Performance and carcass evaluation of broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) supplemented with different fermented squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) juice

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Poultry House of Capiz State University Burias Campus from April 17, 2024 to May 21, 2024. The study aimed to determine the performance and carcass evaluation of broiler chicken supplemented with fermented juice from different squash parts and different levels of fermented squash juice in drinking water. The study was laid out using 3x3 factorials arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three different treatments and levels replicated three times. The experimental treatments were composed of different squash parts such as Factor A (fermented juice from different squash parts): A₁ – fermented seeds, A₂ – fermented skin, and A₃ – fermented fibrous strand. Factor B (levels of fermented squash): B₁ – 15 mL in every liter of water, B₂ – 30 mL in every liter of water, B₃ – 45 mL in every liter of water. The data gathered from the study were feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, initial weight, final weight, gain in weight, water intake, dressed weight dressing percentage, percentages of valuable internal organs and income-over-feed. Except for income-over-feed, all the data gathered were subjected to the Analysis of Variance using F- test, and were interpreted at 5% level of significance. Differences among treatment means were determined using Least Significance Differences (LSD) test. The results revealed that supplementation of juice from different fermented squash parts in the drinking water of broiler had no influence in terms of mean feed consumption, gain in weight, water intake, dressed weight, dressing percentage, and length of intestine. However, the result also revealed that the mean feed conversion ratio and percentage of valuable internal organs – gizzard shows significant result in factor A. On the other hand, the percentage of valuable internal organs – liver shows significant result in the interaction between two factors. The highest net profit of Php of 78.86 was obtained by supplementation of fermented skin with a level of 15 mL.