Response of Rhode Island Red on Different Level of Fermented
Water Spinach (Impomoea aquatica)
as Feed Supplement
May 2023
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter present the background, statement of the problem,
hypothesis, significance, and the scope and delimitation of the study.
Background of the Study
Food is one of the common need of the people especially for those who are
working, studying and other activities. They need the energy for their everyday
activity for them to do a great job. Meat is one of the most staple food and it gives
a great amount of protein. Many farmers raised different animals to supply the
needs of people especially in terms of food.
In the rapidly changing environment many study and new technology help
the farmer to provide the needs of the community. It also helps the poultry and
livestock animals to adopt in an early stage of maturity and can be dispose in a
short period of time. But as the new technology discovered and introduced the
financial status of the farmers became the problems. Many farmers are still
continuing and pushing to raise poultry animals and some of farmers are stopping
or quitting in raising poultry animals because some of the farmers can’t afford the
needs in raising poultry animals specially the feeds for chickens.
Chicken is one of the poultry animals that is commonly raised by the farmers
and this animal is raised and sold to market because this animal can produce meat
and egg. One of the breed of this chicken is the Rhode Island Red and this breed
of chicken is an American chicken that can be used either meat or egg purposes.
This breed has red-orange eyes, reddish-brown beaks, and yellow feet and legs,
often with a bit of reddish hue on the toes and sides of the shanks. Chicks are a
light red to tan color the roosters usually weigh in at about 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), the
hens average slightly less at 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg) (Holywaterhens.co.uk, 2018).
Meat and poultry animal contain protein that is needed for growth
development and nutrients that our body needs, like iodine, iron, zinc, vitamin B12
and essential fatty acids. We know that eating poultry and meat is very useful into
our body and it help the economy to grow.
Kangkong or water spinach is scientifically known as Impomoea Aquatica
is an herbaceous trailing vine with a semi-aquatic habit. This aquatic herb extends
across South East Asia, but it is common in many tropical and sub-tropical regions
in the world. It has a long hollow stems that help it to float when growing in water.
The stems help help keep the leaves above the surface and the pant continues to
root at the nodes. The alternately positioned leaves are from 5-15 cm long and
arrow shaped, or lanceolate. They may be from 2-8cm wide and held on the trailing
stems, which may be 2-3 meters long. The leaves are green but may have a purple
blush that varies depending on the individual plant. The white to pink-lilac flowers
are trumpet shaped with a mauve center and are from 3-5 cm in diameter
(Myfwc.com, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to know if the use of the different level of fermented water
spinach as feed supplement to Rhode Island Red will affect the growth
performance. Specifically, research will seek to answer the following question.
1. Is there any significant difference in the effect of different level of fermented
water spinach of Rhode Island Red in terms of weekly gain weight and final
gain weight?
2. Is there significant difference in the effect of different level of fermented
water spinach of Rhode Island Red in terms mortality rate?
3. Which level of fermented water spinach is effective in the growth
performance of Rhode Island Red?
Significance of the Study
The useful and relevant information acquired from the study will
encourage the following:
Farmers- the result of this study could help them realize that the use of
different organic feed supplement will help them to less the expenses in using
commercial feeds.
Consumer- this study will encourage them to consume and buy the product
that is produce by the mixed commercial and organic feed.
Future researcher- researchers may find the findings useful as a basis by
research enthusiasts for further research to support or negate the in terms of
mortality rate, weekly and final gain weight.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This study focused on the maturation capabilities of Rhode Island Red
affected by the use of different level of fermented water spinach as feed
supplement. The prospected population will be limited to seventy-two 72 heads of
Rhode Island Red chicken. The study will be limited to the effect of the treatment
to the Rhode Island Red. Researchers only use based on what will be the data
being gathered and the result when the different treatment is being applied to the
population.
The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) will be used with four (4)
treatments and three (3) replications. It was conducted within from July to October
2023 in the poultry of College of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry in Romblon State
University, Odiongan, Romblon Main Campus.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Poultry Production
Poultry is an animal husbandry where birds raised commercially or
domestically for meat, eggs, and feathers. Chickens, ducks. Turkeys and geese
are primary commercial importance. Based on the number of animals, poultry
represents the largest domestic animal stock in the world, and poultry meat was
the fastest growing component of global meat production in the early 21 st century.
Poultry meat and eggs provide affordable high-quality of protein. Poultry-farming,
especially on a small-scale, is renewable and efficient and can provide a ready
source of income and nutrition. (Britannica, 2023). In 2022, the total number of
chickens in poultry farming in the Philippines amounted to around 185 million
heads, indicating an increase from the previous year. Chicken was among the
poultry meat widely consumed in the country. (Statista, 2023)
Rhode Island Red is another breed of chicken that uses in egg and meat
production. It is originated in the New England state of Massachusetts and Rhode
Island. Early flocks often had both single and rose combed individuals because of
the influence of Malay blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode Island Red got
its deep color, strong constitution and relatively hard feathers. They were also
developed from the black-red Java, where is most likely got its rose comb. Rhode
Island Red are good choice for the small flock owner. In cock it weighs about 8.5
lbs (3.85 kg) and hen is about 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg). Cockerel weighs 7.5 lbs (3.60 kg)
while the pullet is about 5.5 lbs (2.50 kg). It has a single and rose comb varieties.
This breed of chicken has a yellow skin color and this breed is a dual-purpose for
meat and egg, laying in their 4 to 5 months of age with around 5-7 egg per week
and 150-200 per year (holywaterhens.co.uk, 2018)
Kangkong or water spinach (Impomoea Aquatica) is scientifically known as
impomoea aquatica is a herbaceous trailing vine with a semi-aquatic habit. This
aquatic herb extends across South East Asia, but it is common in many tropical
and sub-tropical regions in the world. It has a long hollow stems that help it to float
when growing in water. The stems help help keep the leaves above the surface
and the pant continues to root at the nodes. The alternately positioned leaves are
from 5-15 cm long and arrow shaped, or lanceolate. They may be from 2-8cm wide
and held on the trailing stems, which may be 2-3 meters long. The leaves are green
but may have a purple blush that varies depending on the individual plant. The
white to pink-lilac flowers are trumpet shaped with a mauve center and are from 35 cm in diameter (Myfwc.com, 2023)
Nutritional Value
Water spinach (Impomoea Aquatica) consist of amazing nutrients that are
of a good amount of water energy, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, iron
magnesiun, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, vitamin C, thiamin, rivoflavin,
niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
(practicalhealthandwealnesssolution.com, 2023).
The proximate analysis on impomea aquatica was carried out using
standard method. The result revealed 51.36% moisture, 42.18% carbohydate,
1.70% protein, 2.75% ash, 1.20% fiber and 0.81% fat. (Igwenyi I. et al., 2011)
Medicinal Uses and Benefits
According to Choudhary T. (2023), water spinach has been used in
Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of jaundice and liver problems. Research has
proved that the extract of this plant can provide protection against chemicalinduced liver damage due to its modulation of detoxification enzymes; antioxidant
and free radical scavenger properties.
Being rich in iron, the young water spinach leaves are extremely beneficial
for people with anemia and pregnant women who require iron in their diets. Iron is
an important mineral that is needed by the body, particularly by the red blood cells,
to form hemoglobin.
Water spinach has certain essential nutrients like vitamins A and C as well
as a high concentration of beta-carotene. These nutrients act as antioxidants to
reduce free radicals in the body, thus preventing cholesterol from becoming
oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol sticks to the blood vessel walls, causing blocked
arteries, heart attack, or stroke.
Being a storehouse of nutrients, this water spinach vegetable is an
inexpensive and natural way of boosting the body’s immunity in comparison
to vitamin C supplements. Consumption of this green leafy vegetable on a regular
basis boosts your body’s immune system and promotes the healthy development
of bones. It also contributes to a healthy body by neutralizing and eliminating
toxins.
Water spinach is rich in fiber and hence, it aids in digestion, providing relief
from different digestive disorders naturally. Its mild laxative properties are
beneficial for people suffering from indigestion and constipation. Juice from boiled
spinach can loosen constipation. This vegetable is also used in the treatment of
intestinal worm infestation. It contains latex which is used as a purgative agent.
According Maung T. et al. (2020), the experiment was conducted to study
the effects of supplementing green feed-water spinach (Impomea aquatica) to
basal diet on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. As
the study analyze that there was no significant effect on the growth performance
through feed consumption, ody weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio
(FCR) of broiler chickens. The digestibility of feed dry matter and feed crude
protein was not significally different (P>0.05) among the treatment. Further diets
supplemented water spinach had no adverse effect on growth perfomance and
nutrients digestibility of broiler chickens. It concluded that the more expensive
vitamin-mineral component of the ration can be replaced by the lower cost and
widely available water spinach.
According to the study of Ahemen T. (2015), where they used in experiment
the mixed breeds of rabbits aged 10-12 weeks to determine the effect of feeding
varying levels of water spinach leaf meal on reproductive tract morphometry,
haematology and serum biochemical parameters of female rabbits. After the 16
week of the feeding trial the data shows no significant (P>0.05) effect of diet on
reproductive tract morphometry, except the ovarian weight. The result also shows
no significant (P>0.05) effect of diet on serum biochemical indices except alanine
amino transaminase. This result suggested that inclusion of up to 15% levels of
water spinach leaf meal diets will guarantee good health and support normal
reproductive processes in female rabbits.
According to Aung Y. L. et. al (2020), the experiment was conducted to
study the effects of supplementing green feed-water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)
to basal diet on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens.
There were no significant effects on growth performances through feed
consumption, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler
chickens. The digestibility of feed DM and feed CP was not significantly different
(P> 0.05) among the treatments. Further, diets supplemented with water spinach
had no adverse effect on growth performance and nutrients digestibility of broiler
chickens. It can be concluded that the more expensive vitamin-mineral component
of the ration can be replaced by the lower cost and widely available water spinach.
Conceptual Framework
The variables observed in the study consisted of two major components the
independent variables (IV) and the dependent variables (DV). The independent
variables are the different organic feed supplement and the dependent variable is
the growth performance of Rhode Island Red in terms of weekly, final gain in
weight and mortality rate.
Research Paradigm
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
DIFFERENT ORGANIC FEED
GROWTH PERFORMANCE
SUPPLEMENT
OF RHODE ISLAND RED
T1- Control (commercial feeds
CHICKEN
with 0% of Organic matter.
T2- Commercial Feed with 10%

Initial Weight
of fermented water spinach.

Weekly gain in Weight
T3- Commercial Feeds with

Final gain in weight
15% fermented water spinach.

Mortality Rate
T4- Commercial Feeds with
20% fermented water spinach.
Figure 1: Research Paradigm showing the relationship between the independent
and dependent variables.
Operational Definition of Terms
Rhode Island Red- refers to the genetically bred of chicken for meat and egg
purposes.
Initial weight- refers to the weight of Rhode Island red before the period of
experimentation.
Final weight- refers to the weight of the Rhode Island red gathered after the
period of experimentation.
Water spinach- refers to a semi-aquatic tropical plant grown as a vegetable for
its tender shoots.
Fermented- chemical process by which molecules such as glucose are broken
down anaerobically.
Weekly gain in weight- refers to the weekly weight increase of Rhode Island
Red chicken.
Mortality Rate- is the number of deaths due to a disease divided by the total
population.
Hypothesis
Based on the forgoing presentation of variables, a hypothesis was drawn:
1. There are no significant differences in the effect of different levels of
fermented water spinach in the growth performance of Rhode Island Red in
terms of weekly gain in weight and final gain in weight.
2. There are no significant differences between the different level of fermented
water spinach in the growth performance of Rhode Island Red in terms of
mortality rate.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This section describes in details the research method used, location and
time of the study, experimental design and treatment, experimental lay-out and the
materials and instrument used; and the procedures in the conduct of study.
Research Method Used
The experimental method of research used Completely Randomized
Design (CRD) utilizing 72 heads of Rhode Island Red randomly distributed into
four treatments and three replications to evaluate the growth performance of
Rhode Island Red chicken on fermented water spinach as feed supplement.
Research Locale and Time of the Study
The study will be conducted in Romblon State University Main- campus,
Brgy. Liwanag, Odiongan Romblon for the period of 3 months which stated from
July to October 2023. (Figure 2.)
Experimental site
Poultry, RSU
Main Campus
Figure 2: Map showing the location of experimental study
Experimental Design and Treatment
The experimental design will be used completely randomized design (CRD)
to identify the performance of Rhode Island Red. It will be composed of eighteen
Rhode Island Red per treatment with 6 heads per replication. The following
treatment represented as follows:
Treatment I- 100% Commercial feeds (0% Organic Matter)
Treatment II 100% Commercial feeds with 10% of fermented water spinach
Treatment III- 100% Commercial feeds with 15% of fermented water spinach
Treatment IV- 100% Commercial feeds with 20% of fermented water spinach
Experimental Lay-out
The placement and distribution of treatments and the replications of the
experiment is presented in Figure 3.
6
6
6
6
R1T4
R3T1
R1T1
R2T4
6
6
6
6
R3T4
R2T2
R1T3
R3T3
6
6
6
6
R1T2
R2T1
R2T3
R3T2
Figure 3. Experimental layout of the study
Research Material and instruments
The experimental materials and instruments that will use in the study are
the following: 72 heads of Rhode Island Red chicks, cages, bamboo slats to be set
up as alternative cage, feeder and waterier, weighing scale, commercial feeds,
fermented water spinach, record book, laptop, camera, calculator and Ball point
pen.
Research Procedure
This section includes the discussion of the procedures in the conduct of
experimental study such as construction of the experimental cages, cleaning and
disinfection of cages, purchasing of the experimental birds/biological/ feeds and
other material, needed, management of the experimental birds, light and Brooding
management, feeding management, preparation of fermented water spinach as
feed supplement, water management, data gathering and recording and data
analysis.
Construction of Experimental Cages
Since the Rhode Island Red is usually a free range an area of 25 square
meters (5x5=25) will be utilized in this study with roofing of tarp and enclosed with
slatted bamboo to secure the experimental birds. The cage of Rhode Island Red
was set up and partitioned into twelve (12) compartment using poultry net, each
cage measured 4ft x 5ft with a height of 90 cm from the floor and every caged
contained 5 birds.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Cages
The cages use in the experiment will be disinfected a week before the arrival
of the experimental birds using a disinfectant solution for proper sanitation and
cleanliness of cages in order to avoid and prevent the presence of any harmful
micro-organisms. Cleaning the surrounding of the experimental site will be
maintained until the end of experimental period.
During the conduct of the study, wastes of the experimental birds will be
removed, collected and deposited in a compost pit three times a week to avoid
unnecessary odor because chicken dung is high in ammonia and methane. Placing
of dung receiver after the removal of waste under cages will be implemented. This
will be done until the end of the experimental study.
Selection and Purchase of Experimental Birds, Feeds and Other Materials
Needed
The experimental Rhode Island Red Chicken will be purchased from Ronald
Gabayno, 80 heads will be selected for the study. Feeds of the Rhode Island Red
such as chick booster, starter, grower and finisher in a mash form will be purchase
from reputable feeds supplier in the locality. Initial amount of feeds will be purchase
before the arrival of the experimental birds.
Management of Experimental Birds
Upon the arrival of the experimental birds, sugar and water solution will be
given to the birds to help them recover from stress of transporting, after that fresh
water immediately given. Two hours after the arrival of the birds, feeds will be
available for birds. The birds will be fed in ad-libitum basis.
Before the start of the study, the bird will be confine first in one cage for
brooding period of 14 days. The birds will be randomly selected, weighed then
putting a mark for identification will be done before distributing into four treatments
on the fifteen days where the experimental research started with the different level
of fermented water spinach as feed supplement.
Light and Brooding Management
A 100-Watt bulb will be use to light up the cages in the poultry house. A
certain portion of the rearing area will be use as brooder. The brooding area will
be covered with sacks to control the temperature needed by the chicks. The floor
of the brooding area will be place with news paper to keep them safe. Lighting will
be one daily from the starts of brooding period. After 14 days of brooding, the
experimental study will be started. Chicks will be randomly selected and placed
with a mark by means of color for identification and then transferred to their cages.
Preparation of Fermented Water Spinach
The young leaves and body of water spinach will be collected every morning
and washed by portable water. The Water Spinach will cut into very small pieces
and put into a clean container. After being cut into small pieces and put into a clean
and disinfected container, it will be mix to a molasses and if it’s not available we
will use brown sugar and salt with water.
Feeding and Water Management
Feeding is based on what is in the treatment using commercial feeds with
different Organic matter. The feeding of different organic matter to Rhode Island
Red as feed supplement will make available daily for the duration of 48 days’ period
of experiment.
Data Gathering
1. Initial gain weight of Rhode Island Red
All the experimental stocks in each treatment will be weigh individually
before the start of experiment.
1. Weekly gain in weight of Rhode Island Red
All the experimental stocks in each treatment will be weigh
individually once a week to record the gain in weight and will be done before
feeding.
2. Final weight of broilers
All the experimental stocks in each treatment will be weigh
individually on the last day of experiment and will be recorded before the
termination of the study.
Statistical Treatment of Data
Data gathered were analyze using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for
the Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test
(DMRT) on the of response of Rhode Island Red on Different Level of Fermented
Water Spinach (Impomoea aquatica) as Feed Supplement
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