A Market Study On The Preferences Of Layer Farmers In The Use Of Organic Acids And Essential Oils And Its Effect, As An Alternative To Antibiotic Growth Promoters In Laying Hens

The study explored the adoption of alternative strategies by commercial layer farms in San Jose, Batangas, particularly the use of organic acids and essential oils (OA/EO) as substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs).A total of 68 respondents, representing one per farm, participated in the survey.Most respondents were farm owners (64 percent), majority held a bachelor's degree (68 percent), and over half had more than 10 years of experience in poultry farming.Among respondents, 70.59 percent were OA/EO users, 23.52 percent were non-users, and only 5.89 percent used AGPs.Findings revealed that OA/EO users showed high awareness (average weighted mean 4.47), recognized their importance (4.37), and acknowledged benefits (83.82 percent).Most expressed preference (80.15 percent), intention to purchase, and reported minimal barriers (88.97 percent).OA/EO use was associated with improved layer hen performance: lower mortality (0-5 percent), higher egg production (79-90 percent), efficient feed conversion (FCR 2-3), larger egg size (jumbo), better egg quality (0.31-0.36mm shell thickness), consistent daily feed intake (110g), and healthier body weight at 18 weeks (1200g).Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in performance outcomes between OA/EO users, AGP users, and non-users, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.