Chick Growth Enhancer Essay

ABSTRACT The study is entitled â€Å"Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer†. Specifically, it sought to find out the efficacy of Aloe Vera as a growth enhancer in broiler chicks. The study aims to produce a low-priced but high quality growth enhancer by using Aloe Vera as a main component. Twenty-one day old straight run broiler chicks were used in the study and were distributed to a cage with a dimension of (33 x 57). The cage was further subdivided into two cages for the different treatments with two birds per cage. Fresh leaves of Aloe Vera were then extracted, 5ml per liter of water. Feeding troughs and waters were also provided for each cage. The set up was composed of experimental and control group. The experimental group was being provided with water containing the Aloe Vera gel. In the other hand, the control group was being provided with only pure water. Data were collected to gather relevant information. The results obtained regarding performance of the broilers showed that Aloe Vera gel groups brought about higher body weight gain, growth, quality of feathers and immune system compared to the control group. From the investigation, the researchers would like to recommend this study to the people of the poultry business who would pursue the Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer to improve the performance of broiler chicks. Also, further research should be made especially on the right amounts of Aloe Vera in water to achieve a better mixture and produce a better product. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This study would have been impossible without the support and encouragement of many individuals who have given their time, efforts and advice to this study: Mr. Ronel Deloso, their adviser, for having encouraged the researchers to pursue this project, having assisted them in the process of their experiment and for having shared his knowledge in writing this study; Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rony Vasquez, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Ong, and Mr. Malvin Tan and Mrs. Mildred Nakila for the financial and moral support and for believing in them in all their endeavors; also to their friends, classmates and teachers for motivating them to continue this study; Their brothers, Gabrielle, Keith and Joshua for endlessly inspiring them and for offering their help, regardless if it’s big or small; Mr. Raffy K. Fortun, for assisting them in taking care of the chicks and for providing the cages needed for the experiment, for sharing them his expertise and for his suggestions and recommendations to improve the study; Mr. Glenn R. Galendez, for his undying support and faith in them that they were capable of accomplishing this study; and To Almighty God for the wisdom and perseverance that He has bestowed upon them and for endlessly showering them with blessings of strength and confidence to finish this study. CHAPTER I Broiler production is regarded to be one of the biggest and most progressive animal enterprises in the Philippines today. It represents 85 percent of poultry meat that Filipinos consume. As human population increases, the demand for poultry and poultry by products continue to rise. It is therefore advisable to source alternative ways to enhance and hasten animal’s growth. Aloe Vera is found helpful to this cause because it contains vitamins and minerals essential to improve the growth of broiler chicks. In this study, Aloe Vera is used as a growth enhancer substitute. Background of the Study Chicks are young chickens. They require special brooding and temperatures, as well as unique feed and care until they reach a more self-sufficient age. Furthermore, there is a high demand of chickens in the world not only in the Philippines but in the entire world. â€Å"Poultry production is considered one of the most common and very promising agricultural enterprises especially for low income farm families.† It offers several advantages to the raisers. Vitamins A, B and vitamin E, among other vitamins and minerals, are needed by chicks to grow. Aloe Vera is a house plant which comes from the family of lily. It is native to the eastern and southern part of Africa but it has spread throughout many of the warmer regions of the world like the Philippines. Physically, it is a short-stemmed plant that could grow from 80 to 100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy with thorny edges and with color ranging from deep green to grey - green. â€Å"Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals. Specific vitamins include: Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Choline, and Folic Acid. The vitamins A, C, and E are responsible for the aloe’s antioxidant activity while vitamin B and choline are involved in amino acid metabolism and vitamin B12 is required for the production and development of blood cells. Among the important minerals found in Aloe Vera are: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous,  sodium, and zinc. These minerals are essential for good health and are known to work in synergistic combinations with each other, with vitamins and other trace elements.† Objective of the Study This investigatory project primarily aims to test the efficacy of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) as a substitute growth enhancer in chicks. More specifically, the study espouses the following objectives: 1. To determine if there is a difference in: a. weight b. growth c. feathers d. immune system Scope and Limitation The study will be conducted at a small poultry farm where the chicks will be observed for 21 days. Fresh leaves of Aloe Vera will serve as the source of extract that will be used in this study. The sample will be freshly collected before extracting. The study focuses on how Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) leaves extract give potential as a substitute growth enhancer in chicks. Significance of the Study The study would answer the effectiveness of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) as Chick Growth Enhancer. The result of this study will provide information not only to the researchers but also to the people of the poultry business. CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature Lorenzo said that Aloe Vera leaf extract contains nutrients which enhance the growth of animals and even boost their immunity (davaoagribiz.da.gov.ph). Chung (2003) stated that vitamins must be present in sufficient quantities in the diet to ensure efficient utilization of carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and water for health and maintenance and production function such as growth development and reproduction. Poultry Raising Guide (1975) cited that in the presence of stressful condition like the movement of the birds,  the presence of infection, sudden change of weather and feeding practices, vaccination, deworming and debeaking birds need to be supplemented with vitamins. Aloe gel contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation, while polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair. These substances may also stimulate the immune system. This is according to University of Maryland (2013) Bejar and Colapo (2005) said that Aside from vitamins and minerals, aloe vera is rich with enzymes (help the breakdown of food sugars and fats), hormones (aid in healing and anti-inflammatory activities), sugars (i.e. glucose and fructose that provide anti-inflammatory activity), anthraquinones or phenolic compounds (aid absorption from gastro-intestinal tract and have antimicrobial and pain killing effects), lignin (increases the blood circulation), saponins (provide cleansing and antiseptic activity), sterols (antiseptic and analgesic), amino acids (basic building blocks of proteins in the production of muscle tissue), and salicylic acid (works as a pain killer).† Olupona et al. (2010) reported that Aloe Vera gel added to water (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm3/dm3) resulted in significant final body weight gain as well as in weekly body weight gain compared to control group. Several studies have shown antimicrobial properties of herb extracts (Cowan, 1999; Hammer et al., 1999) which can improve intestinal microflora population and enhance health in birds’ digestive systems through reduction in number of disease-making bacteria (Mitsch et al., 2004). Intestinal health is of great importance in poultry for improved performance and reduced feed conversion ratio (Montagne et al., 2003). Previous studies discovered different properties of Aloe Vera gel, including wound healing, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties (Boudreau and Beland, 2006; Reynolds and Dweck, 1999). CHAPTER III Methodology A total of twenty-one (21) day old straight run broiler chicks were used in the study and were distributed to a cage with a dimension of (57 x 33). The cage was further subdivided into two (2) cages for the different treatments with two (2) birds per cage. 3 days prior to the arrival of the chicks the  cages were prepared thoroughly and provided with electric bulb as heaters up to 3 weeks 21 days of age and until their feathers were fully developed. Fresh leaves of Aloe Vera were then extracted, 5ml per liter of water. Feeding troughs containing chick pellets and waterers were provided for each cage. The set up was composed of experimental and control group. The experimental group was being provided with water containing the Aloe Vera gel. On the other hand, the control group was being provided with only pure water. The observations in weight, growth, feathers and immune system was made weekly by the researchers. A digital weighing scale was used to measure the weight while a tape measure was used to determine the growth. The chicks were observed as starters (4-10 days), growers (10-15 days), and finishers (15-21) days. However, the final observations were made at the total experiment period. CHAPTER IV Results and Discussion Table 1 presents the results on the experiments on body weight gain. As seen in the table, the larger body weight gain was observed in the Aloe Vera group in the starter, grower and finisher, as well as the total experiment period. In the starter period, significant increase in body weight gain was observed in the both the Aloe Vera and control groups. However, in the grower and finisher periods, the larger body weight gain was observed in the Aloe Vera group compared to the control group. Finally, the results on body weight gain in the total period (day 21) showed a significant difference among the Aloe Vera and control group. In addition, the Aloe Vera gel groups experienced enhanced body weight gain compared to the control group. The results of the experiments on growth are shown in Table 2. Here, the Aloe Vera group showed higher level of growth in broilers. During the starter period both groups had the same measure of height in centimeters. Significant differences were observed in the grower and finisher periods that Aloe Vera indeed has an effect in the growth of broilers. Table 3 shows the results of treatments on feathers in broilers. As shown in the table, there was a significant difference observed between the two  groups. In the starter and grower periods, both groups had the same quality and color of feathers. It was observed however; in the finisher periods the control group had pale-looking feathers while the Aloe Vera group had a golden yellow color. The differences on immune system are presented in Table 4. During the starter period, there was no significant difference between the two groups. However, the stronger immune system was observed in the Aloe Vera group in the grower and finisher periods compared to the control group, which showed minor cases of skin lesions in the body. Table 1 (Weight) Starter Grower Finisher Total Experiment Period Aloe group 100 g 148.3 g 175 g 200 g Control group 100 g 145 g 170.5 g 160 g Table 2 (Growth) Starter Grower Finisher Total Experiment Period Aloe group 8 cm 12 cm 15 cm 18 cm Control group 8 cm 10.5 cm 13 cm 16 cm Table 3 (feathers) Starter Grower Finisher Total Experiment Period Aloe group Yellowish, Dry and fluffy Feathers are clean and yellowish, covers the entire body Yellowish, fluffy feathers Golden-yellow, healthy feathers Control group Yellowish, Dry and fluffy Signs of bald patches Visible bald patches Pale yellow, with bald patches Table 4 (Immune System) Starter Grower Finisher Total Experiment Period Aloe group Healthy No diseases Little skin lesions Healthy Control group Healthy Skin lesions begin to appear Skin lesions have spread Lack of nourishment CHAPTER V Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation Summary The study is entitled â€Å"Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer†. It focused on making a low priced but high quality growth enhancer in broiler chicks. It was conducted for the main purpose of evaluating and comparing the quality of Aloe Vera as a growth enhancer in terms of body weight gain, growth, feathers, and immune system. A total of twenty-one (21) day old straight run broiler chicks were used in the study and were distributed to a cage with a dimension of (57 x 33). The cage was further subdivided into two (2) cages for the different treatments with two (2) birds per cage. 3 days prior to the arrival of the chicks the cages were prepared thoroughly and provided with electric bulb as heaters up to 3 weeks 21 days of age and until their feathers were fully developed. Fresh leaves of Aloe Vera were then extracted, 5ml per liter of water. Feeding troughs containing chick pellets and waterers were provided for each cage. The set up was composed of experimental and control group. The experimental group was being provided with water containing the Aloe Vera gel. On the other hand, the control group was being provided with only pure water. The observations in weight, growth, feathers and immune system was made weekly by the researchers. . A digital weighing scale was used to measure the weight while a tape measure was used to determine the growth. The chicks were observed as starters (4-10 days), growers (10-15 days), and finishers (15-21) days. The results obtained regarding performance of the broilers showed that Aloe Vera gel groups brought about higher body weight  gain, growth, quality of feathers and immune system compared to the control group. The differences were then illustrated in a table. From the investigation, the researchers would like to recommend this study to the people of the poultry business who would pursue the Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer to improve the performance of broiler chicks. Also, further research should be made especially on the right amounts of Aloe Vera in water to achieve a better mixture and produce a better product. Conclusion Finally, it can be concluded that the group treated by Aloe Vera gel showed better performance compared to the control group. Furthermore, among the two groups, the Aloe Vera group experienced higher level of body weight gain, growth, quality of feathers, and immune system. Recommendation From the investigation, the researchers would like to recommend this study to the people of the poultry business who would pursue the Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer to improve the performance of broiler chicks. Also, further research should be made especially on the right amounts of Aloe Vera in water to achieve a better mixture and produce a better product. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bejar, Feliciano R.; Colapo, Remedies P. (2005) Growth Performance and Sensory Evaluation of Broilers Supplemented with Aloe Vera ( Aloe barbadensis miller) Extract in Drinking Water. Boudreau, M.D., Beland, F. A., 2006. An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis (miller), Aloe vera. J. Environ. Sci. Heal. C 24:103-154. Cowan, M.M., 1999. Plant products as antimicrobial agents. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 12: 564-582. Darabighane, Babak (2011) Effects of different levels of Aloe vera gel as an alternative to antibiotic on performance and ileum morphology in broilers. Italian Journal of Animal Science. Licensee PAGEPress, Italy Vol 10, No 3 [eISSN 1828-051X] Dela Cruz, Rita T. (2006) Extracts from Aloe: Not Only a natural Healer also a Poultry Growth Enhancer. BAR Digest. Vol. 8 No. 2. Hammer, K.A., Carson, C.F., Riley, T.V., 1999. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plants extracts. J. Appl. Microbiol. 86:985-990. Ehrlich, Steven D. (201 3) Aloe Medical Reference Guide. University of Maryland Medical System. MD 21201 Lorenzo, Elias (unknown) Aloe Vera Found Beneficial to Poultry. Davao Agri Biz. Mitsch, P. (2004). The effect of two different blends of essential oil components on the proliferation of Clostridium perfringens in the intestines of broiler chickens. Poultry Sci. 83:669-675. Montagne, L. (2003) A review of interactions between dietary ï ¬ bre and the intestinalmucosa, and their consequences on digestive health in young non-ruminant animals. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 108:95-117. Olupona, J.A. Effect of Aloe Vera Juice Application Through Drinking Water on Performance pp 42-43 in Proc. Reynolds, T., Dweck, A.C., (1999). Aloe vera leaf gel: a review update. J. Ethnopharmacol. 68:3-37.