Essay about Investigatory Project

11 Chapter I The Problem and Its Background A. Introduction Poultry-raising is one of the businesses that can be found here in the Philippines. It’s very simple and helpful, as chickens provide foods like chicken meat and eggs. It could also help in the agriculture area. Some people use growth enhancer so that the chickens may grow fast. But now, we’re going to have a study to find a natural and better substitute, like Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) as a chick growth enhancer. B. Background of the Study There is an increase of demand of chicken today. Most of the restaurants in our country are sing chicken for their specialty. As we all know chicken is one of the most common foods that we eat, and that is our reason of pursuing this project. We would like to help the poultry-raisers to raise chickens in a small period of time. If we succeeded with this project we can also help our economy to grow and make it more influential. This project is also against on non-organic raisers because we are not sure about the side effects of that chemical once we intake the chicken. We want to prove that even we are a student we can help in our own little way. The fact that

Aloe Vera is highly available and cheaper, this will help people, especially in business industries. They can even do it on their own. 11 C. Statement of the Problem The researchers would like to seek the answer to the problem “Can Aloe Vera extract be as an alternative for growth and weight enhancer on chicks? ” If so, what is/are the side effects of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) extract in: •Growth •Skin Color •Other characteristics D. Formulation of a Hypothesis a. Affirmative Hypothesis Aloe Vera extract is effective for using it as a chick growth and weight enhancer as it ontains several vitamins and minerals that are essential components for good health and other benefits. b. Null Hypothesis Aloe Vera extract is not effective for using it as a chick growth and weight enhancer as many people believe it might be poisonous and considers it only as a shampoo agent (like Palmolive). E. Significance of the Study The significance of the researchers’ study is to help the persons who own a poultry farm for the speed of the productions of their chickens. Another reason for it is our concern for the health of the animals since nowadays growth enhancers such as antibiotics that are given to the animals ontain some chemicals that might affect the health of the animals and especially to the consumer, us humans. 11 F. Scope and Limitations The study focuses on Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) as an alternative for increasing the speed of the growth of the chickens and aid poultry-raisers on their current problem. The study aims to make the aloe extract effective as a growth enhancer and to inform the public that it is indeed effective. The study will be conducted only for a month or so. During the weeks, we will conduct the study by giving the chicks the aloe extract mixed with water.

Then, after every week, we will check the result of the experiment. The observations will be done every week. G. Definition of Terms Poultry – is a category of domesticated birds kept by humans for the purpose of collecting their eggs, or killing for their meat and/or feathers. Agriculture – is the production, processing, marketing, and use of foods, fibers and byproducts from plant crops and animals. Antibiotic – is a substance or compound that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth. Chapter II Review of Related Literature and Studies A. Local Literature 11

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) comes from the family of lily; it is spiky, succulent, and perennial. It is native to the eastern and southern part of Africa but it has spread throughout many of the warmer regions of the world like the Philippines. For its medicinal value, the juice of its thick, spiny-edged, and fleshy leaves are well reputed for its natural healing effect. The aloe plant’s healing powers are most widely touted for being able to treat skin conditions. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain why it has been known to lessen the pain and swelling associated with itches and burns.

The content of the Aloe Vera leaf is just 0. 5 – 1. 5% solid, with an average pH value of 4. 55. This solid material contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins and minerals. Specific vitamins include: Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Choline, and Folic Acid. The vitamins A, C, and E are responsible for the aloe’s antioxidant activity while vitamin B and choline are involved n amino acid metabolism and vitamin B12 is required for the production and development of blood cells. Among the important minerals found in Aloe Vera are: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, and zinc. These minerals are essential for good health and are known to work in synergistic combinations with each other, with vitamins and other trace elements. Aside from vitamins and minerals, Aloe Vera is rich with enzymes (help the breakdown of food sugars and fats), hormones (aid in healing and anti-inflammatory activities), sugars (i. . glucose and fructose that provide anti-inflammatory activity), anthraquinones or phenolic 11 compounds (aid absorption from gastro-intestinal tract and have antimicrobial and pain killing effects), lignin (increases the blood circulation), saponins (provide cleansing and antiseptic activity), sterols (antiseptic and analgesic), amino acids (basic building blocks of proteins in the production of muscle tissue), and salicylic acid (works as a pain killer). B. Foreign Literature Applications of Aloe Vera for Animals… Immune System: Many animal diseases start from the immune system such as: asthma, rhinitis, hay fever, lupus and arthritis. Aloe Vera, when taken orally, has proven to be useful for these types of chronic conditions. •Digestive System: Aloe Vera has been proven to be very helpful with inflammation in the digestive system. It is also good for such conditions as: oral ulcers, stomatitis, and gingivitis. The best for of administering Aloe for these types of conditions would be a gel or spray. Gel is also helpful for more serious conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting. When using Aloe Vera for animals, the Aloe can be given orally or used topically by applying it directly to the skin. The aloe helps decrease inflammation and aids in removing the dead cells. These are just a few examples of the use of Aloe Vera for animals. Chapter III Methodology A. Materials 11 First of all is we took the juice out of the plant. The materials we used are of course, 1-2 Aloe Vera plants (matured), a sharp knife, and a bowl or storage container. For the analysis and experimentation, we got 2 chicks and water. We also bought chick feed for them.

B. Procedure The first thing we did is we washed the Aloe plant with warm water. With a sharp knife, we sliced the spiny sides off each leaf (Note: for those who will try this, work quickly with the leaves once you’ve cut them to conserve the liquid that will drain out as you work. ). After that, we took out the front and back layer of the leaf (Note: if you see yellow juice, wash it with water. It may be latex which can cause diarrhea). The only thing left is the gel of the plant. We sliced the gel into cubes and put it in the blender and blend it for a minute. After that we mixed the xtract and water. The next thing we did is we labeled the chicks as A and B. Chick A was given the aloe extract mixed with water, while Chick B with only plain water. We watched and studied it for a month and analyzed its growth performance. Chapter IV Results and Discussion A. Findings 11 CHICK ALOE VERA INTAKE INITIAL WEIGHT WEEK FINAL WEIGHT A 10 ml 0. 3 kg 1 1. 8 kg 2 3. 3 kg 3 4. 9 kg 4 6. 4 kg B N/A 0. 4 kg 1 0. 6 kg 2 1. 0 kg 3 1. 3 kg 41. 5kg B. Analysis of Data First of all, before we begin our experiment, we weighed the two chicks and showed that they weigh the same weight.

Then we gave the chicks their drink, and studied and analyzed their growth performance. Result of the 1-month experiment showed that the final weight and gain in weight of the chicks were affected by the Aloe Vera extract supplementation. Chick A significantly improved its growth rates compared to Chick B, which showed the lowest final weight and gain in weight. Also, this result implied that the final weight and gain in weight were strongly influenced by the feed intake of the two chicks. Meanwhile, no significant result showed that Chick A was poisoned during this experiment. Chapter V

Conclusion, Recommendation, and Summary A. Conclusion 11 We, the researchers, therefore conclude that Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) extract can be used as a chick growth enhancer. We successfully tried and analyzed it and growth performance shows that there’s a big change of the weight and gain of weight of the two chicks, including their feed intake. We also proved that supplying a broiler with an Aloe Vera extract supplementation affects its color, making it brighter than those which take only plain water. Lastly, we proved that our Null Hypothesis is wrong, making the Affirmative true. B.

Recommendation For those future researchers who want to try our experiment, we suggest you to use chickens instead of chicks, so that you may analyze it more clearly. Also, do this experiment in a clean, dry, and warm place with enough light for the chickens. Lastly, you may also try other constituents instead of Aloe Vera, with the same components. C. Summary Knowing that Aloe Vera has perfect nutritional values for growing chicks, so we tested if it is effective. We prepared the materials, did the experimentation for a month, and analyze the changes.

Finally, results show that Aloe Vera extract affected the weight and growth of the chicks. And thus we conclude that Aloe Vera extract can be used as a chick growth and weight enhancer. Appendices 11 The Aloe Vera Plant Peeling/Slicing off the spiny sides of the plant A knife Squeezing the gel and the extract of the Aloe plant The final product: Aloe Vera extract The two chicks Chick A: green chick Chick B: red chick Bibliography The researchers would like to thank the following references for giving us guides in this research work: Dela Cruz, Rita D. “Aloe Vera As Poultry Growth Enhancer Part1. Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs – Pinoy Business Ideas. 14 Aug. 2010. 17 Oct. 2010 ;http://www. pinoybisnes. com/agri-business/aloe-vera-as-poultry-growth-enhancer-part1/ ; Dela Cruz, Rita D. “Aloe Vera As Poultry Growth Enhancer Part2. ” Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs – Pinoy Business Ideas. 14 Aug. 2010. 17 Oct. 2010 ;http://www. pinoybisnes. com/agri-business/aloe-vera-as-poultry-growth-enhancer-part2/ ; Ethridge, Pilar. “How do I Juice Aloe? ” eHow | How To Do Just About Everything! | How to Videos & Articles. 12 Aug. 2010. 7 Oct. 2010 ;http://www. ehow. com/how_6853828_do-juice-aloe_. html; Sureka, Anamika. “How to take out aloevera juice from the leaf. ” Youtube – Broadcast Yourself. 3 July 2010. 17 Oct. 2010 ;http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=IaITw9x_zSc; “Aloe Vera For Animals. ” Aloe Vera Benefits. 15 Dec. 2010 ; http://aloeverabenefits. com/aloe-vera-for-animals/; “REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INVESTIGATORY PROJECTS”. Free Science Fair Projects. 15 Dec. 2010 ; http://www. freesciencefairproject. com/requirements. htm; Meron, Renato. “Parts of Science Investigatory Project Report. MAS MERON | More of Me – in Life and in Career. 29 Jul. 2010. 15 Dec. 2010 ; http://masmeron. com/2010/07/parts-of-science-investigatory-project-report/; Ellison, Don. Garden Plants of the World. United Kingdom: Flora Publications International Pty Ltd, 1995 “Poultry”. Wikipedia. 15 Dec. 2010. 15 Dec. 2010 ;www. wikipedia. org/wiki/Poultry; “Agriculture”. Wikipedia. 14 Dec. 2010. 15 Dec. 2010 ;www. wikipedia. org/wiki/Agriculture; “Antibacterial”. Wikipedia. 14 Dec. 2010. 15 Dec. 2010 ;www. wikipedia. org/wiki/Antibacterial;