Effect of replacement of rice offal with graded levels of melon (Citrullus Vulgaris) seed offal on performance of growing rabbits

Abstract

The feeding value of melon (Citrulus vulgaris) seed offal (MSO) was determined in a 12-week feeding trial using 25 six weeks old male rabbits with an average initial weight of 485g. The animals were fed diets containing 0,7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% MSO in a completely randomized design (CRD). Digestibility trial and economic benefits of using the test material were carried out. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences between means were also determine. Results obtained showed no significant (P>0.05) treatment effects on daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The cost of feeding diets 1 and 2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher (A$152.34 and N157.20) than for diets 4 and 5 (AL143.53 and N135.56). The cost generally decreased from N152.34- N135.56 with increase in the level of MSO in the diets. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by increase in the levels of MSO in the diets. DM and CP digestibilities were significantly (P<0.05) higher at 15 and 30% MSO levels when compared with the control and other MSO levels. MSO inclusion in the diets significantly (P<0.05) improved EE digestibility above that of control diet but EE digestibility did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) among diets containing MSO. Crude fibre (CF) and Nitrogen free extract (NFE) digestibilities were similar (P>0.05) for all the diets. It can be concluded that MSO could be used up to 100% replacement for RO in rabbit diets.