by Aries Roda D. Romallosa (completed March 2003)
ABSTRACT
The investigation was conducted in Brgy Agsalanan, Dingle, Iloilo from February to November 2002 The study was done to determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine compared to antibiotics in treating and controlling the chronic respiratory diseases and fowl pox among native chicken and to evaluate the level of learning among farmers before and Ace the study.
The study conducted was a community-based participatory action research involving farmer-cooperators as treatment applicators and data gatherer. Two groups were made; one was assigned to use herbal medicine while the other used commercial antibiotics to control CRD. A pre-test was done to evaluate the levels of learning among farmer-cooperators in raising native chicken and the same set of questionnaires given after the study to verify the effectiveness of technology transfer through research.
About 61 percent of the farmer-cooperators arc in 39 to 59 years of age. Majority (77.8 percent) of them is married. Most of them tilt the farm, planting rice, corn and vegetables as main source of living. Raising hogs and poultry becomes the secondary source of income by nearly all of the farmer-cooperators (77.78 percent)
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The findings of the explorations revealed a non-significant difference in the total number of chicks hatched, number of chicks infested with CRD and the number of poults sold between the antibiotic user group and herbal user group Either of the antibiotic or herbal (e.g. ripe fruit of native red hot pepper, green leaves of pigeon pea and makabuhay vine) could be used effectively in controlling the CRD and fowl pox.
Farmer-cooperators were glad of this study conducted in their place because they learned a lot about native chicken production. They are now equipped with all the knowledge in different aspects of the technology. Farmer-cooperators arc challenging their fellow farmer to raise native chicken because it needs less care and management. They expect for a brighter future of the native chicken industry.
The study then recommends for a further study of the above-mentioned herbal as to what specific level could effectively control CRD and other diseases and to explore further the possibility of other herbal to be used as medicine to native chicken diseases. To extension organization, participatory action research is on effective tool to transmit the finding, of research station to the farmer clienteles. Enough guidance is extended, and personal testimonies of farmer-cooperator strengthen the belief of his fellow farmers.
