Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer: Study Results and Recommendations

ABSTRACT

The study titled "Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer" aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe Vera in improving the growth of broiler chicks. The goal was to create a cost-effective growth enhancer using Aloe Vera as the main ingredient. For the study, 21-day-old straight run broiler chicks were placed in a 33 x 57 cage divided into two sections, with two birds in each section for different treatments. Fresh Aloe Vera leaves were extracted and mixed with water at a ratio of 5ml per liter.

Feeding troughs and water were provided for each cage, and both an experimental group and a control group were included.

The experimental group was given water containing Aloe Vera gel, while the control group received pure water. Data was collected to gather relevant information. The results showed that the Aloe Vera gel group had higher body weight gain, growth, feather quality, and immune system compared to the control group. The researchers recommend this study to poultry businesses looking to use Aloe Vera as a Chick Growth Enhancer to improve broiler chick performance.

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Further research should be conducted to determine the optimal amount of Aloe Vera in water for a better mixture and product.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The support and encouragement of several individuals made this study possible. Mr. Ronel Deloso, their adviser, played a crucial role in motivating the researchers to pursue this project. He also provided valuable assistance during the experiment and shared his knowledge in writing this study.

The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rony Vasquez, Mr.

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and Mrs. Stewart Ong, and Mr. Malvin Tan and Mrs. Mildred Nakila, deserve special thanks for their financial and moral support and for believing in the researchers in all their endeavors.

Finally, the friends, classmates, and teachers deserve recognition for continuously motivating throughout this study.

The authors would like to express their gratitude to their brothers, Gabrielle, Keith, and Joshua, for being a constant source of inspiration and assistance in both big and small ways. They also want to thank Mr. Raffy K. Fortun for his help in taking care of the chicks and providing the necessary cages for the experiment. The authors acknowledge his expertise and appreciate his suggestions and recommendations to improve the study.

Additionally, the authors extend their appreciation to Mr. Glenn R. Galendez for his unwavering support and belief in their abilities to complete this study.

Lastly, they give thanks to Almighty God for blessing them with wisdom, perseverance, strength, and confidence throughout the course of this research.

CHAPTER I

Broiler production is an important and growing sector in the Philippines, providing 85 percent of the poultry meat consumed by Filipinos. As the population increases, so does the demand for poultry and its products. To meet this demand, it is crucial to discover alternative ways to enhance and accelerate animal growth. Aloe Vera has been found to have beneficial effects on broiler chick development due to its essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, this study utilizes Aloe Vera as a substitute growth enhancer.

Background of the Study

Chicks, which are young chickens, require specific brooding conditions and temperatures, as well as unique feed and care until they become more self-sufficient. The demand for chickens is high worldwide, including in the Philippines. Poultry production is a promising agricultural venture for low-income farm families because it provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, B, and E for chick growth.

Aloe Vera originates from Africa's eastern and southern parts but can now be found in warmer regions around the world, including the Philippines. It is a short-stemmed plant that can grow up to 80 to 100 cm tall and spreads through offsets and root sprouts. Its lanceolate leaves are thick and fleshy with thorny edges, ranging in shades from deep green to grey-green.

Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains 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 antioxidant properties of aloe vera are attributed to vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamins B and choline help with amino acid metabolism while vitamin B12 is essential for blood cell development and production. Additionally, aloe vera includes important minerals like calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,manganese,potassium,and zinc. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining good health and have synergistic effects when combined with each other as well as with vitamins and other trace elements.

Objective of the Study

This research project aims to investigate whether Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) can serve as a feasible substitute for traditional growth enhancers in chicks. The study has the following specific objectives:

1. To assess whether there is a variation in:

The scope and limitations of the study include the following aspects: a. weight b. growth c. feathers d. immune system

The study will be conducted at a small poultry farm, where chicks will be observed for 21 days. Aloe Vera leaves will be used as the source of extract in this investigation. The sample will be collected while fresh and then extracted. The main objective of the study is to examine the potential of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) leaf extract as a substitute growth enhancer for chicks.

Importance of the Study

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) as a growth enhancer for chicks. The findings of this study will benefit both the researchers and individuals involved in the poultry industry.

CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature

Lorenzo from davaoagribiz.da.gov.ph asserts that Aloe Vera leaf extract is packed with nutrients that improve animal growth and enhance immunity. Chung (2003) emphasizes the importance of sufficient vitamin intake in a diet to effectively utilize carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and water for supporting health, maintenance, growth, development, and reproduction. The Poultry Raising Guide (1975) suggests supplementing with vitamins during stressful situations such as bird movement, infections, weather changes, and feeding practices. Aloe gel contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides which aid in healing by reducing pain and inflammation while promoting skin growth and repair. Moreover, these substances can also strengthen the immune system.

According to the University of Maryland (2013), Bejar and Colapo (2005) reported that aloe vera contains various components. These components include: enzymes, which help break down food sugars and fats; hormones, which aid in healing and have anti-inflammatory effects; sugars like glucose and fructose, which provide anti-inflammatory activity; anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, which assist in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and have antimicrobial and pain-relieving effects; lignin, which improves blood circulation; saponins, which possess cleansing and antiseptic properties; sterols, which act as antiseptics and analgesics; amino acids, essential for building muscle tissue proteins; and salicylic acid, acting as a painkiller.

According to Olupona et al. (2010), the addition of Aloe Vera gel in different volumes of water (15, 20, 25 and 30 cm3/dm3) resulted in significant increases in final body weight and weekly body weight gain compared to a control group.

Several studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of herb extracts (Cowan, 1999; Hammer et al., 1999), which can enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in birds' digestive systems and decrease the presence of disease-causing bacteria (Mitsch et al., 2004).

Maintaining intestinal health is crucial for poultry as it leads to improved performance and lower feed conversion ratio (Montagne et al., 2003).

Previous research has also identified various properties of Aloe Vera gel including wound healing, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects (Boudreau and Beland, 2006; Reynolds and Dweck, 1999).

CHAPTER III

Methodology

The study used 21-day-old straight run broiler chicks, which were placed in a cage measuring 57 x 33. The cage was divided into two for different treatments, with two birds housed in each section. Before the chicks arrived, the cages were prepared and equipped with electric bulbs to provide heat until the chicks reached 3 weeks and 21 days old or until their feathers fully developed. Additionally, fresh Aloe Vera leaves were extracted and mixed with water at a ratio of 5ml per liter. Each cage also had feeding troughs with chick pellets and waterers provided.

The study included two groups: an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, water containing Aloe Vera gel was administered, while the control group received normal water. The researchers performed weekly observations on weight, growth, feathers, and the immune system. Weight was measured using a digital weighing scale and growth was evaluated using a tape measure. The chicks were observed at various stages of development (starters, growers, and finishers), with final observations made at the end of the entire experiment.

CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussion

Table 1 displays the findings regarding body weight gain experiments. The Aloe Vera group demonstrated greater body weight gain in the starter, grower, and finisher periods, as well as throughout the entire experiment. Both the Aloe Vera and control groups exhibited a noticeable increase in body weight gain during the starter period. However, during the grower and finisher periods, the Aloe Vera group achieved a greater body weight gain compared to the control group. Overall, the results for body weight gain on day 21 showed a significant distinction between the Aloe Vera and control group. Moreover, the Aloe Vera gel groups experienced an improved body weight gain in comparison to the control group.

The results of the growth experiments are presented in Table 2. The findings indicate that the Aloe Vera group exhibited a higher level of growth in broilers. In the starter period, both groups had identical height measurements in centimeters. However, significant differences were observed during the grower and finisher periods, confirming the positive impact of Aloe Vera on broiler growth.

Table 3 demonstrates the effects of treatments on broiler feathers. The table presents a noticeable distinction between the two groups. During the starter and grower periods, both groups exhibited feathers of equal quality and color. Nonetheless, during the finisher periods, the control group displayed pale-looking feathers, whereas the Aloe Vera group showcased a beautiful golden yellow color.

In Table 4, the differences in the immune system are shown. In the starter period, there was no significant distinction between the two groups. However, in the grower and finisher periods, the Aloe Vera group exhibited a stronger immune system compared to the control group. The control group had minimal instances of skin lesions on their body.

Table 1 (Weight)

Starter: Aloe group - 100 g, Control group - 100 g

Grower: Aloe group - 148.3 g, Control group - 145 g

Finisher: Aloe group - 175 g, Control group - 170.5 g

Total Experiment Period: Aloe group - 200 g, Control group - 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 titled "Feathers"

Starter: Aloe group - Yellowish, Dry and fluffy feathers. Feathers are clean and yellowish, covers the entire body. Control group - Yellowish, Dry and fluffy feathers. Signs of bald patches. Grower: Aloe group - Yellowish, fluffy feathers. Control group - Visible bald patches. Finisher: Aloe group - Golden-yellow, healthy feathers. Control group - Pale yellow, with bald patches. Total Experiment Period: Aloe group - Yellowish, Dry and fluffy feathers during the starter phase, yellowish, fluffy feathers during the grower phase, and golden-yellow, healthy feathers during the finisher phase. Control group - Yellowish, Dry and fluffy feathers during the starter phase, visible bald patches during the grower phase, and pale yellow, with bald patches during the finisher phase.

Table 4 - Immune System

Starter Grower Finisher Total Experiment Period Aloe group Healthy with no diseases and few skin lesions. Control group Initially healthy, but later developed skin lesions that spread due to lack of nourishment.

CHAPTER V

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation Summary

The purpose of the study, named "Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer," was to develop a growth enhancer that is both affordable and efficient for broiler chicks. The primary goal was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Aloe Vera in promoting body weight gain, growth, feather development, and immune system function.

The study involved the use of twenty-one (21) twenty-one-day-old straight run broiler chicks. These chicks were placed in a cage measuring 57 x 33, which was divided into two (2) cages to accommodate different treatments. The cages were prepared with electric bulbs as heaters for three days prior to the arrival of the chicks. This setup continued until the chicks reached 3 weeks and 21 days old and had fully developed feathers. A mixture of fresh Aloe Vera leaves and water at a ratio of 5ml per liter was provided. Each cage had feeding troughs filled with chick pellets and waterers available. The experiment included an experimental group receiving water containing Aloe Vera gel, while the control group received pure water only.

The researchers conducted weekly observations on weight, growth, feathers, and immune system using a digital weighing scale for weight and a tape measure for growth. The chicks were observed at various stages: starters (4-10 days), growers (10-15 days), and finishers (15-21 days). The findings indicated that the Aloe Vera gel groups exhibited higher body weight gain, growth, feather quality, and immune system compared to the control group. These disparities were presented in a table. Poultry industry professionals seeking to enhance chick growth with Aloe Vera are recommended to consider this study. Additionally, future research should focus on determining the optimal amount of Aloe Vera in water to improve the mixture and develop an enhanced product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the group treated with Aloe Vera gel exhibited superior performance compared to the control group. Additionally, the Aloe Vera group demonstrated a higher level of body weight gain, growth, quality of feathers, and immune system compared to the control group. Recommendation

The researchers recommend this study to those in the poultry business who want to enhance the growth of broiler chicks using Aloe Vera. They also suggest conducting further research on the appropriate proportions of Aloe Vera in water to ensure a superior combination and better product.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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,
  4. 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.
  5. Ehrlich, Steven D. (2013) Aloe Medical Reference Guide. University of Maryland Medical System. MD 21201 Lorenzo, Elias (unknown) Aloe Vera Found Beneficial to Poultry.
  6. 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.
  7. Montagne, L. (2003) A review of interactions between dietary fibre 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.,
  8. Dweck, A.C., (1999). Aloe vera leaf gel: a review update. J. Ethnopharmacol. 68:3-37.
Updated: Feb 16, 2024
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Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer: Study Results and Recommendations. (2016, Sep 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/chick-growth-enhancer-essay

Aloe Vera as Chick Growth Enhancer: Study Results and Recommendations essay
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