangkong and madre cacao leaves contains a lot of enzymes that will hasten the growth

of plants and when given to broilers, the enzymes help the birds to be much healthier and

grow faster. Also according to them, fermented plant juice can also be an efficient source

of vitamins and probiotics for the broiler chickens as cited by Andres (2021).

Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) is the Asian-originated name for what in English is

known as water spinach, a leafy green water vegetable. Water spinach (kangkong) leaves

are very nutritious, being rich in vitamins and minerals. It is naturally rich in dietary fiber,

protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C (Kejanny, 2017). This crop can be

considered to be used as fermented plant juice because of its nutrient contents. Also, the
 2

research of Robeldela and Reguindin stated that fresh kangkong is also rich in enzymes

that can help the cobb broilers to become much healthier and grow faster.

Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is an erect perennial herb species with swollen

roots and obtuse-angular, hairless, and succulent stems, which can grow to 3–10 feet in

height (Aja et al., 2010) and a vegetable crop native to and grown in Africa, Asia, and

Central and South America (USDA, NRCS 2020). This crop belongs to the purslane

family, Portulaceae (Carolin 1987). Waterleaf is commonly known as Ceylon spinach,

Surinam purslane, Philippine spinach, Grassé grand pourpier, Blatt-ginseng, Lustrosa-

grande, Espinaca de Java, and Sweetheart (USDA, NPGS 2020). Waterleaf is a short life-

span species and takes an average of only 30–45 days from planting to harvest (Iren et al.

2017). Waterleaf is a rich source of the essential nutrients Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron,

and vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin.

Waterleaf can be use as a meal and can be a valuable source of probiotics when it become

fermented and will contribute greatly to improve the health and growth performance of

animals, especially broiler chickens.

Reboldela and Raguindin (2014) as cited by Andres (2021) reported that birds that

are given 20 ml of fermented kangkong per liter of drinking water will start to become

heavier after 28 days until the 35th day or 10 days before they can be harvested. In

addition, 40 ml of fermented kangkong per liter of drinking water in the broiler may

result in a heavier bird with an average weight of 2 kilograms (kg).

Sanda and Oyinane (2015) conduct a research to evaluate the effect of waterleaf

extract on the performance of laying hen. They used 50, 100, 150 and 200 ml of waterleaf
 3

extract in the drinking water of laying hens. This study will use the different levels

applied by Reboldela and Raguindin (2014) as basis on how much fermented waterleaf

juice will be applied to the drinking water of the broilers.

Thus, this study sought to determine and evaluate the growth performance of the

cobb broiler when affected by varying levels of different fermented plant juice.
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Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to determine and evaluate the growth

performance of cobb broiler chicken as affected by the varying level of fermented water

spinach and waterleaf.

Specifically, the study aim to determine the following:

1. Average initial weight;

2. Average final weight;

3. Average daily gain in weight;

4. Average water intake (day supplemented; start and end);

5. Average feed consumption;

6. Average feed conversion ratio; and

7. Cost and return analysis.

Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted for 60 days from November 2022 to January 2023 in

Sitio Mandani, San Antonio, Magalang, Pampanga.

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Broiler Industry in the Philippines

The Philippine broiler industry is composed of 20% backyard (fewer than 1,000

birds) and 80% commercial farms. There are reportedly 588 registered poultry farms and

approximately 175 meat processors located throughout the country. The fresh processed

meat sector was estimated at 420,000 MT (Watson, 2022). Broiler chicken inventory was

highest in Central Luzon with 17.55 million birds, while CALABARZON shared the

highest inventory of layer chicken with 15.35 million birds (PSA, 2022).

Chang (2007) stated that demand outlook is positive for the Philippine broiler

industry because of the continuing growth in population and household incomes in the

country. However, it faces threats from cheaper imports as a result of its higher cost of

production and its less efficient marketing system. To compete, the Philippine broiler

industry must aim for more efficient systems of production and marketing, and the

government must provide an environment conducive to productivity improvement.

Level of Fermented Kangkong in Livestock and Poultry Animals

Based on the performance of the broiler chicken used in the study of Reboldela

and Raguindin (2014) as cited by Andres (2021), fermented kangkong can be use as an

alternative for vitamins and probiotics to improve the health and hasten the growth of the

broilers at levels up to 20 ml per liter of fermented kangkong on drinking water of

 6

broilers. This result are supported by the fact that the fermented kangkong had no adverse

effect on the growth responses of broiler chicken in terms of weight, FCR, and meat yield

even though the birds will start to become heavier after 28 days. In addition, broilers that

are given 40 ml per liter of fermented kangkong can be heavier.

Effect of Waterleaf on the Growth Performance of Chicken

Many research have been conducted about the effect of waterleaf on the growth

performance of chickens whether if its a broiler nor layer. The researchers used waterleaf

as a meal, extract, or a supplement to be added to the feeds or applied to the drinking

water of the chickens. Ekine et al. (2020) conducted a study about the responses of the

broiler chickens fed varying levels of dietary waterleaf and conclude that waterleaf

(Talinum trangulare) improves feed utilization, stimulates appetite and a good source of

electrolytes. It is, therefore, recommended to supplement broiler diets with Waterleaf

(Talinum trangulare).

Nworgu et al. (2014) also conducted a study about the performance and nutrient

utilization of broiler chickens fed with waterleaf meal supplement and conducted that

waterleaf meal is rich in crude protein (19.89%), ash (10.00%), Potassium (1.5%),

Calcium (1.39%) and moderate in crude fibre (8.10%). The final body weight gain

(FBW), mean body weight gain (MBWG), total feed intake (TFI), feed conversion ratio

(FCR), daily water intake, cost of feed per kilogram live weight gain (CFPKLWG), total

digestible nutrient (TDN), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly (P<0.05)
 7

affected in each phase among the treatments. Waterleaf are proven to have a valuable

effect on the growth performance of the broiler chicken.

Effect of Probiotics on the Growth Performance of Cobb Broiler

Probiotics are live microorganisms that affect the host animal by improving its

intestinal balance. Furlan (2005) mentioned that the probiotic mode of action is related to

the competition for attachment sites (competitive exclusion). The bacteria present in the

probiotic attach to the intestinal mucosa and block the attachment of pathogenic bacteria

by forming a physical barrier. Khaksefidi and Rahimi (2005) conducted an experiment

with three hundred and twenty broiler chickens to measure the effects of probiotics on the

growth of chickens and the results revealed that adding probiotics to the diet significantly

improved the live weight and feed conversion rate of the chickens. Cross (2002) indicated

that some probiotics could stimulate a protective immune response sufficiently to

enhance resistance to microbial pathogens.

Therefore, probiotics are proven to have an various effect in terms of disease

prevention, weight gain, and FCR of the broiler. Shabani et al. (2012) concluded that

using probiotics had significant effect (P < 0.05) on average daily gain and feed

conversion ratio and positively affects growth of chicken broilers. In addition, according

to the result of the experiment conducted by Shabani et al. (2012), he recommend the use

of probiotics for broiler chickens. Also, Kabir et al. (2004) concluded that

supplementation of probiotics had significant effect on growth performance and immune

response in broilers.
 8

Moreover, fermented plant juices can also become a source of probiotics that will

induce the health, disease prevention, weight gain, and FCR of the broiler, however, it is

only affected with the plants that are proven to be rich with probiotics such as kangkong

and waterleaf.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental Animals

One hundred eighty (180), one day old Cobb broiler chicks will be use in this

study. Cobb broiler are raised for meat production.

Image source: adweekchicks.co.ke

 10

Experimental Design and Treatment

A two-factor factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)

will use in this study. Factor A was the type of fermented plant juice (kangkong and

waterleaf) to be added to the drinking water while Factor B was the different levels of

fermented plant juice applied to the drinking water. There will be six treatment

combinations with three replications each.

Factor A = Types of Fermented Plant Juice Mix in the Drinking Water

A1 = Fermented Kangkong Juice (FKJ)

A2 = Fermented Waterleaf Juice (FWJ)

Factor B = Level of Fermented Plant Juice

B1 = Without any fermented plant juice (Control)

B2 = 20% level of fermented plant juice

B3 = 40% level of fermented plant juice

 11

Experimental Treatment Combination

A1B1 (Control) = Without any fermented plant juice added on the drinking water

A1B2 = 20% of fermented kangkong juice will be added in the drinking

water

A1B3 = 40% of fermented kangkong juice will be added in the drinking

water

A2B1 (Control) = Without any fermented plant juice added on the drinking water

A2B2 = 20% of fermented waterleaf juice will be added in the drinking

water

A3B3 = 40% of fermented waterleaf juice will be added in the drinking

water
 12

Experimental Layout

Block 2 Block 1 Block 3

A2B3 A1B3 A1B1

A1B2 A2B1 A2B2

A2B1 A1B1 A1B3

A1B2 A2B3 A2B2

A1B2 A2B1 A2B3

A2B2 A1B1 A1B3

Number of treatments = 6

Number of replications = 3

Number of birds/treatment = 30

Number of birds/replication = 10

Total number of birds = 180

Space Requirements = 1 sq. ft./ bird

 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Housing

The brooding pens that will use are from bamboo with a measure of 180 sq. ft.

The floor and walls will be covered with sacks to maintain the balance temperature inside

the pens. This study will also use nine 20-watt bulbs to keep the birds warm. The

brooding will last for 14 days.

Weighing and Grouping of the Birds

The chicks will be distributed to their respective treatments upon their arrival at

the place. The researchers will take the weight of the chicks and record them as the initial

weight of the chicks at the start of the study. The final weight will be taken when they are

28 days old.

Feeds and Feeding

Two types of feeds will be fed to the chicks throughout the study. The feeds will

be offered ad libitum to the experimental birds from the start until the end of the study.

The schedule of feeding are as follows:

Age (Days) Type of Feed

1-14 Chick Booster

15-28 Broiler Starter

28-Harvest Broiler Finisher

 14

Broiler starter ration will be fed according to the treatments. Broiler starter will be

fed when the broiler chickens are 15 days old until 28 days old. The researchers will fed

the broiler the finisher feed from 28 days until harvesting.

Feeding of the birds will be thrice a day at 7:00 in the morning, 12:00 noon and

6:00 in the evening.

Provision of Drinking Water with Fermented Plant Juices

The waters that will be given to the experimental animals will be added with

fermented plant juice according to their respective treatments from the start of the study.

The water added with fermented plant juice will be available to the birds at all times with

the use of plastic waterers.

 15

Data to be Gathered

1. Initial Weight

Initial weight will be taken after a brooding period of 14 days because the chicks

will be given the experimental water with fermented plant juices from the start of the

study. The weight will be taken by weighing the broilers individually according to their

respective treatments using a weighing scale.

2. Final Weight

The final weight will be taken by weighing the broilers individually according to

their respective treatments when they are 28 days old.

3. Gain in Weight

The gain in weight will be computed by deducting the final weight from the initial

weight.

Gain in Weight = Final Weight - Initial Weight

4. Water Intake

This will be taken from the start the water with experimental treatments is

supplemented to the experimental birds until the harvesting of the broiler.

 16

5. Feed Consumption

This will be determine by subtracting the remaining feeds from the amount of

feeds offered. The recording of feed consume of the experimental birds will be done daily.

Feed consumption will be computed using the formula below.

Feed consumption = Amount of feeds given less amount of feeds

remaining

6. Feed Conversion Ratio

This will be obtained by dividing the total amount of feed consumption of the

broilers by the gain in weight, as shown in the formula below.

Average Feed Consumption

FCR = Average Gain in Weight

7. Cost and Return Analysis

This will be taken by adding all the cost of the production from the start of the

study until the end of the study and the income will be determine after the broilers were

sold.
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Probiotics. Agriculture Monthly.
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