Julia Ortiz Luis National High

Sagaba,School
Sto.Domingo,
Nueva Ecija

FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS SHELLS AS AN ALTERNATIVE

TO SEA SHELLS IN THE PRODUCTION OF BROILER
FINISHER FEEDS

PREPARED BY:

PETER BEN J. CABINIAN

PATRICIA MARIELLE S. HIERCO

TRISHA JOCEL M. CASTILLO

JOHN ARKIEL J. ANDRES

GWYNETH F. CABINIAN

VENUS P. MOLLO

ABY-GAIL G. IMPERIAL

BENEDICT CYRELL D. GLORIA

SUBMITTED TO:

MRS. MELANIE J. YAMBOT

Head Teacher III, Research Adviser

FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS SHELLS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SEA
SHELLS IN THE PRODUCTION OF BROILER FINISHER FEEDS

PETER BEN J. CABINIAN

PATRICIA MARIELLE S. HIERCO
TRISHA JOCEL M. CASTILLO
JOHN ARKIEL J. ANDRES
GWYNETH F. CABINIAN
VENUS P. MOLLO
ABY-GAIL G. IMPERIAL
BENEDICT CYRELL D. GLORIA

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF JULIA ORTIZ LUIS

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS IN RESEARCH II

NOVEMBER 2019
 ABSTRACT

CABINIAN, PETER BEN J., HIERCO, PATRICIA MARIELLE S., CABINIAN, GWYNETH

F., ANDRES, JOHN ARKIEL J., CASTILLO, TRISHA JOCEL M., MOLLO, VENUS P.,

IMPERIAL, ABY-GAIL G., GLORIA, BENEDICT CYRELL DC. Julia Ortiz Luis National

High School, November 2019. Freshwater Mollusks Shells as an Alternative to Sea Shells in the

Production of Broiler Finisher Feeds.

Adviser: Melanie J. Yambot, Head Teacher III

Co-Adviser: Mr. Julian Macadamia

 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Freshwater mollusks are those members of the Phylum Mollusca which live in freshwater

habitats, both lotic (flowing water) such as rivers, streams, canals, springs, and underground cave

streams (stygobite species) and lentic (still water) such as lakes, ponds (including temporary or

vernal ponds), and ditches. Freshwater mollusks are restricted to waters with sufficient calcium

concentrations for shell construction. Although it may not take much energy to absorb calcium

from water, assuming adequate water hardness, it may be energetically costly to secrete calcium

into the shell against an electrochemical gradient. McMahon (1983) and Lodge et al. (1987)

discussed the degree of calcium regulation, and the relationship of external calcium level to shell

thickness and growth. Shell accretion may lag behind rapid tissue growth in eutrophic habitats,

producing thinner-shelled individuals (McMahon, 1983).

A seashell is a hard, protective exoskeleton formed by invertebrate animals who live in

the sea and are often found washed up on beaches throughout the world. The most common

animals which produce a seashell are mollusks, crabs, oysters, barnacles, brachiopods, annelid

worms, and sea urchins. While most seashells are external, some species (e.g., cephalopods)

exhibit internal seashells. Since the seashell is a part of the animal, empty shells signify that the

animal has died by natural causes or has been consumed by another animal. Seashells are

comprised of calcium carbonate and a small quantity of protein.

 Freshwater mollusks and sea shells both contain calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is

one of the most important materials on earth, crystallizing into chalk, shells, and rocks. Animals

from mollusks to people use calcium carbonate to make bio minerals such as pearls, seashells,

exoskeletons, or the tiny organs in ears that maintain balance. These bio minerals include

proteins or other organic matter in the crystalline matrix to convert the weak calcium carbonate

to hard, durable materials. Calcium carbonate is also a dietary supplement used when the amount

of calcium taken in the diet is not enough. It is needed by chickens for healthy bones, muscles,

nervous system, and heart. Calcium carbonate also is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid

indigestion, and upset stomach.

This study sought to determine the benefits of freshwater mollusk shells as broiler feeds

to chickens.

Statement of the Problem

The study was conducted to determine if the freshwater mollusk shells can be an

alternative to sea shells in the production of broiler feeds.

Specifically, it sought to:

1. Determine the mineral content of the freshwater mollusk shells

2. Formulate broiler finisher feeds using freshwater mollusk shells

3. Determine the efficiency of the broiler finisher feeds with freshwater mollusks
 Assumptions of the Study

The researcher used freshwater mollusk shells as an alternative to sea shells in the

production of broiler feeds. It has a potential in benefiting chickens as it can make the chickens’

growth faster and healthier. The presence of calcium carbonate can enhance the bones, muscles,

nervous system, and heart of the chicken.

Hypotheses of the Study

1. The freshwater mollusk shells can be an alternative to sea shells in the production of

broiler feeds.

2. There are calcium carbonate present in freshwater mollusk shells.

Significance of the Study

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of freshwater mollusk shells as a

broiler feeds to the chickens.

 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020.

Conceptual Framework

The dependent variable

 /Definition of Terms

Phylum Mollusca - Many organisms belonging to this phylum have a calciferous shell. The

bodies are generally very soft and are covered by the hard exoskeleton. They can be found in

terrestrial regions as well as in the depths of the seas.

Stygobite species - These are separate from species that mainly live in above-ground habitats but

are also able to live underground

Antacid- preventing or correcting acidity, especially in the stomach.

Broiler feeds – feeds or foods for a young chicken suitable for roasting, grilling, or barbecuing.
 LITERATURE CITED

Freshwater mollusks. http://community.worldheritage.org/articles/eng/Freshwater_mollusc?

fbclid=IwAR2Y5ZQtvGLdPa_XQ4zzcNtqq_VFVtETR5y8aSNoBtNdJc3H-HvMGyGX0CQ

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/freshwater-molluscs

Sea shell. https://biologydictionary.net/seashell/?

fbclid=IwAR1I13kgRI9FubXAfqo5KstlvBtecaFazyxaTGqxCM9scdC4_63ms2Mlc3w

Calcium Carbonate.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160108200944.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601032.html

Phylum Mollusca

https://www.toppr.com/guides/biology/animal-kingdom/phylum-mollusca/

Stygobite Species

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_troglobites