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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Significance of the Study

Native chicken raising in the backyards accounts for the half of poultry

production in the Philippines. It constitutes a large portion as source of food

and an integral part of the farming system of the Filipino farmers to

supplement the family income. Native chicken production plays an important

role in alleviating poverty as it has been the main source of eggs and meat

(Salces et al., 2013).

Native chickens are resistant to diseases. They are able to utilize low

quality feeds and their production is preferred by consumers despite the

command of higher price. This can be attributed to the increase in level of

awareness among consumers on the benefits and advantages of organically

grown and chemical-free meat products (Gil, Gracia & Sanchez, 2000).

Hence, native chicken production gaps require more development and

improvement without putting at risk its natural organic attributes. Researchers

need to introduce alternatives like use of organic water additives and natural

supplements instead of using synthetic preparations. Supplementing poultry

with synthetic growth enhancers is expensive and may cause adverse effects

in both birds and humans (Portugaliza & Fernandez, 2012).

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The study aims to determine whether supplementation of OHN extract

in the drinking water of the native chickens increases/improves the growth

performance and health, and may reduce cost and increase return of

production. The proposed study would be beneficial to poultry farmers in

improving their production. Utilization of fermented Oriental herbal nutrient

may lessen the costly inputs and improve the health of the flock. The results

of the study would be useful since there are limited studies conducted in

native chicken nutrition.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to determine the growth

performance and blood profile of native chicken supplemented with Oriental

herbal nutrients (OHN) extract.

The study aims to determine:

a) The growth performance of native chicken at 28 and 56 days of

supplementation with various levels of Oriental Herbal Nutrients

(OHN) extract.

b) The morbidity and mortality rate of the experimental birds; and

c) The blood profile of native chickens supplemented with various level

of OHN.
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d) The cost and expense analysis of native chickens supplemented with

Oriental herbal nutrients (OHN) extract after 56 days of

supplementation.

Definition of Terms

Ad libitum is a system of feeding in which the quantity of food offered is

unlimited.

Brooder is a place where young chickens are cared for after hatching until

they have grown to a point where they no longer need additional heat.

Brooding refers to the process of providing the chicks with the necessary

heat to make them feel warm and comfortable.

Feed Conversion Efficiency is the efficiency with which a feed is converted

into animal protein.

Packed Cell Volume is the volume of the blood cells in a sample of blood

after centrifugation using the hematocrit. Normally, it accounts up to

45% of the blood sample.

Red Blood Cells are blood cells in the bone marrow and found in the blood.

Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries

oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.

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Weight Gain is the increase in body weight. which involves an increase in

muscle mass, fat deposits, and excess fluids such as water or other

factors.

Wing web is the triangular skin attaching the three joints of the wing, visible

when the wing is extended.

White Blood Cells are blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow and

found in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells are part of the

body’s immune system of the body. They help the body fight infection

and other diseases. The types of white blood cells are granulocytes

(neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes, and lymphocytes

(T cells and B cells).