Growth performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of Acacia Albida Pods

Abstract

The effect of feeding up to 40% of Acacia albida pods (AAP) on the growth performance of growing rabbits was investigated. Sixty crossbred (Dutch x New Zealand white) rabbits; 7-8 weeks old were used for the 12-week study. The rabbits were individually weighed and assigned to the 5 diets in groups of 12 rabbits per treatment. The experimental diets contained 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% AAP in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The crude protein and energy levels of the diets were maintained at 18% and at least 3100kcal/kg respectively. The diets and drinking water were offered ad libitum. The crude fibre (CF) of the diet ranged from 11.22% in diet 1 10 14.84% in diet 5. The CF levels appreciated with increasing levels of AAP. A similar trend was observed for ether extract (4.78 to 6.90%), tannins (0.099 to 1.09%) and phyrins (128.58 10 285.71 mg). Feed intake did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the groups on diets 1 (57.80g), 2 (55.89g), 3 (58.53g) and 4 (55.92g) hut was significantly (p<0.05) lower for those on diet 5 (53.07g/d). Weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of rabbits on all the diets do not differ significantly (p>0.05), though rabbits on diet 5 had slightly lower daily weight gain which cumulated into significantly lower final body weight of 1389.16g compared to 1605.83g for diet 1. Daily weight gain, FCR and PER were better in the first eight weeks compared to weeks 9 to 12. The corresponding values were 9.63 to 12.68 Vs 2.14 to 3.70g/d for daily weight gain, 4.73 to 5.78 Vs 14.22 to 22.11 for FCR and 0.90 to 1.20 Vs 0.23 to 0.41 for PER Thus, 20% AAP can be included in diets of rabbits without adverse effect on biological performance.