GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HEMATOLOGY AND ORGANOLEPTIC ASSESSMENT

OF NATIVE CHICKEN FED WITH MADRE DE AGUA (Trichantera gigantean) LEAF

___________________

A Thesis Outline

Presented to

the Faculty of the College of Agriculture

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITRY

Echague, Isabela

_____________________

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirement for the Degree

Master of Science

(Crop Science)

_____________________

REYNALDO M. SOMERA

2022

i
 APPROVAL SHEET

The Thesis Outline hereto, entitled “MADRE DE AGUA (TRICHANTERA

GIGANTEAN) LEAF MEAL AS FEED-PART INGREDIENT IN THE DIET OF

NATIVE CHICKEN” prepared and submitted by REYNALDO M. SOMERA, in partial

fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE, major in ANIMAL

SCIENCE is hereby endorsed.

Adviser

Approved and accepted as partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
MASTER OF SCIENCE, major in ANIMAL SCIENCE with a grade of PASSED

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

MILA R. ANDRES, Ph. D. VICTORIANO V. CASCO, Ph.

, Ph.D. , Ph.D.

Program Chairman R & D Coordinator

, Ph.D.
 Dean, College of Agriculture

Recorded:
, Ph.D.

University Registrar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

TITLE PAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i

APPROVAL SHEET ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii

TABLE OF CONTENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- iii

CHAPTER

I. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

Statement of the Problem-------------------------------------------------------- 2

Objectives of the Study --------------------------------------------------------- 2

Significance of the Study ------------------------------------------------------- 2

Time and Place of the Study --------------------------------------------------- 3

Scope and Delimitation of the Study ----------------------------------------- 3

Definition of Terms ------------------------------------------------------------- 4

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II REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITEWRATURE-------------------------- 11

Chemical composition (g/kg) of Trichanthera gigantean (on dry

matter basis) by plant parts------------------------------------------- 12

Chemical composition (g/kg) of Trichanthera gigantean (on a

dry matter basis) summation----------------------------------------- 13

Amino acids contents of Trichanthera gigantean --------------------------- 14

Gas production kinetics of Trichanthera gigantean ----------------------- 15

III. OBSERVATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

a) Observation------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Pigmentation ------------------------------------------------------------

Feathering rate ----------------------------------------------------------

Health and Vigour ------------------------------------------------------

Occurrence of pests and diseases -------------------------------------

Methods and Materials --------------------------------------------------------- 16

Field Lay-out, Design and Treatment ---------------------------------------- 16

Data to be Gathered ------------------------------------------------------------ 17

IV. METHODOLOGY -----------------------------------------------------------

IV. SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ------ 18

LITERATURE CITED --------------------------------------------------------------- 19

EXPERIMENTAL LAY-OUT ------------------------------------------------------ 22

CHAPTER 1
 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Broiler plays significant role in the provision of animal protein required by man to meet

his daily protein intake. Capital invested in broiler business is quickly returned, because native

chicken are reared for a short period of time, converters of the meat, efficient feed utilization and

is not discriminated against both religiously and nutritionally. The feed crises facing poultry

industry in our country strongly indicate the need to investigate and utilize cheap and easily

obtainable nonconventional feed resources. One of such nonconventional feed resources is

Trichantera gigantean. The protein from leaves may be recovered and be fed to farm animals as

solution in form of leaf protein concentrates (Farinu et al., 1992). Nguyen et al. (2003) noted that

in diet for laying hens and quails, maize grain can be replaced by rice by products supplemented

with 6% of Trichantera gigantean leaf meal, with positive effects on egg quality and no change

in egg production. Trichantera gigantea is in abundance in humid tropical environment. The

leaves of trichantera is a potential source of protein, varying from 18- 22 in dry matter form and

apparently most of this protein are true protein and has a good amino acid balance (Rosales, et.al,

1989)It has 2.8% Crude Fat, 4.4% Crude Fiber,19.7% Ash, and 37.0% NFE. Trichantera

gigantean has many uses aside from feeds for livestock. Farmers in Colombia used trichanthera

as an indigenous medicinal plant to treat conditions in humans and domestic animals. In humans,

it is used as a blood tonic, to treat nephritis and as a lactogenic drink for nursing mothers.

Sprouts are used for human consumption in maize porridge.  In domestic animals, it is used to

treat colic and hernia in horses, and retained placenta in cows. 

Hence, the need to investigate its potential use in broiler production.

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Statement of the Problem

Feed costs accounts 70-80% of the total production costs. Scientists and researchers

continuously find ways to look for possible substitute for a costly feeds and premixes. Aside

from this, organically grown chicken are at stake. However, with the utilization of Trichantera

gigantean in the diet of broilers under Quirino condition, will it address to answer the following

questions:

1. What level of madre de agua (Trichantera gigantean) leaf meal influenced the growth

and sensory characteristics of broilers?

2. which of the treatment used lowers the feed costs in producing broilers

Objectives of the Study

Generally, the study will be conducted to evaluate the growth performance and sensory

characteristics of broilers fed with madre de agua (Trichantera gigantean) leaf meal.

Specifically, it aims to:

1. Determine the level/s of Madre de Agua (Trichantera gigantean) leaf meal that is

suited to influence the growth and sensory characteristics of broilers.

2. Find out the economy of using madre de agua (Trichantera gigantean) leaf meal in

terms of return above feed costs.

Significance of the Study

The Philippines is very rich in natural feed resources for identification and expectation

for possible use in broiler feeding. There are available multi-purpose fodder trees and water

plants that contained remarkable nutrients needed by the animals. These could possibly replace

the conventional and costly protein rich feed ingredients.

18 to 20 % that could be one of the components feed ingredients in home mixed ration. It is

being utilized for both man and animals in other countries because of its availability, abundance

and it could reduce feed costs.

With these, Trichantera gigantean must be verified if whether or not the incorporation of

it in broiler diets could influence the growth and sensory characteristic of broilers.

Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted at #46, Purok 1, San Marcos, Cabarroguis, Quirino from

_____________________ to ________________________.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study will be limited on the use of Madre de Agua (Trichantera Gigantea) leaf meal

for broilers feeds using home mixed diets (starter 20% crude protein and finisher 18% crude

protein) incorporated with 5%, 10% and 15% levels. These mixtures will be fed to broilers for

five (5) to six (6) weeks depending on the body weight performance of broilers.

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 Definition of Terms

Adlibitum feeding – It is a system of feeding where feeds was offered abundantly to the animal.

Balanced Ration – It is a complete feed formulated for a specific animal species and class with

appropriate amounts of all nutrients required for maintenance and a given level of performance.

Concentrates - Concentrates refer to animal feeds that are rich in energy and/or protein but low

in fiber, such as corn, soybean meal, oats, wheat, molasses, etc.

Crude Protein (CP) - is actually a chemical analysis of the food whereby the amount of nitrogen

present is used to estimate the amount of protein in the food. While nitrogen does come from animal

protein, it also comes from non-animal proteins like grains, as well as other non-protein nitrogen (NPN)

sources. Proteins are organic compounds composed of building blocks called amino acids. They

are a major component of vital organs, tissue, muscle, hair, skin, milk and enzymes. Protein is

required on a daily basis for maintenance, lactation, growth and reproduction.

Digestibility - Digestibility refers to the extent to which a feedstuff is absorbed in the animal

body as it passes through an animal’s digestive tract. It varies greatly with the type of feedstuff

and type of animal concerned.

Forage - Forage refers to plants or plant parts other than separated grains fed to or grazed by

domestic animals. Forage may be fresh, dry or ensiled (e.g., pasture, green chop, hay, haylage).
Feed efficiency - Refers to the ability of the animals to convert the feed consumed into edible

and other products. Its accurate determination is dependent on the inputs used and outputs

derived.

Feeding standards - Statements of the amounts of nutrients required by animals and fishes. The

term is synonymous with nutrient requirements and allowances.

Intake - Refers to the amount of feed consumed and available for digestion, usually expressed

in DM. Intake is the result of either restricted or adlibitum feeding. In Vitro Digestibility or In

Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD)

Metabolizable Energy (ME) - Metabolizable energy equals the gross feed energy minus the

energy lost in the feces, urine and gaseous product of digestion:

ME = GE – FE (energy in feces) – (energy in urine) – (energy in gases)

ME = DE (digestible energy) – (energy in urine) – (energy in gases)

Because, DE = GE – FE

Nutrient Requirements - Nutrient requirement refers to the minimum amounts of nutrients

(energy, protein, fat, minerals and vitamins) necessary to meet an animal’s real needs for

maintenance, growth, reproduction, lactation or work (but does not include a safety margin in

ration formulation).

Nutritive Value (NV) - Nutritive value refers to a feed’s protein, mineral and energy

composition, availability of energy, and efficiency of energy utilization.

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Palatability - Palatability refers to the appeal and acceptability of feedstuffs to an animal. It is

affected by the feed’s odor, texture, moisture, physical form and temperature. For a forage to be

considered “high-quality,” it generally must be highly palatable because quality includes intake

and palatability is required for high levels of intake.

Protein - Protein is an essential nutrient. Proteins are composed of long chains of various kinds

of amino acids. Animals meet their protein needs by breaking down plant and microbial protein

(formed in the rumen) and reassembling them as animal proteins.

Ration – It refers to the 24-hour feed allowance for an individual animal.

Supplement - A supplement feed or feed mixture is used to improve the nutritional value of the

ration complementing the nutrients in the base feed. A supplement is rich in one or more of

protein, energy, vitamins or minerals, and, in combination with the base feeds, produces a more

complete feed.

Toxicity - refers to the extent to which a substance can exert a poisonous effect on animals.

True protein - The portion of the protein source which is composed only of amino acids.

Vitamins - are organic compounds that typically function as parts of enzyme systems essential

for many metabolic functions.

REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents citation and excerpts on the effect of leaf meals on the performance

of poultry and livestock which serves as basis for this study’s concepts. The information from the

chosen references will be used in making comparison of the previous studies with the prompt

results on the use of Trichantera gigantean on broilers.

Trichantera gigantean as Fodder Tree

According to Department of Agriculture (2007), Trichantera gigantean, a new fodder

tree, is a non-leguminous species that grows well with repeated cuttings and even without

fertilizer inputs. Its young leaves can be offered fresh to animals and can replace about 20-30%

of the required commercial diet.

Trichantera gigantean, also known as Nacedero or Madre de Agua was introduced into

the country some years ago from Latin America (Columbia and Venezuela) and adapts well in

local tropical conditions. It can be planted at low density at 6,700 cuttings per hectare. It grows

well easily between plantation crops and produces 40-60 tons per hectare.

Nutrient Content of Trichantera gigantean

The leaves of trichantera is a potential source of protein, varying from 18-22 in dry

mnatter form and apparently most of this proteins are true proteins and has a good amino acid

balance (Rosales, et al.,)1989. It has a dry matter of 90.00, calcium of 3.80, lysine of 6.00,

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methionine of 3.00, crude fiber of 4.40, phosphorus of .30, ash of 19.7 and NFE of 37.00.

(Sources: a Rosales et al., 1989; b Gomez and Murgueitio, 1991; c Jaramillo and River, 1991; d

Rosales et al., 1992; e Solarte, 1994; f Nhan, et al., 1996

Leaf Meal Mixture Protein Supplement

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), an annual tropical tuber, was nutritionally evaluated

as a source of protein in animal feeds. Cultivation of cassava biomass to produce dried leaf and

hay is based on a first harvest of the foliage at three months after planting, followed every two

months thereafter until the crop is a year old. Inter-cropping cassava with leguminous crops such

as Leucaena leucocephala (wild tamarind) or cowpea (Vigna unculata) , enriches soil fertility

and provides additional fodder. Cassava leaf or hay contains 20 to 25 crude protein in the dry

matter and has a minimal hydro cyanic acid (HCN) content.

Recent studies by Wanapat et al. (1997, 2000a, 2001) revealed the potential of cassava

leaf and hay as a good source of protein. This was achieved by collecting the leaf or whole crop

at an early stage of growth and harvesting further biomass throughout the year. Accumulated

yield of cassava hay has been reported to range from 2-8 tons DM/ha depending on variety,

cultivation practice and use of fertilizer (Wanapat, 2001; Polthane et al., 2001; Prestone, 2001).

Ruminants raised in the tropics largely depend on seasonal feed resources which are

relatively low in quality in terms of low CP but high in crude fiber (CF); the manipulation of

rumen efficiency through the uses of local feed resources would be an advantage (Wanapat,

2000). Foliages from locally grown shrubs and trees such as Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)

has been successfully investigated as protein- a supplement for ruminants (Saha et al.,2008).

Leucaena leaf meal, with its rich protein, minerals and vitamin content, is also becoming a
popular ingredient in poultry feeds in the tropics (D’Mello and Taplin, 1978). Its protein content

is at high levels of 292 g/kg cp in leaf meal and 220.3 g/kg CP in forage (Garcia et al., 1996).

The role of the fodder trees and shrubs in the diet of animals is considered particularly

important in countries like India where small land holdings and large ruminants densities result

in an especially severe problem of feed availability from more conventional sources like cakes

and brans. A wide variety of multi-purpose tropical grown at the farmers’ field Can be used a

nitrogen sources in supplementary feeds (Devendra, 1990; Topps, 1992 Ondick et al., 2000). The

leaves of Leucaena leucociphala, Morus alba and azadirachta indica are potential nitrogen

supplement (Nageswara Rao et al., 1996, Mahanta et al., 1999; Anbarasu et al., Liu et al., 2001).

These tree forages not only provide a cheap source of nitrogen, energy and micronutrients but

have also many other advantages like their wide spread on-farm availability and easy

accessibility to farmers, their laxative influence on the alimentary system, low degradability of

nitrogen in the rumen and provision of variety in the diet. The tree leaves can be harvested, sun-

dried and used in compounded protein supplements. The replacement of conventional ingredients

by tree leaves will make such supplements cheaper than the commercial concentrates (Ondick

Liu et al., 2000).

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 III. METHODOLOGY

Experimental Poultry Houses

The native chicken house will be constructed which will made of semi-permanent

materials with G.I. sheet roofings, lumber, plastic chicken wire, and sliced lumber flooring will

be used in the study.

Construction of Brooder and Rearing House

Before the arrival of the chicks, a dimension of 5 x 2 feet per cage brooder house will be

constructed to accommodate the 120-day-old native chick for two weeks brooding period. The

brooder house will be provided with old newspaper that serves as feeding troughs for the chicks.

This will be changed daily to avoid the mixture of feces with the feeds. The brooder house will

be also provided with 50-watt bulb to warm up the chicks during cold weather and during night

time. The brooder house will be curtained with canvas to avoid exposure to extreme conditions.

The brooder house will also then be used as growing house in order not to bring stress to chicks

when transferring.

Collection and Preparation of Trichantera gigantean Leaf Meal

Leaves of T. gigantean will be gathered in the afternoon, totally air dried and finely

ground. Ground Trichantera Leaf Meal will be added to home mixed feeds based from the

treatment previously discussed.

The birds will be randomly distributed into four (4) treatments. Each treatment will be

replicated thrice with ten (10) heads per replication. It will be laid out following the

Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the following treatments:

T1 – Control (pure Homemade feeds)

T2 – Homemade feeds with 5% T. gigantean Leaf Meal

T3 – Homemade feeds with 10% T. gigantean Leaf Meal

T4 – Homemade feeds with 15% T. gigantean Leaf Meal

Health and Sanitation

The poultry house will be cleaned daily. The litters and waste of the experimental birds

will be collected.

Feeding Management

The experimental birds will be fed with Homemade feeds incorporated with T.

gigantea leaf meal every feeding period base on the imposed treatments in Treatment 1,

Treatment 2, Treatment 3 and Treatment 4. Feeding is adlibitum and light will be provided to

facilitate good sight when feeding at night.

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 Feed Formulation

The different feed ingredients that will be used in the feed formulation as illustrated in

Table 1 and Table 2 will be as follows;

diets

Feed Formulation (Starter 1 20% CP)

Ingredients Parts

  T1 T2 T3 T4

Corn grits 37.5 56.00 52.50 49.00

Rice bran (D1) 15 15.00 15.00 15.00

Fish meal 9 9.00 9.00 9.00

Soybean 17 15.00 13.50 12.00

Trichantera   5.00 10.00 15.00

Limestone 1.3      

L-Lysine HCL 0.2      

TOTAL 100 100.00 100.00 100.00

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Calculated Analysis

Crude Protein 20.08 19.92 19.98 20.04

Lysine 0.98 0.96 0.75 0.53

Methionine 0.31 0.41 0.56 0.7

Calcium 0.85 0.68 0.87 1.05

Phosphorus 0.68 0.63 0.63 0.63

Crude Fiber 5.74 4.45 4.49 4.5

Methabolized Energy 2813.26      

         
Table 2. Ingredient’s composition, proximate and chemical composition of experimental

diets.

Feed Formulation (Starter 2 18% CP)

Ingredients Parts

  T1 T2 T3 T4

Corn grits 63.5 56.00 52.50 49.00

Rice bran (D1) 15 15.00 15.00 15.00

Fish meal 9 9.00 9.00 9.00

Soybean 11 15.00 13.50 12.00

Trichantera   5.00 10.00 15.00

Limestone 1.3      

L-Lysine HCL 0.2      

TOTAL   100.00 100.00 100.00

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 Calculated Analysis

Crude Protein 18.01 19.92 19.98 20.04

Lysine 0.85 0.96 0.75 0.53

Methionine 0.32 0.41 0.56 0.7

Calcium 0.85 0.68 0.87 1.05

Phosphorus 0.72 0.63 0.63 0.63

Crude Fiber 6.2 4.45 4.49 4.5

Metabolized Energy 2770.66 2793.55 2743.75 2693.95

Providing Drinking Water

Fresh water will be made available to the birds at all times. Multivitamins will be added

to the drinking water to safeguard the birds from the attack of diseases.

Data to be Gathered

The following data will be gathered and recorded for analysis and evaluation:
 Initial and Weekly Body Weights. The initial and weekly body weights of the birds

will be taken and recorded until the end of the experimental period.

Gain in Weight. The gain in weight of the experimental birds will be take by

subtracting the initial weight from the final weight at the end of the study. Likewise, the

percentage rate of growth of the birds will be computed using the Asmundson and Leiner’s

formula as follows:

W2 – W1

Growth Rate (%) = x 100

½ (W2 + W1)

Where:

W1 – previous weight of the birds at a given period of time

W2 – the current weight of the birds at a given period of time

Feed Consumption. The weekly feed consumption of the birds will be taken and

recorded by taking the amount of feeds offered and the amount of feed consumed. The amount of

leftover will be subtracted from the amount of feed offered to determine the actual feed

consumption.

Feed Conversion Ratio and Efficiency. The feed conversion ratio and efficiency will

be determined by using the Biddle and Juergenson’s formula as follows:

Feed Consumed

FCR = ----------

Gain in Weight
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 Gain in Weight

FCE = x 100

Feed Consumption

Dressed Weight. One male and one female broiler from each replication will be dressed

at the end of the study. The data on dressed weight with and without giblets will be gathered.

The dressing percentage will be based on the live weight of chicken samples and the dressed

weight with and without giblets will be determined.

The formula in computing the dressing percentage are as follows:

Dressed Weight with Giblets

Dressing Percentage with Giblets (%) = x 100

Live Weight

Dressed Weight without Giblets

Dressing Percentage without Giblets (%) = x 100

Live Weight

Liver and Pancreas Weights. Liver and pancreas weights will be taken to determine any

toxic substance present in it. If the liver and the pancreas will be inflamed or enlarged, then

possible toxicity existed in the dietary treatments used.

subtracting the costs of feeds consumed from the value of the birds that will be provided.

Statistical Analysis of Data

All the data gathered will be subjected to proper tabulation, computation and analysis

following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatment means will be compare

using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) if there will be mean difference.

xxiii
 CHAPTER IV

OBSERVATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

Observation

Pigmentation

Feathering rate

Health and vigor

Occurrence of pests and diseases

Mortality

Discussion of Results

Initial and Weekly Body Weights

Gain in Weight

Percentage Rate of Growth

Feed Consumption (weekly and cumulative)

Feed Conversion Ratio and Efficiency

Liver and Pancreas Weights

Return Above Feed Cost

Sensory Evaluation

A total of 30 individuals will be selected as panelists for sensory taste. The criteria for

selection will be with no false teeth, non-smoking and apparently healthy individual. They will

be made to differentiate the taste of the meat in a taste test chamber without knowing which will

be the control and the experimental samples. Score cards will be provided to them to record their

evaluation based on the following parameters: color, tenderness, juiciness, flavor and general

acceptability. A seven-point Hedonic scale will be used with the seven as the most desirable and

one being the least desirable.

Taste Test Preparation

Three (3) native chicken breast from each treatment will be selected at random. The

chicken breast will be properly prepared then boil for 30 minutes in a casserole with a 3cups of

water at low fire. There will be a small amount of salt seasoning to flavor the chicken breast.

The Taste Panel will be composed of 30 panelists coming from neighbors, friends,

officemates and professional groups of Isabela State University, Echague Campus. In sensory

evaluation of meat, it will be based on the different properties like the general appearance,

taste/flavor, aroma, tenderness, juiciness and general acceptability. The score card of the meat

xxv
sensory properties is shown in Appendix. 1. Hedonic scale will be used in determining the

degree of acceptability of meat quality is shown in Appendix 2.

EXPERIMENTAL LAYOUT

COMPLETELY RANDOMIZED DESIGN

1 2 3

T1 T2 T4

4 5 6

T3 T4 T2

7 8 9

T4 T3 T1

10 11 12

T2 T1 T3

Legend: 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . . . . . . 12 denotes experimental unit numbers

Treatments:

T1 – Control (pure Homemade feeds)

T2 – Homemade s feed with 5% T. gigantea Leaf Meal

T4 – Homemade s feed with 15% T. gigantea Leaf Meal

Appendix 1. Scorecard of Sensory Evaluation of Meat Quality

Panelist Number: __________________ Date: _____________________________

Name of Panelist: ________________________ Occupation __________________

Instructions.

Here are some samples of cooked meat for you to assess on general appearance,

Taste/flavour, aroma, tenderness and juiciness.

Please evaluate the samples in the order given starting from left to right and top

to bottom. Indicate how you like the samples by checking the appropriate comments in

the blanks provided.

Please drink water before you taste each sample.

xxvii
   General   Flavour/    

Sample Code   Taste   Tenderness Juiciness

  Appearance   Aroma    

Like extremely          

Like very much          

Like moderately          

Neither like nor dislike          

Dislike moderately          

Dislike very much          

Dislike extremely          

           
Appendix II. Hedonic Scale Weighted Mean

Acceptability Rating Scale Range

Extremely acceptable 7

Very much acceptable 6

Moderately acceptable 5

Neither acceptable nor acceptable 4

Moderately unacceptable 3

Very much unacceptable 2

Extremely unacceptable 1

xxix