SQUASH SEEDS (Cucurbita) AND SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) AS

FEED SUPPLEMENT FOR BROILER CHICKS (Gallus gallus domesticus)

By

GERALD VAN R. JAMERO

Submitted to the Faculty of

Tagbilaran City Science High School

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for

Research 10

2021
 ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study was to determine the growth of broiler chicks

supplemented with squash seeds and sweet potato. Hence, it will give a better

result for growth and great financial help for those people who have a big farm or

local farm.

A total of fifteen broiler chicks were used for investigation and these chicks were

distributed into 5 groups of 3. The 1st group (Group A) was treated with 64 g

squash seeds and 191 g commercial feeds. The 2nd group (Group B) was

treated with 128 g squash seeds and 128 g commercial feeds while the 3rd

group (Group C) was given 64 g sweet potato and 191 g commercial feeds. The

4th group (Group D) was treated with 128 g sweet potato and 128 g commercial

feeds while the last group (Group D) was treated with 255 g commercial feeds

only. The experiment was conducted for 49 days or 7 weeks to be exact to

determine its effect.

The subjects’ initial body mass was measured before conducting the experiment

and was monitored by getting the subjects’ final body mass in grams.
 CONTENTS

Page

CHAPTER

1 THE PROBLEM: RATIONALE AND BACKGROUND . . . . . .

Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . .

Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . .

Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hypothesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scope and Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Definition of Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . .

Broiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nutrient level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Poultry feeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Squash seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Zinc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Omega 3-fats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anti-diabetic effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Heart and liver health . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anti- Inflammatory benefits . . . . . . . . . . .

Constituents and Compositions . . . . . . . . . .

Sweet potato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sourcing, Grouping, Management of subjects . . .

Preparation of Test Ingredients . . . . . . . . .

Administration of Treatments . . . . . . . . . .

Application of Treatments . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Data Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Statistical Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discussions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . .

Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 TABLES

No. Title Page

4.1 Mass of Chicks . . . . . . .

4.2 ANOVA Summary Table ..... ..

4.3 Tukey Table . . . . . . . . .

PLATES

No. Title Page

2.1 Broiler Chicken . . . . . .

2.2 Commercial Feeds . . . . .

2.3 Squash Seeds . . . . . . . .

2.4 Sweet Potato. . . . . . . . .

 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM: RATIONALE AND BACKGROUND

Background of the Study

Broiler chicken production is one of the most progressive animal

enterprises in the Philippines today. It began as a backyard enterprise but has

shifted to the formation of very large integrated contract farming operations. It is

an animal husbandry, for the purpose of farming meat and eggs for food. Broiler

production already comprises 85% of the poultry meat requirement of the

Filipinos (Macapia, et al 2007). It gives a quick return of investment that would

allow 5-6 production cycles in a year.

Since the 1960s, the global production of poultry meat has been growing

faster than that of any other meat in both developed and growing countries. The

significant growth of poultry production and consumption in the developing

countries has important implications for the global trading of all meat products, as

well as feeds and related inputs(Landes et al. 2004; Taha 2003). In spite of its
many advantages and the positive market outlooks, the world broiler sector faces

increasing challenges (Shane 2004). Problems such as high prices of

commercial and imported feeds, increasing consumer concerns over food safety,

animal welfare, product quality, and environmental issues associated with

industrialized poultry production systems are of the most concerns.

One of the main problems of broiler production in a developing country like

Philippines is the high demand. With a growing population and increasing

consumer demands, the industry could hardly make up with the requirement.

Thus, the poultry industry particularly on the part of the raisers, continuously find

means to increase the production rate. Broiler rations should be formulated to

supply the correct balance of energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals

to allow optimum growth.

One way is to look for an alternative source of feed supplement that can

enhance the growth of chickens that is organic and readily available. The

alternative feeds should provide energy and supplements needed for the

development of bone, flesh, feathers, and eggs and also increases the bird’s

mass.

Philippines is considered the eleventh producer of squash worldwide with

crops of more than 382 000 tons per year (FAO 2007). However, in the country

only the meat of this vegetable is consumed, throwing out 24 000 tons of seeds

annually, with approximately 94% of dry matter and significant amounts of

abundant proteins, amino acids, unsaturated lipids, phytosterols, squalene,

dietary fiber and minerals are wasted. Squash seeds produce 225 to 248 kg

crude protein/hectare and 240 to 255 kg ether extract/hectare which could

potentially be used for poultry feeding. (Martinez et al, 2008; Martinez, 2009).

On the other hand, sweet potatoes are widely produced in the Philippines

with over 153 000 metric tons just in 2018 (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2018).

Recent studies have found that sweet potatoes are high in fiber, loaded with beta

carotene, contains essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Folate. It

is also a good source of potassium and iron.

With this, the researcher came up with the idea to evaluate the effect of

squash seeds and sweet potato on the growth of broiler chicks.

Statement of the Problem

The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of squash seeds

and sweet potato on broiler growth.

Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. How much was the change in mass on the broiler chicks after seven (7) weeks

of feeding?

2. Was there a significant difference on the growth of broiler chicks in terms of

their mass treated with:

a) 64 grams squash seeds and 191 grams commercial feeds

 b) 128 grams squash seeds and 128 grams commercial feeds

c) 64 grams sweet potato and 191 grams commercial feeds

d) 128 grams sweet potato and 128 grams commercial feeds

e) 255 grams Commercial feeds

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Treatments:

1. 64g squash seeds & 191g

commercial feeds Body mass in grams (g)
2. 128g squash seeds & 128g gained by broiler chicks
commercial feeds during the experiment.
3. 64g sweet potato & 191g
commercial feeds
4. 128g sweet potato & 128g
commercial feeds
5. 255g Commercial feeds

Plate 1.1 Paradigm of the Independent variables and Dependent variable on

the squash seeds and sweet potato as food supplement for broiler chicks

(Gallus gallus domesticus).

Assumptions

The following assumptions served as the foundation of this study:

1. The squash seeds were edible and safe to be fed to the broiler chicks.

2. The sweet potatoes that were be used in the experiment were fresh and clean.

3. The commercial feeds used in the study were clean.

4. The broiler chicks were exposed to the same environmental conditions

including shelter, ventilation, water and sunlight.

Hypothesis

The null hypothesis that the researcher formulated was as follows:

1. There was no significant difference on body mass of broiler chicks treated

with:

a) 64 grams squash seeds and 191 grams commercial feeds

b) 128 grams squash seeds and 128 grams commercial feeds

c) 64 grams sweet potato and 191 grams commercial feeds

d) 128 grams sweet potato and 128 grams commercial feeds

 e) 255 grams Commercial feeds

Significance of the Study

Feeds are the major component of the total cost of broiler production.

Even before, feed supplements were so useful for the growth of poultry animals.

Now that the people have a hard time buying commercial feeds, vitamins and

other feed supplements because of high prices, we make use of the available

resources as alternative feed supplements that are available.

Squash seeds and sweet potato are used in this study. Squash seeds and

sweet potato are abundant in the locality and can greatly help poultry raisers.

Aside from being abundant, these contain vitamins and minerals that would

supplement the chicken’s needs, thus, providing them with proper diet. This

suitable practice would guarantee that the chickens will grow up healthy.

The result of this study would be a great contribution in poultry-raising and

would probably increase the production of egg and meat. Another significance of

this study is the basis it will give to the researches in connection to the future with

other ways of enhancing the growth of broiler chicks. It will benefit those people

who have big poultry farms or local farms.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

 This study was conducted at the residence of the researcher’s uncle at

West-Canayaon, Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol school year 2019-2020.

This study was limited to the effect of squash seeds and sweet potato on

the growth of broiler chicks in terms of mass. Body mass was recorded initially

and at the end of the study. The researcher used 15 male broiler chicks for

investigation and these chicks were distributed into 5 groups of 3. The 1 st group

(Group A) was treated with 64 grams squash seeds and 191 grams commercial

feeds. The 2nd group (Group B) was treated with 128 grams squash seeds and

128 grams commercial feeds. The 3rd group (Group C) was treated with 64 grams

sweet potato and 191 grams commercial feeds. The 4 th group (Group D) was

treated with 128 grams sweet potato and 128 grams commercial feeds and the

5th group (Group E) was treated with 255 grams of commercial feeds only.

Application of the different treatment was done for 7 weeks to determine its

effect.

This study also aimed to compare which among the different treatments

had a greater effect in supplementing the growth of broiler chicks.

Definition of Key Terms

The terms used in this study were defined below:

Antioxidant. It is the substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by

oxygen, peroxide, or free radicals.

Broiler Chick. It is any chicken that is bred and raised specifically for meat

production.

Commercial Feeds. It is any mixed ration for animal feeding offered for sale on

the open market.

Food Supplement. It is something that completes or enhances something else

when added to it.

Growth. It is the process of increasing in physical size.

Mass. It is the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational

field.

Protein. A chicken needs protein to fight against disease. Their body uses the

protein to produce antibodies for this purpose. A bird quickly loses protein when

sick because its body is using it so fast. About 85 percent of the feathers on

chickens is made up of protein. Protein requirements increase when a bird is

molting.

Squash Seed. It is the edible seed of a squash or certain other cultivars of

pumpkin. The seeds are typically rather flat and asymmetrically oval and light

green in color and may have a white outer hull.

Sweet Potato. A tropical vine (Ipomoea batatas) of the morning-glory family that

is often grown for its edible tuberous root or for its ornamental variously shaped

green to purple leaves and usually white to pinkish funnel-shaped flowers with

pink to purple centers.

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Broiler. The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a

domestic fowl. Chicken is one of the most common widespread domestic animals

and there are more chickens in the world than any other bird. Humans keep

chickens primarily as a source of food, consuming both their meat and eggs.

Chickens are omnivores. In the wild, they Plate 2.1 Broiler

Chicken
often scratch at the soil to search for seeds,

insects and even larger animals such as lizards or young mice.

Broiler is a type of chicken raised specifically for meat production. Broiler

is raised in highly controlled environment along with thousands of other broiler

chicks. It is given unrestricted access to a special diet of high protein feed

delivered via an automated feeding system. Broiler chicks are also popular in

small family farms in rural communities, where a family will raise a small flock of
broilers. Chickens of broiler strains have been selected for rapid weight gain and

efficient utilization of feed. Broilers are usually allowed to feed on an ad libitum

basis to ensure rapid development to market size, although some interest has

been expressed in controlling feed intake in an attempt to minimize the

development of excessive carcass fat.

Nutrient levels for broiler diets

Dietary requirements for meat-type chickens vary according to whether

the birds are broilers being started and grown for market, broiler breeder pullets

and hens, or broiler breeder males. Feeding strategies for broiler chickens will

vary depending on the target market for the final product. Strategies for feeding

broilers destined for the whole bird market will differ from strategies for broilers

destined to be sold as pieces. Furthermore, the nutrient intake of fast growing

broilers must be carefully controlled to prevent metabolic diseases such as

ascites and leg weakness. Expression of a requirement for any nutrient is

relative, and many factors must be considered. Many nutrients are

interdependent, and it is difficult to express requirements for one without

consideration of the quantity of the other. Examples include the relationships that

exist between lysine and arginine and among calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin

D3 levels in the diet.

Other factors that may affect requirements include age and gender of the animal.

Some studies suggest that males require greater quantities of nutrients than do

females at a similar age; however, when expressed as a percentage of the diet,

there seems to be little difference in nutrient requirements of the sexes. The

requirements for many nutrients seem to diminish with age, but for most nutrients

there have been few research studies designed to precisely estimate

requirements for all age periods, especially for those beyond 3 weeks of age.

Water Consumption Rates for Chickens

Water is an essential nutrient for life. Water consumption can be limited if

the water is too hot or is contaminated with excess minerals. Water and food

consumption rates are interdependent, so reduced water intake can also lead to

reduced food intake. There are other factors that affect water intake, with

temperature being the most obvious one. For example, chickens drink between

30-50% more water when the environmental temperature is above 32 degrees

Celsius compared with when it is 21 degrees Celsius. Water intake is also

affected by the type of drinkers used. The rule of thumb for water intake is that

water intake is usually 1.5 to 2 times feed intake.

Poultry feed.

Poultry feed is food for farm

poultry, including chickens, ducks,

geese and other domestic birds.

Before the twentieth century, poultry

were mostly kept on general farms, Plate 2.2 Commercial Feeds

and foraged for much of their feed, eating insects, grain spilled by cattle and

horses, and plants around the farm. This was often supplemented by grain,

household scraps, calcium supplements such as oyster shell, and garden waste.

As farming became more specialized, many farms kept flocks too large to

be fed in this way, and nutritionally complete poultry feed was developed.

Modern feeds for poultry consists largely of grain, protein supplements such as

soybean oil meal, mineral supplements, and vitamin supplements. The quantity

of feed, and the nutritional requirements of the feed, depend on the weight and

age of the poultry, their rate of growth, their rate of egg production, the weather

(cold or wet weather causes higher energy expenditure), and the amount of

nutrition the poultry obtain from foraging. This results in a wide variety of feed

formulations. The substitution of less expensive local ingredients introduces

additional variations.

Healthy poultry require a sufficient amount of protein and carbohydrates,

along with the necessary vitamins, dietary minerals, and an adequate supply of

water. Lacto-fermentation of feed can aid in supplying vitamins and minerals to

poultry. Certain diets also require the use of grit, tiny rocks such as pieces of

granite, in the feed. Grit aids in digestion by grinding food as it passes through

the gizzard. Grit is not needed if commercial feed is used.

The feed must remain clean and dry; contaminated feed can infect poultry.

Damp feed encourages fungal growth. Mycotoxin poisoning, as an example, is

“one of the most common and certainly most under-reported cause of toxicoses

in poultry”. Diseases can be avoided with proper maintenance of the feed and

feeder. A feeder is the device that supplies the feed to the poultry. For privately

raised chickens, or chickens as pets, feed can be delivered through jar, trough or

tube feeders. The use of poultry feed can also be supplemented with food found

through foraging. In industrial agriculture, machinery is used to automate the

feeding process, reducing the cost and increasing the scale of farming. For

commercial poultry farming, feed serves as the largest cost of the operation.
Squash seeds.

Squash seeds, also known as

pepitas – are flat, dark green seeds.

Some are encased in a yellow-white

husk (often called the shell),

although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells.

Plate 2.3 Squash Seeds

Squash seeds have a malleable, chewy texture and a subtly

sweet, nutty flavor. While roasted, squash seeds are probably best known for

their role as a perennial Halloween treat. In many food markets, pepitas are

available in all of the forms described above-raw and shelled, raw and unshelled,

roasted and shelled, roasted and unshelled.

Like cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber, squash belong to the gourd

or Cucurbitaceae family. Within this family, the genus Cucurbita contains all of

the squashes (and their seeds). The most common species of squashes used as

a source of seeds are Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata,

and Cucurbita mixta.

One-quarter cup of squash seeds contains nearly half of the

recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of

vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of adenosine

triphosphate, the body’s energy molecules, the synthesis of RNA and DNA,
proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of the blood vessels, and proper

bowel function.

Magnesium also has been shown to benefit blood pressure and help

prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke.

Zinc for Immune Support

Squash seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2

mg of this beneficial mineral). Zinc is important to your body in many ways,

including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste

and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.

Many are deficient in zinc due to mineral-depleted soils, drug effects,

plant-based diets, and other diets high in grain. This deficiency is associated with

increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression, acne, low birth weight

babies, learning problems and poor school performance in children, among

others.

Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats

Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best

sources of plant based omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA) People need ALA,

however, ALA has to be converted by your body into the far more essential

omega-3 fats EPA and DHA—by enzyme in which the vast majority is to have
impaired by high insulin levels. So, while squash seeds are an excellent source

of ALA, its essential is to get some of omega-3 fats from animal sources, such as

krill oil, as well.

Anti-Diabetic Effects

Animal studies suggest that squash seeds may help improve insulin

regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative

stress.

Heart and Liver Health

Squash seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers, may provide

benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Squash seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. One

animal study even found it worked as well as the anti-inflammatory drug

indomethacin in treating arthritis, but without the side effects.

Constituents
 Squash seeds contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytonutrients,

including the phenolic acids hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic, sinapic,

protocatechuic, vanillic, and syringic acid; and the lignans pinoresinol,

medioresinol, and lariciresinol. Squash seeds also contain health-supportive

phytoterols, including beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, and avenasterol. Squash seeds

are a very good source of phosphorus (1174 mg. Phosphorus is needed for bone

development. Magnesium (550 mg) is needed for bone formation, eggshell

formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates. These are essential for proper

chicken nutrition: manganese (124 mg) and copper (1.343 mg). It is also a good

source of other minerals including zinc (7.81 mg), and iron (8.82 mg). Iron is

important because it makes the protein called hemoglobin. In addition, squash

seeds are a good source of protein.

Compositions

Chemical composition and physicochemical properties of squash seeds

and fatty acids of their oil were determined. It was found that the seeds contained

41.59% oil and 25.4% protein. Moisture, crude fiber, total ash, and carbohydrate

contents were 5.21%, 5.34%, 2.49%, and 25.19%, respectively.

The specific gravity, dynamic viscosity, and refractive index of the extracted

squash seed oil were 0.915, 93.659 cP and 1.4662, respectively. All known

vitamins include Vitamin A, and D have the fat-soluble vitamins, which the birds

store in fat cells until needed.

 It also have water-soluble vitamins (C and B complex), which are not

stored in the body but used when needed with the excess being excreted.

Vitamin A is important for vision, growth, bone development, and resistance to

diseases and parasites. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, beaks, claws,

egg-shells and hatching ability. Squash seeds contain antioxidant compounds

like carotenoids vitamin E. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and protect

your cells from harmful free radicals. That’s why consuming foods rich in

antioxidants can help protect against many diseases. This will increase the

body’s immune response and defend against foreign substances, as well as the

free radicals produced by our own body that may do us harm over the long term.

Sweet Potato

It is the skin of sweet potatoes which has been peeled. Sweet potato is a

starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable.

It is one of very versatile and indispensable

food item for millions of inhabitants in South

and South-East Asia, and Pacific Islands.

The peelings of sweet potatoes are edible.

It is rich in calories, vitamins and minerals. Plate 2.4 Sweet Potato

 It contains water (50.6%), carbohydrates (77%), protein (6.2%), fiber (3%)

and almost no fat. The main components are complex carbohydrates called

starches, which make up 53% of the carbohydrate content. Simple sugars, such

as glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose then make up another 32% of the carb

content. The glycemic index is a measure of how fast blood sugar values rise

after a meal. Sweet potatoes have a medium to high glycemic index, varying

from 44-96. Sweet potato peelings are relatively high in fiber, with a medium-

sized sweet potato containing 3.8 grams.

Sweet potato is a great source of B6 vitamins, which are brilliant at

breaking down homocysteine, a substance that contributes to the hardening of

blood vessels and arteries, according to the Harvard University School of Public

Health. Sweet potatoes peeling’s potassium content is also helpful for your heart,

as it lowers blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance, as explained by the

American Heart Association. Potassium is also an important electrolyte that helps

regulate your heartbeat.

Sweet potato contains magnesium (26.6%), the go-to mineral for

destressing. It promotes relaxation, calmness and a good mood, as well as

artery, blood, bone, muscle and nerve health, (Psychology Today, 2003).

Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber (44.7%), which helps

the body maintain a healthy digestive tract and regulates digestion. Sweet potato

peelings contain a wealth of orange-hued carotenoid pigments. In countries

throughout Africa, in India and in the Caribbean, sweet potato peels have been
shown to be a highly effective way of providing school age children with sizable

amounts of their daily vitamin A. In some studies, sweet potato skin have been

shown to be a better source of bioavailable beta-carotene than green leafy

vegetables. Because sweet potatoes are available in many countries on a virtual

year-round basis, their ability to provide us with a key antioxidant like beta-

carotene makes them a standout antioxidant food. Anthocyanin and other color-

related pigments in sweet potato skins are equally valuable for their anti-

inflammatory health benefits.

In the case of inflammation, scientists understand even more about the

amazing properties of this peeling. In animal studies, activation of nuclear factor-

kappa B (NF-kB); activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and

cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) have all be

shown to get reduced following consumption of either sweet potato or its color-

containing extracts. Since each of these events can play a key role in the

development of unwanted inflammation, their reduction by sweet potato

phytonutrients marks a clear role for this food in inflammation-related health

problems. In animal studies, reduced inflammation following sweet potato

consumption has been shown in brain tissue and nerve tissue throughout the

body.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Materials

Broiler chicks

Commercial Feeds

Squash Seeds

Sweet Potato

Water

Equipment

Digital Weighing Scale

Chicken Coop

Feeding troughs

Plastic Containers
 Knife

Chopping Board

Procedure

A. Sourcing, Grouping and Management of Experimental Subjects

A total of fifteen male broiler chicks were purchased from Pacifica Agrivet

Supplies. The chicks were placed in a chicken coop. These were randomly

distributed into 5 experimental groups with 3 chicks in each compartment

grouped according to their treatment.5 compartments made up of marine

plywood and plastic screens were installed to avoid any harm to the chicks. Each

compartment is 1.5m in length and width. The compartments were installed with

complete and sufficient electrical lightings and the coop is roofed to keep the

chicks warm. To equalize the broilers’ feed intake and water consumption, each

compartment had its own water and feeder. Water was provided daily as well.

B. Preparation of Test Ingredients

Squash seeds were collected, washed thoroughly, dried and finely

chopped. The seeds were weighed first before mixing to the feeds. Sweet

potatoes were cleaned thoroughly, dried and chopped into fine pieces. It was
also weighed before mixing with the feeds. The type of feeds given was changed

according to the age of the broiler chicks.

C. Administration of Treatments

The 1st group (Group A) was treated with 64 grams squash seeds and

191 grams commercial feeds. The 2nd group (Group B) was treated with 128

grams squash seeds and 128 grams commercial feeds. The 3 rd group (Group C)

was treated with 64 grams sweet potato and 191 grams commercial feeds. The

4th group (Group D) was treated with 128 grams sweet potato and 128 grams

commercial feeds and the 5 th group (Group E) was treated with 255 grams of

commercial feeds only. Water was always present. The treatment was always

prepped and readily available so that feeding is continuous and maximized.

D. Application of Treatments

The chicks were fed all day long for 7 weeks. The feeders and water

containers were refilled if running low. After every preparation, the treatments

were given to the chicks respectively, simultaneously.

E. Weighing
 Initial weights of the broiler chicks were determined on the first day and

were done by weighing each of the chicks. Final weighing of the subjects was

done at the last day to record the changes in mass (grams) of the subjects for

interpretation.

F. Gathering of Data

The gathering of data was conducted by recording the mass gained

(grams) of the chicks at the start and at the end of the experiment. The amount of

mass gained in a certain amount of time was measured.

G. Statistical Treatment

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

A technique in using F-test to test the hypothesis concerning the means of

three or more population. It is used when there is only one treatment group

(factor) for the dependent variable.

 Chapter 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Results

Set- up Initial mass(g) Final mass(g) Gained mass(g)

A 40 2461 2421
50 2211 2161
70 2106 2036
B 60 2345 2285
50 2299 2249
60 2246 2186
C 40 2601 2561
50 2343 2293
60 2008 1958

D 60 2451 2391
60 2193 2133
60 2706 2646

E 60 2360 2300
50 2511 2461
 60 2192 2132

Table 4.1 The Mass of the Chicks in set-ups A, B, C, D and E Pre and Post

Treatment Period

Table 4.1 shows the initial, final, and gained mass of the chicks throughout the

SUMMARY duration of the study.

Groups Coun Sum Average Variance

A 3 6618 2206 38575

B 3 6720 2240 2511

C 3 6812 2270.667 91276.33

D 3 7170 2390 65793

E 3 6893 2297.667 27064.33

Table 4.2 Means of the mass gained by broiler chicks

The 4th set-up (Set-up D) had the highest mean in terms of their body mass

gained with 2390 g. Set-up E followed with 2297.667 g, Set-up C with 2270.667

g, B with 2240 g and the least mean in terms of change in their body mass was

2206 g which was set-up A. With this, the group which was treated with 128 g

sweet potato and 128 g commercial feeds supplemented the growth most while

the group with 64 g squash seeds and 191 g commercial feeds the least.
 ANOVA

Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit

Variation

Between 58714.4 4 14678.6 0.32587 0.85438 3.4780

Groups 3 8 5

Within 450439. 10 45043.9

Groups 3 3

Total 509153. 14        

Table 4.3 ANOVA Summary Table

The computed test value was equal to 0.325873. At 0.05 level of significance, the

degrees of freedom are 4 and 10, respectively.

The statistical treatment One-Way ANOVA revealed that the computed test value

(t= 0.325873) had a lesser value than the critical value (CV=±3.47805). This

leads to not rejecting the null hypothesis. Thus, indicating that there is enough

evidence to conclude that there was a negligible difference between the growths

of broiler chicks in terms of their mass treated with the set-ups A, B, C, and D.

Discussions

The data on the tables above of set-ups A, B, C, and D suggested that the

treatments used in the study only made a small difference in the body mass of

the broiler chicks. It did not cause any deterioration nor abnormalities on growth

but neither did it also improve the body mass significantly.

With these results, the use of squash seeds and sweet potato as feed

supplement for broiler chicks was thought to have no significant effect in

supplementing the feeds for the purpose of increasing the broiler chicks’ body

mass.
 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECO1MMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

The main problem of this study was to determine the effect of feeds
supplemented with squash seeds (Cucurbita) and sweet potato (Ipomoea
batatas) on the body mass gained by broiler chicks.

Conclusion

Based upon the results of the study, the null hypothesis was not rejected. This
means that the commercial feeds that were supplemented with squash seeds
and sweet potato peelings had no significant effect on the growth of the broiler
chicks in terms of their body mass.

Recommendations

The researcher recommends the following:

• Further investigate the chemical content of squash seeds and sweet potato.
• Find other ways in preparing the test ingredients.
• Try the treatment on other subjects.
• Increase the number of subjects to be experimented.
• Shorten the length of experimentation.
• Create a better ventilated chicken coop.
.