1

Utilizing Ipomoea Batatas, Xanthosoma Sagittifolium,

and Maize to Produce a Substitute Feed in order to

Alleviate the Shortage of Chicken Feeds

Vennice Jayne Micka G. Compass

Kimberly Rhai R. Maratas

Researchers
2

Rationale

The shortage of feeds is currently one of the problem that the community is

facing. The purpose of this study is to aid feed scarcity and create an organic

alternative feed as substitute to commercial feed. The quality of the feed has a great

impact on the quality of chicken and egg production. Maize (Corn), Ipomoea batatas

(Camote tops), and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Lutya) are the proposed solutions of

this research. The combination of these ingredients will produce a high quality and

healthy feeds for chickens. Making a feed that can sustain the needs of chicken and

can also give the balance diet that they need in a feed. At the same time, we are going

to determine the sustainability and the growth substances that the ingredients contain

that will help with the faster and healthier growth of the chicken.
3

Introduction

The concerns about sustainability and living costs of animals, it’s no surprise

that we are starting to consider alternative feed solution for animals. This includes

homemade and homegrown feeds that are easily accessible and we can even grow it in

our own backyards. Chickens, and other animals could benefit from alternative feeds,

which offers advantages to both the animals themselves and the environment. Maize

(Corn), Ipomoea batatas (Camote tops), and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Lutya) are the

proposed solutions of this research. Aside from the proteins they contain that helps in

the chicken’s growth, they are easier to purchase and they are more affordable. It is

also helpful for solving the problems regarding feed scarcity. This is just one way that

farmers help to make a difference to the world around them while still offering the

animals they have the quality of life they deserve.

There are many problems in the community that affects the agricultural

sustainability including feeds shortage. High input costs (raw materials, especially

feeds) coupled with weak loading in previous months due to price signals led to lower

growing cycles. With prices picking up, chicken farmers are now starting to find

alternative feeds as a solution to high costs feeds. Considering that the feed shortage

is happening these days, the researchers developed an alternative feeds that may

benefit the chicken farmers, community, and the people in the community as the

ingredients are not machine-processed and are found in the community.

Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato leaves) is a perennial food crop for humans

who consume the tuberous roots and tender leaves as green vegetables as dictated by

the socio- cultural setting. Besides being a good food source energy to humans, it is

also suitable as an animal feed. As feed, the root and vine could be consumed dried,
4

fresh, or in the ensiled form by livestock depending on prevailing whether conditions

and resources available to farmers. Another great benefit that comes out of consuming

sweet potatoes is Vitamin D3. This vitamin is ideal for chicks and hens. It helps in

growth and egg production respectively. If a growing chick has Vitamin D3

deficiency, some parts of their bodies like the beak and legs might be deformed.

Feeding strategies range from its being used as a sole diet, partial substitute for other

feed ingredients or as supplement to low quality dry-season grass or roughage.

Xanthsoma sagittifolium or Lutya is a fast growing herb that grows to 2 m tall.

It has arrow-shaped leaves that droops downwards, produces multiple pale brown

tubers with pink, yellow or white flesh. Lutya are widely cultivated as a food crop in

many countries for its edible tubers. It is rich in copper, vitamin B6, carbohydrates,

potassium and iron. It is considered as the lowest allergenic food which makes it a

good diet for chickens. This tuber also has high starch which will provide the energy

that the chickens need.

When it comes to natural feed, maize is probably one of the most accessible

and affordable options there is. You can find it in grocery stores, local produce stands,

and probably even in your own farm. As such, many poultry farmers consider adding

corn to their flock’s diet. Corn is a healthy option for feeding especially when grown

organically. Chickens need more than just carbohydrates to have optimum health.

They need a balanced diet that has a good mix of all the nutrients crucial for body

processes, growth, and development. It has a lot of nutritional value such as, it is high

in calories and rich in fiber which is good for the digestive system. It is also packed

with carbohydrates making it a good source of energy for your chickens activities

throughout the day. Corn also contains vitamins B, E, K, and magnesium. The
5

nutrients that the corn contains do not only benefit their growth but also it helps

increase egg production in poultry.

Sweet potato is widely grown in many parts of the world. The plant grows fast

and the leaves can be harvested up to four times during a cycle. Hence, the

availability of sweet potato leaves can be assured throughout the year. Also, not many

people consume sweet potato leaves. Most times, the leaves are left as wastes after

harvesting the tubers or used to feed ruminants (Abonyi et al., 2012). Lutya is

productive in humid subtropical and tropical lowland climates. While Corn grows in

sites with full sun to light shade exposure. The three ingredients are accessible and

abundant in your surroundings. It is a mixture of leafy greens, whole grain, and a

tuber. It is sufficient enough to be able to provide the nutrients that a chicken needs in

a feed. It also keeps chickens happy and ensure they are receiving a nutritionally

balanced diet. (Mick Telkamp, 2016).

Feed quality and nutrients is the most important thing you should consider

when feeding your chicken. Corn is among the best grains for chickens. It contains

multiple minerals that help ensure proper growth in chickens. For instance, this grain

contains crucial trace minerals such as selenium, which is difficult for chickens to get

from commercial feeds and most food items. Selenium helps chickens‘ bodies absorb

and retain vitamins. It also packs phosphorus, which helps regulate growth in

chickens. Phosphorus also helps promote bone health and kidney functioning in

chickens. Magnesium is another crucial trace mineral in corn. It helps chickens

maintain normal heart rates. The mineral further increases bone mineral density in

chickens (LearnPoultry, 2022). Sweet Potato Leaves are also considered as valuable

protein and energy source. Xanthosoma sagittifolium is rich in proteins and can be of
6

supplementary protein, carotene and trace minerals in chicken diets (CUP et al.,

2015).

Chicken feeds is basically an intricate formula that is designed to make sure

that the chickens get a decent combination of essentials like fats, proteins, minerals,

and vitamins to ensure they have healthy lives. Some of the chickens fed with

commercial feeds have an inappropriate diet that can affect their immune system,

leaving it unable to cope with stress of infection or parasites. If the feeds is short of

key nutrients, a chicken may develop physical or neurological issues. While the

alternative homegrown feeds are guaranteed to be helpful in the chicken’s growth as it

has the right amount of key nutrients that are surely needed so that the chickens can

have healthy lives.

Feeding is key for a profitable and sustainable farming. The cost of feeding

has long been recognized as the major cost and the largest cash expense in animal

production. Thus, doing homegrown or homemade feeds would be very helpful not

only to the chickens but also to the farmers. It would help the farmers in terms of

lessening the large expense they used for buying feeds and the time it takes to find

feed ingredients that provide high-quality nutrition. Additionally, nutrients from the

homemade feeds help provide high quality eggs and chicken production. Aside from

that, healthy chickens is very important to the society for it is the source of income of

the farmers and it is also the primary source food of the people all over the world.

Animal welfare issues and issues related to agricultural sustainability are

becoming more prevalent nowadays. And in order to address that specific issue, we

are beginning to use different feed options for animals. The components, maize,

camote tops, and lutya, include nutrients that are good for the chicken's growth,
7

including protein, carbs, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. The lack of feeds and the high

expense of keeping hens are two issues that these alternative feeds address. Because

these components are inexpensive, accessible within the neighborhood, and

unprocessed, it will benefit local residents as well as poultry farmers. It would also

provide high quality food like eggs and chicken to the people in the community. It is

as well beneficial to the farmers for it is their won source of income, this will help

them earn more than previous earning.

Objectives

General Objectives

This research focuses on aiding feed scarcity and promote homemade /

homegrown feeds as substitute to commercial livestock feeds.

Specific Objectives

1. To evaluate the effects of the generated feeds.

2. To test the suitability of the ingredients as a livestock feed.

3. To identify the growth substance that helps the chicken

grow faster.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers aimed to help aid feeds shortage and determine the effects of
the homemade substitute feeds to the growth of the chickens.

Specifically, the study ought to answer the following questions:

1. Are the ingredients sustainable enough for providing a livestock feed?

2. Are the ingredients used helpful on achieving faster and healthier
growth of the chickens?
8

3. Is there a significant difference between the growth of the chickens fed

with the generated feeds and the chickens fed with commercial feeds?

Hypothesis

Ho1: The ingredients are not sustainable for providing a livestock.

feeds.

Ho2: The ingredients used does not help achieve faster and healthier growth of
the chickens.

Ho3: There is no significant difference between the growth of the chickens fed
with the homemade / homegrown feeds and the chickens fed with commercial
feeds.

Scope and Limitations

The main intent of this study is to solve the concern in the shortage of chicken

feeds by utilizing Maize (Corn), Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Lutya) and Ipomoea

batatas (Camote tops) with the focus of growing healthy chickens. This study will

mainly identify the effectiveness of the generated feeds to the growth of the chickens

as an action concerning on how to lessen the expenses of chicken farmers not only in

the community but also globally. This study also addresses the importance of living

organisms and how should people enhance life on planet. This study is conducted

with limited financial resources time framework at Manolo Fortich National High

School in the month of October.

Significance of the Study

This study aim to determine the effects of the homemade feeds to the growth

of the chickens.

The Community. This research benefits the community by resolving the problem in

feeds scarcity with the use of homemade feeds as an alternative to commercial feed.
9

The People in the Community. This research benefits the people in the community

by helping the chicken farmers raise healthy chickens to consume.

The Chicken Farmers. This study mainly recognized the hard work of the farmers.

By introducing these alternative to the chicken farmers, they will be able to have a

low cost chicken farming and produce natural feeds that is abundant in the

community.
10

Review of Related Literature

Ipomoea batatas

Leaves and forages, such as sweet potato leaves, have been traditionally used for

other purposes or even wasted, but recently they have been used to replace up to 20%

maize in broiler diets (Teguia et. al., 2019). However, the leaves of sweet potato have

some adverse effects on weight gain and feed consumption due to the fact that sweet

potato leaf meal is deficient in an essential amino acid lysine, necessitating the

inclusion of feed ingredients with adequate lysine contents in poultry diets (Fuller and

Chambellain 2020 and Teguia and Beynen 2018). The diets containing leaf meal

generally have higher protein content, and the protein content of sweet potato leaves

ranges from 24- 29% CP. Even though sweet potato is grown in many parts of the

Philippines for tuber production, its by-products are commonly fed to ruminant stock

or left on the field during defoliation as well as tuber harvesting. However,

information on feeding value of the leaves of sweet potato in the diets of broiler

chicks in the Philippines is generally inadequate. Thus, the objective of this study

was to determine the effect of including different levels of dried sweet potato leaves

on dry matter intake and growth rate of finisher Ross Broiler Chickens. The results of

the study revealed that dried leaves of sweet potato inclusion levels up to 10% in the

finisher ration resulted in similar nutrient intake and live weight gain of finisher

chicks and this level can be considered.

Xanthosoma sagittifolium

The increasing cost of feed resources in livestock production have been identified as a

serious impediment to meeting the demand for animal protein particularly in

developing countries (Adejinmi et. al., 2000). Xanthosoma sagittifolium is an

11

herbaceous perennial crop which produces underground roots as corms containing

high levels of fine starch. The leaves and other foliage have been reported to contain

high protein content and extensively used as soups in many cultures, the stem tuber is

very rich in soluble carbohydrate. Analysis of the results revealed that starter broilers

could tolerate up to 20% level of inclusion of cocoyam corm meal without serious

deleterious effects on their performance. The significance of this research finding is

that sun drying alone can achieve the incorporation of cocoyam corm meal to the tone

of 20% in broiler starter ration (International Journal of Tropical Agriculture and

Food System, 2019).

Maize

Maize is the primary source of energy for domestic animal nutrition and main feed

ingredient for poultry. Even though chickens have been adapted to starch-based diets,

early growth in the chick could be limited during the post-hatching period since

pancreatic amylase secretion from the immature pancreas might retard intestinal

starch digestion. Starch is quantitatively the main energy-yielding source for poultry,

representing approximately 690 g/kg of corn composition (Svihus, 2020). The use of

exogenous enzyme blends, including xylenes, amylase, and protease, has been

reported to improve broilers’ energy utilization and live performance in corn-based

diets (Cowieson et. al., 2020).

Protein

The high rate of productivity of poultry results in relatively high nutrient needs. While

chickens need a lot of carbs to meet their energy needs and make them put on weight,

a high protein diet can help your indigenous chickens grow faster. Sweet potato leaves

(Ipomoea batatas) are good sources of protein, fiber, and minerals, especially K, P,
12

Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cu (ScienceDirect, 2014). Protein is usually the most expensive

feed material, but the one most likely to bring profitable results if properly used.

Carbohydrates

Chickens eat to get the fuel and nutrients for growth and development that they

needed. They require energy to carry out daily activities including breathing, walking,

eating, digesting, and keeping their body temperature. The energy and materials

required for the growth of bone, flesh, feathers, and eggs are provided by nutrients to

poultry. Carbohydrates make up the biggest component of a poultry diet. Being high

in carbohydrates, corn is an excellent energy source for chickens. One kernel of corn

has approximately 62% starch, which is sufficient to keep your chickens energetic.

Since they are usually active all day, chickens need energy-rich foods such as corn to

keep them energetic (Nicky et. al., 2022).

Starch

Dietary starch with lower rate and extent of digestion improves broiler feed

efficiency. Poultry flocks have a high energy requirement, which they derive from

dietary starch, lipid, and protein. In the majority of poultry diets, starch in cereal

grains is the most important energy source for which poultry have a high digestive

capacity (Svihus, 2014). Although the effect of intrinsic characteristics of starch

sources have been mostly overlooked in the past, the inclusion of low levels of starch

sources with lower

rate and extent of digestion in poultry diets results in beneficial effects on feed

efficiency and meat yield (Eugenia Herwig et. al. 2019).

13

Vitamin B6

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is necessary for proper metabolism of amino acids. Due to

deficiency, spasmodic convulsions and jerky movements are seen in sick broilers.

The broiler should be fed cereal grains, yeast, and alfalfa meal (Alice Mitchell, 2017).

Fiber

Dietary fiber is an inherent compound found in common vegetables that are fed to

broiler chickens. Fiber has the ability to scape digestion and absorption in the small

intestine, which makes it able to affect the way other nutrients are absorbed and

metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show that the intake of fiber of the

broiler has resulted in increased proven and gizzard size as well as in improved feed

conversion. The increase in particle size and fiber in the diet increases the muscular

activity of the gizzard as a consequence of the need for particle size reduction,

resulting in heavier weights as observed by different researchers in different poultry

species (Oscar J. Tejeda, 2021).

Magnesium

Poultry is highly sensitive to oxidative reactions. Oxidative reactions have attracted

considerable attention from animal and food scientists because of the adverse effects

of these reactions on animal welfare, performance and food quality. Despite its

implication in multiple biological functions, magnesium supplementation is typically

overlooked in broiler diets. Magnesium supplementation reduced the incidence of WS

and WB myopathies to almost half the occurrence of such defects in animal fed as

control diet (Mario Estevez, 2019).

14

Copper

Copper (Cu) is an indispensable trace element for poultry maintenance, growth,

health, and survival. Supplemental Cu has been conventionally provided as either

copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) or, to a lesser extent, other inorganic salts

such as oxides and carbonate. These inorganic sources offer low cost, but they are less

bioavailable than some organic sources, which is generally compensated by

increasing the safety margin of supplementation to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Deficiency of Cu compromises performance objectives and immune functions and

leads to skeletal system disorders in growing broiler chickens, providing excessive Cu

in diets may compromise the utilization of other minerals such as calcium,

phosphorous and zinc by forming insoluble complexes with binding agents (e.g.,

phytate). Copper chelates have been shown to increase the digestibility of nutrients

and boost immune responses in broilers . There is evidence that dietary inorganic Cu

can influence the expression of genes related to absorption and lipid and protein

metabolism. As co-factor for several metalloenzymes, Cu is involved in a plethora of

biological processes, which include mitochondrial respiration, erythropoiesis,

connective tissue maturation, free radical scavenging, hormone secretion pathways

and immune system defenses, among others (Helvio da Cruz et. al., 2022).
15

Methodology

Research design

This study made use of a descriptive, explanatory and experimental type of

research. Descriptive is used to obtain information concerning the scarcity of feeds

and determined the ingredients that will help with aiding feed shortage that can also

help with the growth of the chickens. Also, the study determined the growth

substances that the ingredients contain. Explanatory type of research is also used for it

explains the advantages of Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Ipomoea batatas and Maize to

the chickens, farmers, and also to the environment. Experimental because the

researchers conducted tests to determine the suitability and sustainability of the

ingredients as livestock feeds.

Research Locale

The raw materials that are used in the study are Xanthosoma sagittifolium

(Lutya), Ipomoea batatas (Camote tops), and Maize (Corn) that are subjected into

three preparations, namely grinding, sun-drying, and the alternative organic feed

production. The Xanthosoma Sagittifolium and Ipomoea batatas was sourced from the

researcher’s own backyard at Dicklum, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. While the Maize

was bought from the local market of Manolo Fortich Bukidnon. The production of the

alternative organic feed was conducted at San Miguel, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon. The

production was classified into three parts, grinding, sun-drying, and mixing of the

finished products. It was then fed to the three chickens with three different mixtures.

The feeding was conducted at San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

16

Sampling Scheme

The first mixture consists of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (250g), Ipomoea

batatas (100g) and Maize (100g). Having Xanthosoma sagittifolium as the dominant

ingredient of this mixture. It was then fed to the first chicken for 25g each meal (2

times a day).

The second mixture contains Ipomoea batatas (250g) having it as the one with

higher amount and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (100g) and Maize (100g). It was then

fed to the second chicken for 25g each meal (2 times a day).

The Maize (250g) was added to the third mixture of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

(100g) and Ipomoea batatas (100g) having it as the ingredient with higher amount of

this mixture. It was then fed to the third chicken for 25g each meal (2 times a day).

Data Collection Method

In this study, four different chickens were observed, and each will be fed with

three different mixtures. The first chicken will be fed with Xanthosoma sagittifolium

(250g), Ipomoea batatas (100g), and Maize (100g). Xanthosoma sagittifolium as the

ingredient with higher amount. The second chicken will be fed with Ipomoea batatas

(250g) as the dominant ingredient, Xanthosoma sagittifolium (100g), and Maize

(100g). The third chicken will be fed with Maize (250g) having it as the ingredient

with higher amount, Xanthosoma sagittifolium (100g), and Maize (100g). The fourth

chicken will be fed with commercial chicken feed. Each chicken will be fed with the

different mixtures two times a day (25g each meal) for three months. Every seven

days, each chicken will be examined about their weight, characteristics, and agility.
17

These observations are conducted to determine which ingredient is more capable of

improving the chicken’s growth.

Organic Alternative Production Flow Chart

Production of Organic Alternative Feed

Xanthosoma sagittifolium (250 g)

Sun drying Ipomoea batatas (200 g) Grinding

Maize (250 g )
Nutrients Product
Longitivity

Weight

Agility

Characteristics

Preparation of the Organic Alternative Feeds

The products used in this research are Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Maize and Ipomoea

batatas. This mixture creates an organic alternative feed containing nutrients and

minerals that can sustain the needs of the chickens better than that of a commercial

feeds.

Preparation of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

Grinding. The process of grinding the lutya starts with washing it once after peeling

and then slice it into approximately 4cm long and 2cm thick. Put it in the grinding
18

machine and then we started grinding. We then stopped grinding when it is almost the

same size as rice grains. Washed it twice and squeezed the sap out using a piece of

cloth.

Sundrying. The ingredient lutya was sundried after grinding. It was put on top of a

cloth and let it sit in the sun for the whole day. We took it out of the sun and covered

it when the sun is already setting. We covered it using a cloth to avoid moisture. This

process repeated for 3 days and the lutya is already dried.

Preparation of Ipomoea batatas

Sundrying. The Camote tops were washed thoroughly. It was then pat dried

using a cloth and placed properly on top of a cloth. We then dried it in the sun and

took it out when the sun is already setting. We covered it using a cloth to avoid

moisture overnight. This process is repeatedly done for 5 days.

Grinding. After 5 days of sundrying, the Camote tops were then pulverized

using a grinding machine. After grinding, it was then put in a separate tupperware.

Risk and Safety Precautions

 Hand hygiene.

 Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, hairnet).

 Sharps safety, wrap knife in a piece of paper if not in use.

 Sterilize tools and materials before and after using.

19

Safety precautions and measures were carefully observed during the making of

the feeds. Wear appropriate gloves and apron to avoid the feeds from getting spoiled.

If ever wounded with knife in slicing the ingredients, wash the wounded area with

clean soap and water. If the wound is infected, it may increase the pain, swelling, and

redness. More severe infections may cause nausea, chills and fever.

Waste Disposal

After the researchers conducted the study, we cleaned the area that we used.

The researchers also separated the biodegradable wastes like lutya peels and camote

tops’ stems and threw it in the compost pit. The remaining wastes like plastic

cellophanes and plastic gloves were thrown in the non-biodegradable trash bin. The

hazardous waste like face mask was thrown in the hazardous bin.
20

Procedure

Materials :

 250 grams of Maize

 200 grams of Ipomoea Batatas
 250 grams of Xanthosoma Saggittifolium
 Knife
 Tupperware / Plate
 Chopping board
 Cloth
 Strainer
 Grinder
 Apron
 Hairnet
 Gloves

Take a look on the process of the making the generated feeds. First, wear

Personal Protective Equipment : apron, gloves, and hairnet. Then, gather all the

materials needed. This includes the tupperware / plate, knife, grinder, strainer, cloth

and chopping board. And also the ingredients Corn (Maize), Camote Tops (Ipomoea

batatas), Lutya (Xanthosoma sagittifolium).

We started by peeling and slicing the lutya before washing it. Next, we

grinded the lutya and put it inside a tupperwear or plate after grinding. After that, we

then washed the lutya 2 times and strained it. We put the it in a piece of cloth and

squeezed the lutya until the sap comes out. Bring the lutya outside with the cloth used
21

in squeezing the lutya and let it sit in the sun for as long as 3 days. We then covered it

when night comes. We checked it after 3 days and have seen that it is dried enough

and took it out of the sun. For the corn, you can either grind it on your own or you can

just buy cracked corn in the market or store. Next, we chopped the camote tops and

dried it in the sun for 5 days. Since the lutya is already dried, we crushed it until it is

pulverized. We mixed the dried ingredients, lutya, corn, and camote tops. We then

cleaned the area and the materials we used. Lastly, feed the homemade feeds to your

chicks.
22

Data Analysis
1. To evaluate if the ingredients are sustainable enough for providing a
livestock feed especially that the Lutya is dried.
2. To test if the ingredient used are helpful on achieving faster and healthier
grow to of the chickens, the researcher conducted a procedural experiment
by feeding the chicken using the generated feeds.
3. To identity if there is a significant difference between the growth of the
chickens fed with the generated feeds. And the chickens fed with
commercial feeds. An equal amount of feeds shall be fed to both of the
chicken yet one chicken will be fed with the organic feed and the other
chicken will be the fed with normal feeds.
 23

Schematic Diagram

2.) Gather all the

Ingredients. This includes

the corn, lutya, and

1.) Wear your PPE : Hairnet, Apron, Mask, and camote tops.
Gloves.

3.) Prepare the materials you will use : chopping

4.) Grinder
board, tupperware, and knife.

5.) A cloth and strainer. 6.) Weigh the ingredients (in grams).
7.) Peel the lutya. 8.) Wash it using a clean water.
 24

15.) Squeeze 16.) Dry it in the

the sap out. sun for 3 days.

18.) Dry it in the 17.) Wash the

sun for 5 days Camote tops

until it will look and pat dry it

like this. using a cloth.

19.) Pulverize the

Camote tops.
25

Bibliography

1. Chicken Scratch et al., October 4, 2022. A study about the nutritional value of
corn and its feeding tips. ( https://cs-tf.com/can-chickens-eat-corn/ )
2. Nicky, Outdoor Happened et al., (2022) “Is Cracked Corn Good 7For
Chickens and Egg Production” https://www.outdoorhappens.com/is-cracked-
corn-good-for-chickens/
3. The effect of increasing levels of dried leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea
batatas) on dry matter intake and body weight gain performance of broiler
finisher chickens. (http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd21/12/wude21208.htm) Livestock
Research for Rural Development, Pub. 3 December 2009.
4. Brigido LaGuardia, et al., (2021). Organic Food for Chicken: Sweet Potato
(Kamote) Leaves https://putakputak.com/poultry/chickens/organic-food-for-
chicken-sweet-potato-kamote-leaves/
5. E. Cagas, R. (2017). Meat Yield and Quality of Broiler Chickens Feed with
Xanthosoma sagittifolium Corm Meal. American Academic Scientific
Research Journal. Retrieved
from_https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/
article/view/3067
26

Engineering Design

Name(s) : Kimberly Rhai R. Maratas

Vennice Jayne Micka G. Compas

Manolo Fortich National High School,

Manolo Fortich Bukidnon, Philippines

Problem or Challenge Description :

As the COVID-19 virus took the world by surprise, the life that we know
has begun to change as the world adjusts to life in this time of pandemic. The
government sorted out things however, new sets of problems occurred putting
many communities further at risk. Production is only one determinant of food
shortage, but a crucial one. It is obviously critical on the global level but can also
be decisive for some countries or communities. Production potential varies across
countries, dependent on natural factors (including climate, soils, water, food
species, and pests) and cultural factors (including technology and investment
strategies).
Many feed producers have been unable to access raw materials or the
knowhow to adopt new technologies. Distance from markets, a lack of knowledge
of good post-harvest methods and the absence of quality certification standards
further discourage farmers from investing in improved animal feeds for their
livestock. Rising demand for livestock products pushes up feed prices. High feed
prices further discourage farmers from investing in improved animal health
services and breeding strategies. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Engineering Design Steps How Demonstrated Notes

1. Identifying a Through a careful study of A shortage of feed may
problem or significant literature related to happen when not enough
challenge the issues the community or feed is produced, such as
area is facing, the researchers when crops fail due to
were able to pinpoint the drought, pests, or too much
problem or challenge. The moisture. Feed scarcity
researchers discovered that the reduces the production of
death and illness of the eggs and chickens. It reduces
chickens are caused by a lack availability and access to
of nourishment due to the food, via decreased food
27

shortage of feeds. supply and incomes.

2. Exploring ideas As the pandemic started, The researchers considered
related to solving chicken feed shortage to examine related ideas to
the problem or occurred in our community solving the problem or
challenge causing the animal welfare at challenge through
risk. With the lack of chicken conceptualizing, group
feed production, the chickens discussions, and
has not been getting the consultations that allows the
required nutrients the need. researchers to collect
Thus, an effort was made to numerous ideas that can be a
solve the problem o chicken probable solution to the
feeds shortage. Maize (Corn), problem or challenge and
Xanthosoma sagittifolium examined each potential
(Lutya), and Ipomoea batatas solutions for completion.
(Camote tops) that are
abundant in the community
are used to generate organic
alternative feeds.
3. Developing a plan The researchers created an As a solution, the researchers
and a solution to organic alternative feed used the three ingredients to
solve the problem containing the ingredients, be able to create an organic
or challenge Xanthosoma sagittifolium, alternative feed. It will be
Ipomoea batatas, and Maize. serve to the chickens with
It had gone through the different measurement to
process of grinding and sun determine which ingredient
drying. The researchers also is more helpful in the growth
developed a timeline of of the chickens.
investigations to be observed
during the feeding.
4. Testing and To determine the effectiveness The result shows that
evaluating the of the generated feeds, the Xanthosoma sagittifolium,
solution researchers used scientific Ipomoea batatas, and Maize
investigations such as making are capable for aiding feed
28

and testing hypothesis, scarcity. It is also capable for

observations, measurements, providing the nutrients that
data collection and analysis, the chickens need in order
and theoretical explanations for them to grow.
based on evidences.
5. Presenting the The results of a series of tests, This study helps in aiding
solution the generated alternative feed scarcity. It also helps
organic feed is efficacious in with the growth of the
regulating the growth of the chickens that are used in
chickens. The science meat and egg production.
teachers, heads, and masters The nutrients helps in the
from the institution provided growth of the chickens are
comments and Vitamin D3 and B6, copper,
recommendations after the carbohydrates, potassium,
researchers presented their iron, magnesium, selenium,
topic in the form of a research and starch. All science
proposal. teachers, heads, and, masters
of the institution attended
this event.