Conducted by VSU
, Started on 2023 -
Completed on 2025
Ongoing
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The Ugis Siringanan is one of the prominent native chicken strains in Eastern Visayas, developed and
propagated by the Department of Agriculture - San Miguel Experimental Station (DA-SMES). Bred for resilience,
adaptability, and prolific production, this chicken strain supports the agency’s native chicken dispersal program, which
aims to enhance livelihoods and food security among local farmers. Despite its economic and cultural significance,
the Ugis Siringanan has not yet been genotypically characterized, limiting targeted breeding strategies. Additionally,
there is a need to improve growth performance and overall health to maximize its potential for smallholder poultry
production.
To address these gaps, this project developed a probiotic supplement derived from indigenous
microorganisms (IMO) and administered it to Ugis Siringanan chickens over a three-month period. Probiotics, live
beneficial microorganisms, enhance gut health, nutrient absorption, and overall performance in poultry. Throughout
the trial, key metrics such as feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored
to evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on growth performance. Concurrently, gut microbial profiling was
conducted through metagenomic sequencing, focusing on cecal samples collected monthly from representative birds.
This analysis aimed to elucidate shifts in microbial populations linked to improved health and productivity.
The project is expected to establish multiple benefits: (1) Enhanced growth and vitality of Ugis Siringanan
chickens, directly improving farmer incomes; (2) A comprehensive microbiome database to guide future probiotic
formulations; and (3) Whole-genome sequencing data to support DA-SMES in developing science-backed breeding
strategies. By leveraging locally sourced probiotics, this initiative promotes sustainable, organic poultry farming,
reducing reliance on synthetic growth promoters while aligning with global trends toward antibiotic-free production.
Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen the Ugis Siringanan dispersal program and contribute to the long-term
sustainability of native chicken production in Eastern Visayas.