Philippine E-Journals

The Ranging Ability of Sasso Chickens Grown Under Various Types of Agro-Ecosystem

Rectorino P. Escobin Jr. | Orville L. Bondoc | Florida C. Arboleda | Clarita T. Dagaas

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

 

Abstract:

The ranging ability of Sasso chicken was estimated using the ranging score as an indicator. The chickens were allowed to range in three agro-ecosystems, namely: rice-based, rambutan orchard and grassland. The ranging score was significantly higher in rambutan orchard with 52 m-hr followed by the ranging score In grassland with 48 m-hr. The ranging score was lowest in rice-based agro-ecosystem.

The difference in the ranging scores among agro-ecosystems can be attributed mainly to the presence of trees as shade, the soli type, and the predominant weed species In each agro-ecosystem. It was found out that the higher the ranging score, the more the chicken used their daytime for the ranging acts, i.e. “kahig at tuka” or scratch and peck.

As a result of ranging, there were relative negative changes (changes in the biomass of the ranged plots relative to the control plots) in weed biomass of the three agro-ecosystems. The chickens showed preference for succulent and indeterminate grass species and rejection of paragrass and broad leaf weed species.