Agri_dragonfruit (Hylocereus Undatus) Stem Meal Supplementation in Broilers

DRAGONFRUIT (Hylocereus undatus) STEM MEAL SUPPLEMENTATION IN BROILERS

Gregory John B. EspedidoJose Arnel Reyes

Kevin Matthew P. Roderno

________________________________________________________________________A research study submitted to the Secondary Education Science High School,

Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation. Prepared under the supervision of Ms. Mariedel Autriz.

INTRODUCTION

The pitaya, pitahaya, or dragon fruit is the fruit of several cactus species,

especially of the genus Hylocereus, and Stenocereus. Native to Mexico and Central and

South America, these vine-like epiphytic cacti are also cultivated in Southeast Asian

countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They are also found in Taiwan,

Okinawa, Israel, and southern China. The pitaya blooms only at night; they are large

white fragrant flowers, typical of cactus, that are often called Moonflower or Queen of

the Night (Mizrahi et al., 1997)

Pitaya is a common name applied to a broad variety of warm-climate cacti fruit,

from different species and genera. It represents an interesting group of under-exploited

crops with potential for human consumption. The fruit comes in three types, all with

leathery, slightly leafy skin: Hylocereus undatus, popularly known as red pitaya, is a

climbing cactus with a white flesh, red skin, triangular-shaped stem and minimal number

of spines. Hylocereus polyrhizus (red fleshed pitaya) is similar in nature to the hylocereus

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undatus. On the other hand, this variety of cactus has more spines, red flesh with pink

skin. Selenicereus megalanthus known as the yellow pitaya has a smaller fruit than the

other two varieties with white pulp and higher sugar levels than the red pitaya (Anderson,

2001).

The pitaya plant is highly adaptable to a new environment. The plants are able to

tolerate drought, heat, poor soil, and cold. The modification of the stem for water storage,

the reduction or absence of leaves, the waxy surfaces, and night-time opening of the

tissues for carbon dioxide uptake, enable the plants to tolerate harsh conditions (Luders &

McMahon, 2006).

The pitaya fruit is well-known for its health benefits, unique taste and spectacular

appearance. Red fleshed dragon fruit is very rich in antioxidants and has an exceptionally

high content of soluble fiber. Besides being a good source of Vitamin C, studies also

proven that red pitaya fruit is effective in preventing cancer and diabetes. That’s the

reason why pitaya fruit is dubbed as the healthiest fruit in 21st Century (Ing Amp, 2006).

Selenicereus megalanthus contains the heart tonic captine. Hylocereus undatus fruit has

been used to combat anemia (Jacobs, 1999).

In Australia, freshly cut stems and flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus, in

particular, are used in the preparation of drugs which have a spasmolytic effect on the

coronary vessels and promote blood circulation. For this purpose, cuttings are cultivated

in hot-houses (Australian New Crops Newsletter, 1999). In this study, the potential of

dragon fruit stems in animal nutrition will be explored. Hence, the researchers attempted

to analyze the performance of broilers supplemented with trimmed immature dragon fruit

stems.

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Statement of the Problem

Documentation of the effect of dragon fruit to animals is limited. Despite its

potential uses – for fresh consumption, animal feeding and agribusiness, just a few have

been studied. This makes bibliography scarce, scattered and not easily accessible to

researchers. Scholars searching for information on dragon fruits frequently have to look

at various sources yet hardly find what they are looking for. Hence, this study attempted

to provide baseline information on the effect of dragonfruit stem meal supplementation

on growth performance of broilers including sensory properties of their meat.

Specifically, this study sought answers to the following questions:

1. What is the effect of dragonfruit stem meal supplementation on broilers in

terms of body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, weight

of internal organs and mortality rate?

2. What is the level dragon fruit stem meal supplementation most beneficial to

broilers in terms of growth performance?

3. What are the sensory properties of broiler meat supplemented with different

levels of dragonfruit stem meal?

4. What is the nutritional composition of dragon fruit stem meal?

Objectives of the Study

In general, the study was conducted to determine the effects of dragonfruit stem

meal on growth performance of broilers and to describe the sensory properties of broilers

across treatment.

Specifically, the study aimed to:

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1. determine the effect of dragonfruit stem meal on broilers in terms of body

weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, weight of internal

organs and mortality rate;

2. determine the level of trimmed immature dragon fruit stems most beneficial to

broilers in terms of growth performance;

3. describe the sensory properties of broiler meat supplemented with different

levels of dragonfruit stem meal; and

4. analyze the nutritional composition of dragon fruit stem meal.

Significance of the Study

During the last decade, the poultry industry had gone through changes in its mode

of operation particularly in nutrition. Feeding practices employed in poultry production

before differ significantly from the feeding practices employed by poultry producers

today. The management of a poultry farm, be it backyard or large scale, is one of the

most important factors affecting the quality and quantity of production.

In terms of practice, this study may provide information to poultry raisers and

agriculturists on the performance of broilers supplemented with trimmed immature

dragon fruit stems. This information might help them discover the benefits of dragon fruit

stems on the growth performance of broilers and ultimately use dragon fruit stems as feed

supplement in broilers.

In addition to the implications for practice, the results of this study may have

implications for future researches. The present study only evaluated the utilization of

trimmed immature dragon fruit stems as feed supplement in broilers. Future scholars may

wish to examine the benefits of dragon fruit stems in other poultry and livestock animals.

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Such studies may advance knowledge about the use of dragon fruit stems as feed

supplement in animals.

This study may also have implications for policy makers involved in various

government departments or agencies such as Department of Agriculture (DA),

Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Council for Agriculture,

Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCCARD), and Bureau of

Animal Industry. Policy makers may use the results that will be obtained in this study as

basis for policy recommendation focusing on the utilization of trimmed immature dragon

fruit stems as feed supplement to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens.

This could provide new technology that could confirm the health benefits of dragon fruit

in poultry production.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The investigation involved the preparation of feed supplement for broilers

utilizing trimmed immature dragon fruit stems. The nutritional composition of dragon

fruit stem meal was analyzed. The performance of broilers was evaluated in terms of

body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, weight of internal organs and

mortality rate. Sensory properties of the meat were also evaluated to determine which

treatment produced the most acceptable broiler meat for human consumption.

The single-factor experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design

(CRD). The experiment involved four treatments, each replicated three times, with each

replication having five birds. This study covered one production period only, and feeding

trial lasted for 42 days.

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Hypothesis of the Study

To answer the objectives of this research, it was hypothesized that there is no

significant difference in body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, and

mortality rate of broilers across treatments.

Time and Place of the Study

The study was conducted at the Brooding House of the Animal Science

Department of the Cavite State University, Indang Cavite from December 2008 to

January 2009.

Definitions of Terms

Day-Old chick (DOC) - refers to newly hatched chick usually one to three days

old.

Death rate (also, Mortality rate) - It refers to the number of birds that died over

the total number of birds during the reference period.

Dressed weight - refers to total weight of carcass excluding hides or skins, blood,

edible and inedible offal and slaughter fats other than kidney fats.

Feeds - are naturally occurring ingredients or materials consumed by broilers that

provide energy and nutrients for the purpose of nourishing/sustaining them.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) - measures the quantity of feed in kg used to

produce a kg of live weight broiler. It can be obtained using the formula:

Feed supplement - refers to pharmaceutical or nutritional substances that are

feedstuffs added to manufactured feeds for various purposes, chiefly to control infectious

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diseases or to promote growth; or is a substance of non-nutritive nature which when

added to the feed will improve feed efficiency and/or production of animals.

Live weight - refers the body weight of live birds.

Broiler - refers to strains of foreign breeds of chicken, especially raised for meat

purposes only. They are usually disposed of at five to six weeks old.

Supplementation - refers to the removal of a certain amount of the commercial

feeds to be fed to the broilers and adding the dragon fruit stem meal with the same

amount as that of the part removed.

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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The Dragon fruit

The dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), known as strawberry pear, thang loy

(Vietnamese), pitaya roja (Spanish), and la pitahaya rouge (French), grows on a tropical

climbing cacti. There is some confusion as to species being grown as they are all referred

to as pitahaya in Spanish. The normally white-fleshed, Hylocereus undatus is grown

commercially, as is the red or purple fleshed H. costaricensis (grown in Nicaragua and

possibly Guatemala) and H. polyhizus (grown in Israel). There are yellow clones of H.

undatus named pitaya ammarilla (yellow pitaya) in Mexico and other Latin American

countries. Pitaya amarllia is a different species from the other yellow pitaya, Selenicereus

megalanthus (Mizrahi et al., 1997). The dragon fruit is a self-compatible cultivar in

Vietnam (Mizrahi et al., 1997; Nerd & Mizrahi, 1997).

The dragon fruit is a large, oblong fruit with a red peel and large green scales. The

scales turn yellow upon ripening. Skin color begins to change 25 to 30 days from

flowering in both H. undatus and H. polyhizus. At about the same time, flesh firmness

approaches a minimum and eating quality approaches a maximum 33 to 37 days after

flowering (Nerd et al., 1999). Fruit can be harvested from 25 to 45 days from flowering;

32 to 35 days was recommended by Nerd et al. (1999). Fruit size depends on seed

number (Weiss et al., 1994).

The flesh of different species can vary from white to various hues of red to very

dark red. As the fruit matures, acidity reaches a peak just as the skin color change occurs,

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then declines 25 to 30 days after flowering. At this stage, SSC increases to about 14%

(Nerd et al., 1999; Le et al., 2000).

Stem Anatomy

S. queretaroensis has a low stomatal density (10 to 40 mm2 ) and thick cuticle (13

to 17 Fm). A thick cuticle and low stomatal density represents an important adaptation to

aridity, leading to the ability to withstand long periods of drought (Nobel, 1994). Calcium

oxalate crystals (druses) are not present in the stem cortex of S. queretaroensis consistent

with the observation that its calcium content is relatively low (Nobel and Pimienta-

Barrios, 1995), but in contrast to other cacti (Nobel, 1983).

A distinctive feature of stem anatomy of S. queretaroensis is the presence of

aerenchyma in the hypodermis. Aerenchyma tissue characterized by continuous gas

spaces in shoots and roots is often an adaptation to low oxygen levels and is a distinctive

feature of many wetland species (Esau, 1977; Salisbury and Ross, 1992). The

aerenchyma tissue is located on the adaxial side of the stem and the chlorenchyma in the

abaxial side, suggesting a homology with the anatomy of bifacial or dorsiventral

mesophytic leaves for which the aerenchyma resembles spongy parenchyma (Mauseth,

1991). The abundance of intercellular air spaces may be an important adaptation to

facilitate gas exchange and photosynthesis ( Sajeva and Mauseth, 1991).

Pollination

These cacti are night blooming and the hermaphroditic blooms remain open for

one night only. They are large, up to 30 cm across, and are adapted to pollination by bats

or hawk moths. Bees are not efficient pollinators of Hylocereus sp. flowers (Weiss et al.,

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1994) due to the large size of the flower and the arrangement of its parts. Bee pollinated

fruit were found to be smaller than fruit resulting from hand pollination. The fruit set was

also found to be less (Nerd and Mizrahi, 1997). Many of the varieties from Asia

(predominantly H. undatus) are self-compatible, and some of these are autogamous and

will set fruit without the involvement of a pollen vector (Weiss et al., 1994).

Uses of Dragon Fruit

An estimated 17 million of people die of cardiovascular diseases each year. More

than 11 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year and it is estimated that there

will be 16 million new cases each year by 2020. Cancer causes seven million deaths each

year, which is 12.5% of deaths worldwide. It is estimated that more than 180 million

people worldwide have diabetes and 1.1 million people died from diabetes in year 2005.

Ing Amp (2006) stressed that pitaya or better known as dragon fruit is definitely

the best choice of a healthy diet. This red-flesh cactus fruit has generated a great deal of

consumer interest in recent years due to its rich content of micronutrients and antioxidant.

Scientists proven that Pitaya fruits which are rich in vitamins, would help the digestive

process and neutralize toxic substances such as heavy metal of the body. More

importantly, this good source of antioxidant is effective in preventing cancer, heart

diseases as well as diabetes. It helps to reduce cholesterol level and high blood pressure,

thus decrease the risks of strokes and heart attacks. Regular consumption of Pitaya fruits

also help against asthma and cough, which are very common among children nowadays

because of the poor air condition. Moreover, the peel component of Pitaya is also found

out to be an inhibitor of the growth of melanoma cancer cells.

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Poultry Nutrition Researches

An experiment was conducted by Alam et al. (2003) at the Bangladesh

Agricultural University, Mymensingh, with 144 day-old commercial broilers (Arbor

acres). The research was carried out to investigate the effect of the supplementation of

three different mixed enzymes (Alquerzim, Roxazyme-G and Feedzyme) in diet on body

weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, mortality dressing percentage and cost of broiler

production. In three test diets exogenous Alquerzim (1g/kg), Roxazyme-G (0.01g/kg) and

Feedzyme (0.05g/kg) were supplemented to control diet to observe whether addition

exogenous enzyme improves efficiency of broiler production. The growth rate, feed

intake, feed conversion, dressing yield and profitability were increased by addition of

exogenous enzymes. The addition of enzyme is effective to overcome antinutritive effect

of NSP on broiler performances. Enzyme had no effect on survivability. Roxazyme-G

and Feedzyme are more profitable than Alquerzim. It was concluded that exogenous

enzyme may be used in broiler diet by proper selection of enzyme to get best result.

Cabuk et al. (2006) examined the effects of a herbal essential oil mixture on the

performance of broilers produced by a young (30 wk) or an old breeder (80 wk) flock.

One thousand and eight unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Ross-308) originating from the

two breeder flocks were randomly allocated to three treatment groups of 336 birds each.

Dietary treatments were: a control and two diets containing 24 mg/kg or 48 mg/kg of an

essential oil mixture. There were no significant effects of dietary treatment on body

weight of the broilers at 21 and 42 days. The effect of the age of the parents did not have

a significant effect on body weight of the broilers at 21 and 42 days of age. Up to 21 days

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the feed intake of broilers from young breeders was reduced significantly as a result of

the inclusion of the essential oil mixture in their diets, and a significant improvement in

feed conversion ratio was recorded in these birds. Difference in regression coefficients

for feed intake and feed conversion ratio between broilers from young and old breeder

flocks was significant. Carcass yield and some internal organ weights such as the liver,

pancreas, proventriculus, gizzard and small intestine were not affected by the addition of

the essential oil mixture to the diet. Inclusion of essential oil mixture to the diet decreased

mortality significantly at 21 days.

Wang and colleagues (2005) conducted a growth trial and a metabolism trial to

two experiments to investigate the effects of dietary enzyme supplementation (primarily

xylanase and β-glucanase) on performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology,

digestive organ size, and volatile fatty acid profiles in the hindgut of broiler chickens fed

wheat-based diets. The experimental diets in both trials consisted of a wheat-based

control diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000 mg/kg enzyme. Diets were

given to the birds from d 7 to 42 of age. In the growth trial, enzyme supplementation

improved the performance of the broilers; daily gain and feed conversion increased

linearly (P<0.01) with increasing levels of enzyme supplementation. Enzyme inclusion

decreased the size of the digestive organs and the gastrointestinal tract to some extent.

The relative length of each intestinal segment decreased linearly (P < 0.05). The relative

weight of the anterior intestine on d 21 and ileum on d 42 also decreased linearly (P <

0.01). On d 21 and 42, there were negative linear (P< 0.05) relationships between

increasing enzyme supplementation and the relative weight of the liver and pancreas,

respectively. Furthermore, there was a linear (P < 0.01) increase in total volatile fatty

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acid content in ileum on d 21 and in the cecum on d 21 and 42. During each period of the

metabolism trial, apparent crude protein digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05),

whereas no differences were detected (P > 0.05) in AME.

Rivera et al. (2004) determined the effect of fish entrails on the performance of

broilers. It was found that prolonging the process of fermentation increases the nutrient

content of the fish entrails. However, the supplementation of the fermented fish entrails

had no significant effect in feed conversion ratio and growth performance. In terms of

consumption, a 25% feed supplement increased the weekly consumption of birds. The

supplementation of 25% commercial feeds + 75% fermented fish entrails (T3) was the

best treatment in terms of final body weight. Fermented fish entrails can be used to

replace 75% of the commercial broiler mash to lessen feed cost without sacrificing the

growth performance of broilers.

Effect of Oregano Supplemented to Broilers on Oxidative Stability of Poultry Meat

Effect of oil extract of oregano supplemented in diet, on growth and oxidative

stability of poultry meat was studied. Broiler chickens fed with addition of oregano

achieved higher weight (2563 ± 140 g) in comparison with control group (2462 ± 195 g).

Oxidative processes were investigated as changes of malondialdehyde content in breast

and thigh meat after 0, 3, 6, and 12 months of storage at -21 °C. Partition of defrost

samples was stored at chilling conditions (4 °C) during 12 hours, ground and thermally

treated at 80 °C during 15 minutes, to observe antioxidative effect of added oregano oil in

poultry meat after thermal treatment. Results showed that oregano essential oil was more

effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared to the control diet at all time points. Thigh

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meat was more susceptible to lipid oxidation compared to breast meat (P < 0.05). Same

effects of oregano extract were observed in meat after warm heating (P < 0.05).

Effect of Dried and Ground Pineapple Peelings on the Growth Performance of Broilers

Edward S. Ilagan, determined the effects of dried and ground pineapple peelings

supplementation in terms of weight, average gain in weight, feed consumption, feed

conversion efficiency and carcass quality of broiler, and also found out what level of

supplementation gave the best result.

At the end of the study, the following were obtained:

Their weights revealed that in a 20% level of dried and ground pineapple peelings

supplementation, heavier birds would be produced, while birds fed with pure commercial

feeds T0 produced the lightest weight. It can then be concluded that as the level of

supplementation is increased, heavier birds will be produced. It was also noted that the

level of supplementation of supplementation of dried and ground pineapple peelings has a

highly significant effect on gain in weight of the birds.

There were significant differences among treatment groups in terms of feed

consumption. Birds in T3 registered the largest amount of feeds taken totaling to about

5.1235 kilograms, while birds under T0 recorded the smallest amount of feeds taken

totaling to about 4.9706 kilograms. This implies that feeds at higher level of

supplementation were palatable to the birds thus enhancing their digestion capacity.

Findings on feed conversion efficiency showed no significant differences between

treatment groups. However, it was also found out that the higher the level of

supplementation, the lower the amount of commercial feeds needed to produce a

desirable output that is the amount of commercial feeds needed to convert to useful meat.

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Organolyptic test of broilers showed no significant differences on the flavor,

juiciness and tenderness.

During the seven weeks of supplementation period, no mortality rate was

observed.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

The experimental chicks that were used in this study were purchased from a

reputable poultry supply store in Tagaytay City. The dragon fruit stems were sourced

from the researcher’s farm in Tambong Kulit, Indang, Cavite.

The following materials, tools, and equipment were used in the conduct of the

study:

Materials Tools and Equipment

60 day-old Chicks Experimental cages

Immature Dragon fruit stems Electric fan

Commercial broiler feeds Weighing scale

Labels Plastic baskets

Recording material Plastic strainers

Gumbo L vaccine Chopping knives

Creolina solution Chopping boards

Waterers

Feeding troughs

Fabricated drying trays

Room thermometer

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Methods

Experimental design and treatment

The birds were equally and randomly distributed to four treatments following a

Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times, with

each replication having five birds.

The treatments were as follows:

Treatment I 95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal

Treatment II 90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal

Treatment III 85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal

Treatment IV Control, commercial feeds

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Figure 1. Experimental layout

T1R3 T3R1 T4R1

T3R2 T3R3 T2R2

T4R3 T1R1 T1R2

T1R3 T3R1 T4R1

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Gathering of Stem

Immature dragon fruit stems were selected to be used by the researchers because

matured ones contain great amounts of fiber which cannot be digested by the broilers.

Dragon fruit stems were harvested from one of the researcher’s farm in Tambong Kulit,

Indang, Cavite. The fresh dragon fruit stems were collected and then placed in a clean

plastic basket. Thereafter, the stems were washed by tap water to remove dust particles

and allowed to drip-dry on a plastic strainer.

Preparation of the Stem

The stems were shredded using a gasoline-powered shredder for faster and

effective drying. The shredded stems were sun dried by placing them on fabricated drying

trays during daylight in a super low humidity environment for approximately one week or

until they become crispy. The sun drying was done at the Research Center of CvSU. The

dried stems were ground to produce a feed meal.

Preparation of Treatments

A sample of the feed supplement was subjected to proximate analysis at the

Department of Agriculture Regional Animal Feed Laboratory to determine the nutrient

contents of the feed supplement (Appendix A).

The ground stems or feed supplement were placed on a clean plastic container

with cover. Four experimental broiler diets were formulated such that they contained the

desired treatments. After the feed supplement was prepared, it was mixed with

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commercial feeds in the amount specified in the experimental treatments and were given

to birds starting at 15 days of age or at the onset of growing period. Preparation of feed

supplement was done on a daily basis in order to have a fresh mixture at any one time.

Application of Treatments

Bird Management

Structural requirements. An elevated brooding cage measuring 69 cm (width) x

183 cm (length) or 1.26 sq m was used. The materials that were used for the brooding

house included coco lumber, cardboards, bamboo and plastic screen and corrugated G.I.

sheets for roofing.

In the growing stage, an elevated house measuring 58 cm (width) x 92 cm

(length) or 5336 sq cm was used for each replication. Five birds each were housed in a

5336 sq cm cage.

Similar housing materials were used such as coco lumber, cardboards, bamboo

and plastic screen. Roofing material was made of corrugated G.I. sheets. One-meter roof

overhang was provided to ensure shade and to protect the birds from rain. Roof was

equipped with gutters so that rainwater can be drained away separately. Ceiling height

from the floor cage was 2 m high. The walls were made of suitable materials such as

chicken wire. Entrance door was 91 cm wide by 25 cm high and made by pulling upward.

In terms of flooring, slats or wire floors were constructed in sections so that they

may be removed when it is necessary to clean the droppings from under them, or when

the house is cleaned. The width of the slat was 3 cm and the space in between slats was

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1.5 cm. On top of the slats, plastic net or fish net with 25 mm holes was used. The floor

was elevated at 58.5 cm from the ground and the posts had a diameter of 200 mm.

Brooding and rearing. The birds were group-brooded for two weeks. The area was

surrounded with cardboard with a minimum height of 450 cm to protect the chicken from

draught. The floor of the brooding cage was lined with old newspaper matting. The sides

of the cages were lined with empty feed bags which can be rolled up and down to

maintain ideal brooding temperature.

During the first 48 hours, chicks received a total of 23 hours of light at 35 watt/m 2

of illumination. This amount was supplied by approximately 35 watts of light bulb for

each 0.37 m2 of floor space when the bulb is approximately 2.4 m above the floor and

under a good clean reflector. After the first 48 hours, the intensity of light was reduced.

At floor level, it was about 10 watt/m2. The chicks were provided approximately 1 watt of

bulb, at 2.4 m above the floor, and under a good and clean reflector for every 0.40 m 2 of

floor space.

Proper temperature inside the brooding area was maintained to make the chicks

feel comfortable. The range of temperature applied at various ages of broiler chicks is

shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Brooding temperature applied at various ages of broiler chicks

AGE OF CHICKS(weeks)

BROODING TEMPERATURE(oC)

0 – 1 32.2 – 35.0 (90-95 oF)

1 – 2 29.4 – 32.2 (85-90 oF)

2 – 4 26.7 – 29.4 (85-90 oF)

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Above 4 weeks Remove the supply of heatSource: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development. The Philippines Recommends for Broiler Production

Temperature in the poultry house was not permitted to become higher than the

outside temperature during warm days. Temperature was lowered by providing additional

drinkers.

In the growing period where the treatments were imposed, the birds were equally

distributed into four treatments following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Birds were transferred to the growing house at 15 days of age.

Feeds and feeding. During the first two weeks of age, the birds were given plain

water. Except for the control, feed supplement made from immature dragon fruit stems

were added to commercial feeds starting at 15 days of age or when they are in the

growing period until harvest time according to the specified treatment.

Table 2 shows the type of commercial feeds that were fed by age of bird. Chick

booster mash was given to the birds from day-old to 14 days. The broilers were fed with

broiler starter mash from 14 days to 28 days. Finisher pellet were given from 28 days up

to harvesting age. To minimize/prevent stress caused by altering feeds, i. e. from chick

booster to starter mash, a ratio of 1:3 (one part previous feeds: 3 parts new feeds) was

given during the first day and was reduced gradually over a one-week period. The same

practice was observed when shifting from starter to finisher pellet.

Feeds and water were provided ad-libitum. The birds were weighed at day-old

and thereafter on a weekly basis. Feed intake was recorded daily while the weighing of

broilers was performed weekly. Other routine poultry management procedures were

maintained. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days.

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Table 2. Type of commercial feeds given by age of bird

AGE OF BIRD COMMERCIAL FEEDS

Day old – 14 days Chick booster mash

14 days – 28 days Broiler starter mash

28 days - harvest Finisher pellet

Drinkers. In the first hour of brooding, the chicks were given water with brown

sugar. One-gallon drinkers were used during the growing period wherein the broilers

were given plain water.

Feeders. Plastic feeding troughs were used during the brooding period till 3 weeks

of age. The plastic feeding troughs measured 30.5 cm (length) x 11.5 cm (width) x 3.8 cm

(height) were used. Four feeding troughs were used during brooding period and one

feeding trough each cage or each replication at three weeks of age.

At four weeks of age, birds were allowed to eat at custom-made wood feeders

attached along the front of the cages. A wooden strip along the inner mouth of the

feeding through was placed to avoid feed spillage.

Animal health and sanitation. The experimental site was cleaned and disinfected

prior to the arrival of the chicks. The feeders or feeding troughs were cleaned on a daily

basis to maintain the freshness of the feeds and to avoid contaminating the feeds.

Drinkers or waterers were also cleaned on a daily basis. Cleanliness of the experimental

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site was maintained throughout the conduct of the experiment to avoid the proliferation

of flies.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) also known as Gumboro disease is an important

viral disease in poultry industry due to significant economic losses resulting from high

mortality and immunosuppression. The disease can only be controlled and prevented by

proper vaccination and biosecurity. Gumbo L vaccine was given to the chicks from four

days after arrival. This is intended to immunize the chicks against Infectious Bursal

Disease and other common diseases. Creolina solution was also used for footbath, to

prevent infection and disease contamination among the flock.

Records and monitoring. In order to follow the progress of birds, numerous

records were kept by the researchers. Such records involved documentation of daily

events (temperature, mortality, feed consumption, etc.), and periodic sampling of

conditions or performance (vaccination dates, body weights.). Feed consumption was

monitored on a daily basis.

Environmental factors. Birds were protected from poor ventilation and extremes

temperature. Discarded feed sacks were utilized as wind and sun breakers.

Waste management. Poultry manures were placed in a sealed garbage bag daily

for disposal at the garbage site of Cavite State University.

Harvest. Alternative market outlets were surveyed by the researchers before

harvesting to be assured of a ready market at the time of harvest. The birds were

harvested at 42 to 45 days of age or when they were in optimum weight of 1.3 to 1.5 kg

live weight. The birds were weighed individually by treatment. Broilers were sold at

dressed weight.

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Data Gathering

The data that were gathered are as follows:

1. Average initial body weight. The mean weight of birds at 14 days of age or

prior to the dietary supplementation of dragonfruit stem meal computed as:

2. Weekly average body weight. The weekly mean body weight of birds by

treatment. In the first two weeks, the birds were weighed collectively by

treatment. However, as they grew older, they were weighed individually.

3. Weekly cumulative feed consumption. This was determined by adding the

previous amount of feed consumed in a week to the current weekly feed

consumption.

4. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The proportion of total feed intake of birds to

weight gain of birds using the formula:

5. Weight of Internal Organs. The average weight of selected internal organs

such as liver, gizzard, proventriculus and small intestine after dressing by

treatment.

6. Mortality rate (%). The incidence of mortality starting at 15 days of age up to

7. harvest age by treatment was recorded. The rate of mortality was computed

as:

25

8. Sensory Properties of the Broiler Meat based on Tenderness Color, Texture,

Aroma, Flavor, Off-Flavor and General Acceptability.

Twenty-five respondents from Cavite State University, Main Campus participated

in the sensory evaluation of broiler meats across treatment. The evaluation was conducted

during free time inside the classroom at the CvSU Science High School building, on

January 18, 2009.

Sample broiler meats from each treatment were boiled separately without any

flavoring until they were cooked. Thereafter, the cooked meats were chopped into bite

sizes and packaged individually by treatment. The four containers were coded with T1,

T2, T3, and T4. Each of the participants evaluated the sensory properties of broiler meat

in all four treatments.

A score sheet was distributed to each respondent (Appendix B). The score sheet is

a self-administered structured evaluation wherein participants were asked to choose only

one item for each category that best describes his/her perception as to color, juiciness,

aroma, texture, tenderness, flavor, off-flavor and general acceptability of broiler meats

across treatments.

Participants were provided with glasses of water which they used to rinse their

mouths in between samples. The samples were presented to each participant individually.

Statistical Analyses

The data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for

Completely Randomized Design (CRD) (Gomez and Gomez, 1984). Treatment means

26

which produced significant results were compared using the Duncan’s Multiple Range

Test (DMRT). In this study, the DMRT was applied only when the ANOVA test for

treatment effect is significant (Gomez and Gomez, 1984).

27

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Nutritional Composition of Dragonfruit Stem Meal

A 200-gram sample of dragonfruit stem meal was submitted to the Regional

Animal Feed Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture in Lipa City on October 3

2008 for nutrient analysis. The analysis (Table 3 and Appendix A) showed that the stem

meal contained 30.62% crude fiber, 19.1% ash, and 11.6% moisture. The meal also

contained 9.72% crude protein and 1.04% crude fat.

Table 3. Nutritional composition of dragonfruit stem meal*

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION(%)

Crude Protein 9.72Crude Fat 1.04Crude Fiber 30.62Ash 19.10Moisture 11.60

*Analysis done in the Regional Animal Feed Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Lipa City, Batangas

Effect of dragonfruit stem meal supplementation on broilers in terms of body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, weight of internal organs and mortality rate

Body weight. Broilers were fed with dragonfruit stem meal starting at 15 days of

age or during growing period. The average body weight of broilers by treatment is

shown in Table 4.

At 21 days of age, the average body weight of broilers was highest in T1 or

broilers fed with 95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal posting an average

28

of 0.7333 kg. This was followed by T4 or broilers fed with pure commercial feeds with

an average body weight of 0.6933 kg. Ranked third was T2 or broilers given with 90 %

commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal with an average body weight of 0.6793

kg. The treatment with the lowest average body weight of 0.6727 kg was noted in T3 or

broilers fed with 85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal.

Table 4. Average weekly body weight of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal

TREATMENTAVERAGE BODY WEIGHT BY AGE*

(IN DAYS)14

(Initial)21 28 35 42

T1 = 95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal

0.5047a 0.7333a 1.1273a 1.6500a 2.2967a


0.4897a 0.6793a 1.0420b 1.6167a 2.2133b


0.4633a 0.6727a 1.0087b 1.5667b 2.1767b

T4 = Control, commercial feeds0.4797a 0.6933a 1.0500b 1.6300a 2.2300a

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P>0.05)

Two weeks after the supplementation of dragon fruit stem meal or at 28 days of

age, the average body weight of broilers was so far highest in T1(95 % commercial feeds

+ 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) with mean weight of 1.1273 kg followed by T0 (Control)

with mean weight of 1.05 kg. Ranked third in average body weight was T2 (90 %

commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal) at 1.042 kg and the lowest was yet

29

recorded in T3 or broilers fed with 85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal

with mean weight of 1.0087 kg.

At 35 days and 42 days of age, broilers fed with 95 % commercial feeds + 5 %

dragonfruit stem meal (T1) thus far had the highest average body weight of 1.65 kg and

2.2967 kg, respectively. Similarly, broilers fed with commercial feeds (T0) ranked

second at 35 days and at 42 days of age with average body weight of 1.63 kg and 2.23 kg,

respectively. So far, the lowest average body weight of broilers at 35 days and 42 days of

age was noted in T3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal) at 1.5833 kg

and 2.1767 kg, respectively.

Data indicate that the ranking in the average body weight of broilers by treatment

was consistent from 14 days till 42 days of age.

At 21 days of age, the effect of the different treatments was not significant (P<

0.05) on the average body weight of broilers. This may be due to the slow absorption of

the nutrients from the dragonfruit stem meal. However, on the subsequent weeks, the

effect was significant on the average body weight of broilers (Appendix Tables 2, 4, 6, 8

and 10).

As shown in Table 2, the supplementation of 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) in

broiler diets resulted to highest average body weight of broilers at 28, 35 and 42 days of

age. Hence, the supplementation of 5% dragon fruit stem meal (T1) enhances the growth

of broilers’ in terms of average body weight. On the other hand, the supplementation of

85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal (T3) slowed down the growth of

broilers in terms of body weight even as compared to the control. This can be attributed

to the low amount of protein present in the dragon fruit stem diet.

30

Feed consumption. The weekly cumulative feed consumption was computed by

adding the previous weekly feed intake to the current weekly feed consumption starting

at 15 days to 42 days of age. Data on Table 5 show that the broilers which posted the

highest cumulative feed consumption at the end of the experiment were from T4 (control)

or broilers fed with commercial feeds with an average of 9.00 kg of feeds consumed per

bird followed by broilers from T3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem

meal) with 6.92 kg/bird average cumulative feed consumed. The lowest average

cumulative feed consumption, on the other hand, was noted in T1 (95 % commercial

feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) with 6.87 kg of feeds consumed per bird.

Table 5. Average weekly cumulative feed consumption of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal

TREATMENT

AVERAGE CUMULATIVE FEED CONSUMPTION BY AGE, DAYS*

(in kg)14

(initial)

21 28 35 42


0.47a 1.86a 3.70a 6.08a 9.09a


0.46a 1.63a 3.51a 5.90a 8.89a


0.45a 1.74a 3.59a 5.91a 8.87a

T4 = Control, commercial feeds 0.45s 1.72a 3.62a 6.00a 9.00a


31

Test statistics revealed that dragon fruit stem meal supplementation did not affect

(P<0.05) the cumulative feed consumption of birds starting at 15 till 42 days of age

(Appendix Tables 14, 16, 18 and 20). Literature indicates that the effect of dragon fruit is

more on improving the digestive process and neutralizing toxic substances of the body.

More importantly, this is a good source of antioxidant (Ing Amp, 2006). Such effect of

dragon fruit may lead to improved performance or growth but may not specifically alter

the feed consumption of broilers. This is probably the reason why the cumulative feed

consumption was similar at all levels of dragonfruit stem meal supplementation.

Feed conversion ratio. The feed conversion ratio was computed by dividing the

average feed intake of birds by the mean body weight gain. The effect of the

supplementation of dragonfruit stem meal at different levels on the performance of

broilers is presented in Table 6. The data gave an impression that broilers fed with 95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) increases live weight, feed intake,

and mean body weight gain recording the highest mean scores for final body weight,

weight gain and feed intake. On the other hand, broilers fed with 95 % commercial feeds

+ 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) had a tendency to convert feed intake efficiently with a

feed conversion ratio of 5.18. However, all these parameters did not differ significantly

(P<0.05) (Appendix Tables 19 to 24). Hence, body weight gains, feed intakes and feed

conversion ratios of broilers were not significantly affected by the supplementation of

dragonfruit stem meal to the diet.

32

Table 6. Performance of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal in terms of final body weight, mean body weight gain, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio across treatment

TREATMENT

PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS*INITIAL

LIVE WEIGHT(kg/bird)

FINAL BODY

WEIGHT(kg/bird)

MEAN BODY

WEIGHT GAIN

(kg/bird)

TOTAL FEED

INTAKE(kg/bird)

FEED CONVERSION

RATIO(kg feed/kg

gain)


0.5047a 2.30a 1.79c 9.09d 5.07e


0.4897a 2.21b 1.72c 8.89d 5.16e


0.4633a 2.18b 1.71c 8.87d 5.18e

T4 = Control, commercial feeds

0.4797a 2.23a 1.75c 9.00d 5.14e

*Figures in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P>0.05)

Weight of internal organs. In general, higher weights were accounted on internal

organs of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal as compared to the control

(Table 7). With a small amount of dragonfruit stem meal supplementation (T1=95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) fed to broilers, average weights of

33

internal organs were generally higher. However, despite variations in treatment means, no

significant differences were found in the average weights of selected internal organs

across treatment (Appendix Tables 26, 28, 30 and 32). This suggests that the average

weights of the liver, proventriculus, gizzard and small intestine were not affected by the

supplementation of dragonfruit stem meal on broiler diets.

Table 7. Average weight of some internal organs of broilers at harvest across treatment

TREATMENT

AVERAGE WEIGHT(in g)

LiverProventriculu

sGizzar

d

SmallIntestin

e


46.17a 6.32a 50.83a 61.35a


45.92a 6.30a 51.03a 65.25a


49.00a 6.23a 45.42a 64.67a

T4 = Control, commercial feeds44.83

a 5.85a 42.57a 59.50a


Mortality rate. Birds were in good health throughout the experimental period.

No mortality was accounted across dietary treatment. This could be attributed to the

proper care and management of broilers during the entire experiment. Hence, dragonfruit

stem meal supplementation had no effect on survivability of broilers.

34

Effect of Dragonfruit Stem Meal on the Sensory Properties of Broiler Meat

The responses of the participants as regards with sensory properties of broiler

meat in terms of color, juiciness, aroma, texture, tenderness, flavor, off-flavor and general

acceptability are summarized in Table 8.

Color. The cooked broiler meats in all four treatments were evaluated by the

participants as “cream” in color. The highest mean score of 2.08 was recorded in T1 (95

% commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) while the lowest mean score of 2.00

was noted in T2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal) and T4

(control). Despite differences in mean scores, all treatments had similar rating of “cream”

in terms of color of cooked broiler meats. “Cream” is the most appealing color for cooked

broiler meat. Hence, all broiler meats across treatments had positive rating in terms of

color.

Texture. All broiler meats were perceived by the participants as “somewhat

smooth/coarse” in texture with mean scores ranging from 3.0 to 2.92. This perception is

realistic since the surface of meat is generally uneven.

Aroma. In terms of aroma, the lowest rating of 2.04 was noted on cooked broiler

meat produced in T3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal) while the

remaining treatments had similar mean rating of 1.96. Despite differences in mean scores,

all treatments had equivalent adjectival rating of “pleasant”. This indicates that all

treatments produced meat that had pleasant aroma.

35

Table 8. Sensory properties of broiler meat across treatment as perceived by the respondents

ATTRIBUTE MEAN SCORE BY TREATMENTT1 T2 T3 T4

Color 2.08 2.00 2.04 2.00

Texture 3.00 2.92 3.00 3.00

Aroma 1.96 1.96 2.04 1.96

Tenderness 2.52 2.68 2.48 2.44

Juiciness 1.76 1.76 1.72 1.92

Flavor 1.76 1.76 2.08 1.96

Off Flavor 1.04 1.08 1.12 1.08

General Acceptability 1.88 1.96 1.92 1.96Treatment:

T1 = 95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem mealT2 = 90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem mealT3 = 85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem mealT4 = Control, commercial feeds

Scale:

MEAN SCORE FOR INTERPRETATION

COLOR AROMA TEXTURE TENDERNESS

1.00 1.79 Dirty White Very Pleasant Very Smooth Very Soft1.80 2.59 Cream Pleasant Smooth Soft

2.60 3.39 Light Yellow Somewhat Pleasant / Unpleasant

Somewhat Smooth/Coarse

Somewhat Soft/Rubbery

3.40 4.19 Light Brown Unpleasant Coarse Rubbery

4.20 5.00 Brown Very Unpleasant Very Coarse Very Rubbery

MEAN SCORE FOR INTERPRETATION

JUICINESS FLAVOR OFF FLAVORGENERAL

ACCEPTABILITY1.00 1.79 Very Juicy Very Tasty Highly Undetectable Highly Acceptable1.80 2.59 Juicy Tasty Moderately Undetectable Acceptable2.60 3.39 Somewhat

Juice/DrySomewhat

Tasty/UnsavorySomewhat Undetectable/

DetectableSomewhat Acceptable/

Unacceptable3.40 4.19 Dry Unsavory Detectable Unacceptable

36

4.20 5.00 Very Dry Very Unsavory Highly Detectable Very Unacceptable

Tenderness. Except for T2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem

meal), all cooked broiler meats were evaluated as “soft” by the participants while cooked

broiler meat from T2 was assessed as ”somewhat soft/rubbery”. This suggests that across

treatment, the tenderness of broiler meat from T2 was the least satisfactory.

Juiciness. Except for the control (T4), all cooked broiler meats were perceived

by the participants as “very juicy” while cooked broiler meat from T4 (control) was

perceived only as ”juicy”. The highest rating of 1.76 was noted in T1 (95 % commercial

feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) and T3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit

stem meal) while the lowest rating of 1.92 was recorded in T4 (control). Data imply that

the most satisfactory meat in terms of juiciness came from broilers fed with 95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1), and broilers given with 85 %

commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal (T3). On the other hand, juiciness of

meat was rated the lowest in T0 (control).

Flavor. In terms of flavor of cooked broiler meats, samples from T1 (95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal), and T2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 %

dragonfruit stem meal) were perceived as “very tasty” while broiler meats from T3 (85 %

commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal) and T4 (control) were rated only as

“tasty”. Data show that the supplementation of 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) or 10 %

dragonfruit stem meal (T2) produced the most delectable taste of cooked broiler meats

while a much higher portion of dragonfruit stem meal (T3) reduced the flavor of cooked

broiler meat. Likewise, as compared to the control (T4), broiler meats from T1 (95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal), and T2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 %

37

dragonfruit stem meal) were more delectable. This indicates that broiler meats produced

in T1 and T2 received the most favorable rating as regards to flavor.

Off flavor. The presence of off flavor on cooked broiler meats across treatment

was “highly undetectable”. The highest rating of 1.04 was accounted in T1 (95 %

commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) while the lowest rating of 1.12 was noted

in T3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal). Data suggest that

participants did not detect any presence of off flavor in all four treatments.

General acceptability. The perception of the respondents on the general

acceptability of cooked broiler meats is the same across treatment. All cooked broiler

meats across treatment was evaluated by the respondents as “moderately acceptable”. The

highest rating of 1.88 was accounted in T1 (95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit

stem meal) while the lowest rating was recorded in T4 (control). Results indicate that all

broiler meats in all four treatments have satisfactory rating in terms of general

acceptability.

38

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

An experiment was conducted at the Brooding House of the Animal Science

Department of the Cavite State University, Indang Cavite with 60 day-old broilers. The

research was carried out to investigate the effect of the supplementation of three different

levels of dragonfruit stem meal in broiler diet on body weight, feed intake, feed

efficiency, weight of internal organs, mortality, and sensory properties of broiler meat.

Total birds were equally and randomly distributed to four treatments following a

Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times, with

each replication having five birds. The experimental diets consisted of a commercial-

based control diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, 15% dragonfruit stem meal. Diets were

given to the birds from day 15 to 42 days of age.

The results of the experiment showed that feed intake, feed efficiency, weight of

internal organs, and mortality did not significantly differ between treatments.

In the initial up to 21 days of age, no significant difference was found in the

average body weight of broilers across treatment. At 28, 35 and 42 days of age,

significant differences existed in the average body weight of broilers across treatment.

The supplementation of 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) resulted in the highest average

body weight of broilers while the supplementation 15% dragonfruit stem meal (T3)

resulted in the lowest body weight of broilers across treatment.

In terms of sensory properties of cooked broiler meats, the color of meat in all

four treatments was perceived as “cream” while texture was evaluated as “somewhat

smooth/coarse”. As regards to tenderness, only the sample meat from T2 (= 90 %

39

commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal) was perceived as “somewhat

soft/rubbery” while other treatments had favorable rating of “soft”. Only broiler meat in

T4 (control) differed in rating in terms of juiciness. The remaining treatments had a “very

juicy” rating for broiler meats.

In the attribute of flavor, T1 (95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem

meal) and T2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal) received the

highest rating of “very tasty” while broiler meats produced in T3 (85 % commercial feeds

+ 15 % dragonfruit stem meal) and T4 (control) were perceived as “tasty”. Moreover, the

presence of off flavor on cooked broiler meats in all four treatments was “highly

undetectable”.

Overall, respondents perceived the broiler meats across treatment as “moderately

acceptable”.

Conclusion

In the light of the significant findings of this research, the following conclusions

were drawn:

1. The supplementation of dragon fruit stem meal did not affect the performance

of broilers in terms of feed intake, feed efficiency, weight of internal organs,

and mortality.

2. The supplementation of 5% dragonfruit stem meal in broiler diet resulted in

improvements in body weight of broiler.

3. All broiler meats across treatment were acceptable for commercial purpose

and for human consumption. However, the ratings in all sensory attributes

were most favorable in T1 (95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem

40

meal). Hence, an addition of 5% dragonfruit stem meal in broiler diet

improved the overall sensory characteristics of broiler meat.

4. Based on the parameters, it is advisable to supplement broiler diet with 5%

dragonfruit stem meal. Generally, broiler chickens fed with 5% dragonfruit

stem meal performed better across treatment.

Recommendations

From the whole observation, a 5% dragonfruit stem meal supplementation in

broiler diet may be considered a potential growth promoter and taste enhancer. Hence,

dragonfruit stem meal may be supplemented in broiler diet at 5% level to get best results.

However, a more extensive research is needed to determine the effect of dragon fruit

stem meal supplementation on the performance of broilers. Likewise, further

investigations are needed to expound the effect of dragonfruit stem meal in broiler

production. Future studies may also be conducted on dragonfruit stem meal as feed

supplement using other poultry or livestock not covered in this study.

41

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44

Appendix A. Chemical Analysis of Dragonfruit Stem Meal

45

46

Appendix B. Score Sheet for Broiler Meat Sensory Evaluation

47

SCORE SHEET FOR EVALUATION OF CHICKEN

TREATMENT: ____________

1. Color: 5. Tenderness:/ / Dirty White / / Very soft

/ / Cream / / Soft / / Light Yellow / / Somewhat Soft / / Light Brown / / Rubbery

/ / Brown / / Very Rubbery

2. Juiciness: 6. Flavor:/ / Very Juicy / / Very Tasty/ / Juicy / / Tasty/ / Somewhat Juicy/Dry / / Somewhat Tasty/Unsavory/ / Dry / / Unsavory

/ / Very Dry / / Very Unsavory

3. Aroma: 7. Off Flavor:/ / Very Pleasant / / Highly Undetectable

/ / Pleasant / / Moderately Undetectable / / Somewhat Pleasant/Unpleasant / / Somewhat Undetectable/Detectable / / Unpleasant / / Detectable / / Very Unpleasant / / Highly Detectable

4. Texture: 8. General Acceptability:/ / Very Smooth / / Highly acceptable/ / Smooth / / Moderately Acceptable

/ / Somewhat Smooth/Coarse / / Somewhat Acceptable/Unacceptable/ / Coarse / / Unacceptable

/ / Very Coarse / / Highly Unacceptable

48

APPENDIX TABLES

49

Appendix Table 1. Average weight of broilers (kg) at 14 days of age across treatment

TREATMENT AVERAGE WEIGHT (in kg)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 0.4910 0.5020 0.5210 1.5140 0.5047T2 0.5060 0.4940 0.4690 1.4690 0.4897T3 0.4130 0.5480 0.4290 1.3900 0.4633T4 0.4790 0.4550 0.5050 1.4390 0.4797

Grand Total (G) 5.8120Grand mean 0.48

Appendix Table 2. Analysis of variance for average body weight (kg) of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal at 14 days of age across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar

e F 5% 1%Treatment 3 0.0027 0.0009 0.5440ns 4.07 7.59Experimental Error 8 0.0133 0.0017

Total 11 0.0160cv = 8.42%ns = not significant



TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 0.6700 0.7300 0.8000 2.2000 0.7333T2 0.6340 0.6640 0.7400 2.0380 0.6793T3 0.7000 0.6760 0.6420 2.0180 0.6727T4 0.6900 0.7100 0.6800 2.0800 0.6933


50


Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar





TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 1.0730 1.1370 1.1720 3.3820 1.1273T2 1.0560 1.0200 1.0500 3.1260 1.0420T3 0.9960 1.0000 1.0300 3.0260 1.0087T4 1.0600 1.0400 1.0500 3.1500 1.0500



Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar

e F 5% 1%Treatment 3 0.0227 0.0076 9.0565** 4.07 7.59Experimental Error 8 0.0067 0.0008

Total 11 0.0293cv = 2.73%** = significant at 1% level

51



TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 1.6500 1.6300 1.6700 4.9500 1.6500T2 1.6300 1.5900 1.6300 4.8500 1.6167T3 1.5900 1.5500 1.5600 4.7000 1.5667T4 1.6600 1.5800 1.6500 4.8900 1.6300



Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar

e F 5% 1%Treatment 3 0.0114 0.0038 4.6361* 4.07 7.59Experimental Error 8 0.0065 0.0008

Total 11 0.0179cv = 1.77%* = significant at 5% level



TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 2.35 2.29 2.25 6.8900 2.2967T2 2.16 2.25 2.23 6.6400 2.2133T3 2.14 2.19 2.20 6.5300 2.1767

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T4 2.20 2.25 2.24 6.6900 2.2300Grand Total (G) 26.7500Grand mean 2.2292


Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar

e F 5% 1%Treatment 3 0.0227 0.0076 4.6547* 4.07 7.59Experimental Error 8 0.0130 0.0016

Total 11 0.0357cv = 1.81%* = significant at 5% level

Appendix Table 11. Average cumulative feed consumption (kg) at 14 days of age across treatment

TREATMENT AVERAGE CUMULATIVE FEED CONSUMPTION

(in kg)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 0.6000 0.3833 0.4167 1.4000 0.4667T2 0.5667 0.4000 0.4000 1.3667 0.4556T3 0.5778 0.3667 0.4000 1.3444 0.4481T4 0.6111 0.3667 0.3833 1.3611 0.4537


Appendix Table 12. Analysis of variance for average cumulative feed consumption (kg) of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal at 14 days of age across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedom of Squar F 5% 1%

53

Squares eTreatment 3 0.0005 0.0002 0.0133ns 4.07 7.59Experimental Error 8 0.1088 0.0136




(in kg)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 2.0333 1.7167 1.8167 5.5667 1.8556T2 1.6667 1.5667 1.6667 4.9000 1.6333T3 1.9111 1.6333 1.6667 5.2111 1.7370T4 2.0111 1.6667 1.4833 5.1611 1.7204



Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar




TREATMENT AVERAGE CUMULATIVE TREATMENT TREATMENT

54

FEED CONSUMPTION(in kg)

TOTAL(T)

MEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 3.9000 3.5500 3.6500 11.1000 3.7000T2 3.5667 3.4333 3.5333 10.5333 3.5111T3 3.8444 3.4667 3.4667 10.7778 3.5926T4 3.9444 3.5667 3.3500 10.8611 3.6204

Grand Total (G) 43.2722Grand mean 3.6060Appendix Table 16. Analysis of variance for average cumulative feed consumption (kg)

of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal at 28 days of age across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar





(in kg)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 6.2667 5.9500 6.0167 18.2333 6.0778T2 5.9333 5.8333 5.9333 17.7000 5.9000T3 6.1778 5.7667 5.8000 17.7444 5.9148T4 6.3111 5.9833 5.7167 18.0111 6.0037


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Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar





(IN KG)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 9.3000 8.9500 9.0167 27.2667 9.0889T2 8.9333 8.8667 8.8667 26.6667 8.8889T3 9.1444 8.7000 8.7667 26.6111 8.8704T4 9.3111 8.9833 8.7167 27.0111 9.0037



Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar



56

Appendix Table 21. Average body weight gain (kg) at harvest across treatment

TREATMENT MEAN BODY WEIGHT GAIN

(in kg)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 1.8600 1.7900 1.7300 5.3800 1.7933T2 1.6500 1.7600 1.7600 5.1700 1.7233T3 1.7300 1.6400 1.7700 5.1400 1.7133T4 1.7200 1.8000 1.7400 5.2600 1.7533


Appendix Table 22. Analysis of variance for mean body weight gain (kg) of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar



Appendix Table 23. Feed conversion ratio of broilers across treatment (feed intake/weight gain)

TREATMENT FEED CONVERSION RATIO(mean kg feed/ mean kg gain)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 5.0000 5.0000 5.2119 15.2119 5.0706T2 5.4141 5.0379 5.0379 15.4899 5.1633T3 5.2858 5.3049 4.9529 15.5436 5.1812T4 5.4134 4.9907 5.0096 15.4138 5.1379


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Appendix Table 24. Analysis of variance for feed conversion ratio of broilers supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar


Total 11 0.3379 cv = 3.87%ns = not significant

Appendix Table 25. Average weight of liver (g) across treatment

TREATMENT MEAN WEIGHT (in g)

TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 46.0000 44.5000 48.0000 138.5000 46.1667T2 49.0000 44.0000 44.7500 137.7500 45.9167T3 47.0000 49.0000 51.0000 147.0000 49.0000T4 42.0000 48.0000 44.5000 134.5000 44.8333


Appendix Table 26. Analysis of variance for average weight of liver (g) supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

SquaresSquar


Total 11 75.3073

58

cv = 5.21%ns = not significant

Appendix Table 27. Average weight of gizzard (g) across treatment


TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 59.5000 52.0000 41.0000 152.5000 50.8333T2 58.4000 48.0000 46.7000 153.1000 51.0333T3 45.0000 49.2500 42.0000 136.2500 45.4167T4 42.0000 45.2000 40.5000 127.7000 42.5667


Appendix Table 28. Analysis of variance for average weight of gizzard (g) supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof

Squares Square F 5% 1%

Treatment 3 156.804052.268

0 1.4248ns 4.07 7.59

Experimental Error 8 293.481736.685

2Total 11 450.2856


Appendix Table 29. Average weight of proventriculus (g) across treatment


TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 6.7000 6.0000 6.2500 18.9500 6.3167T2 6.4000 6.0000 6.5000 18.9000 6.3000

59

T3 6.0000 6.5000 6.2000 18.7000 6.2333T4 5.7500 6.0000 5.8000 17.5500 5.8500


Appendix Table 30. Analysis of variance for average weight of proventriculus (g) supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof


Treatment 3 0.4342 0.1447 2.0924ns 4.07 7.59

Experimental Error 8 0.5533 0.0692

Total 11 0.9875 cv = 4.26%ns = not significant

Appendix Table 31. Average weight of small intestine (g) across treatment


TREATMENTTOTAL

(T)

TREATMENTMEAN

R1 R2 R3T1 62.7500 61.2000 60.1000 184.0500 61.3500T2 57.2500 69.5000 69.0000 195.7500 65.2500T3 62.0000 67.0000 65.0000 194.0000 64.6667T4 58.0000 59.5000 61.0000 178.5000 59.5000


Appendix Table 32. Analysis of variance for average weight of small intestine (g) supplemented with dragonfruit stem meal across treatment

60

Source of Variation

Degree of Sum Mean

Computed Tabular F

Freedomof


Treatment 3 67.297522.432

5 1.5360ns 4.07 7.59

Experimental Error 8 116.836714.604

6Total 11 184.1342


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APPENDIX FIGURES

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Appendix Figure 1. Broilers fed with 95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal (T1) at 42 days of age

63


64


65

Appendix Figure 4. Broilers fed with pure commercial feeds (T4) at 42 days of age

66

T1R1

T1R2

T1R3

Appendix Figure 5. Weighing of broilers in Treatment 1(95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal) at 42 days of age

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T2R1

T2R2

T2R3

Appendix Figure 6. Weighing of broilers in Treatment 2 (90 % commercial feeds + 10 % dragonfruit stem meal) at 42 days of age

68

T3R1

T3R2

T3R3

Appendix Figure 7. Weighing of broilers in Treatment 3 (85 % commercial feeds + 15 % dragonfruit stem meal ) at 42 days of age

69

T4R1

T4R2

T4R3

Appendix Figure 8. Weighing of broilers in Treatment 4 (control, commercial feeds) at 42 days of age

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Appendix Figure 9. Dressed chickens and internal organs in Treatment 1 (95 % commercial feeds + 5 % dragonfruit stem meal)

71


72


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Appendix Figure 12. Dressed chickens and internal organs in Treatment 4 (Control, commercial feeds)

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Documents

Agri_dragonfruit (Hylocereus Undatus) Stem Meal Supplementation in Broilers