Growth Performance of Growing Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of Commercial and Locally Produced Groundnut Cakes

Abstract

Evaluate the growth performance of weaned rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of locally produced and commercial grade groundnut cake. Determine the nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of locally produced and commercial grade groundnut cake. Assess the carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of locally produced and commercial grade groundnut cake. The results showed that final body, total body weight gain and daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the rabbits were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. However, total feed consumed and daily feed consumed of the rabbits were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. However, dry matter and ash digestibility are not influenced (P<0.05). Lungs result showed that G3 (5 % CGNC), G4 (10 % LGNC), G6 (20 % LGNC) and G7 (20 % CGNC) had no variation and similar trend was also observed on G2 (5 % LGNC), G4 (10 % LGNC), G5 (10 % CGNC) and G7 (20 % CGNC) respectively. G1 (Control) had least values throughout the treatment groups. The kidney result showed that G3, G5 and G7 were not significantly (P<0.05) different when compared. Likewise, G1 (Control), G2 (5 % LGNC), G4 (10 % LGNC), G5 (10 % CGNC) and G6 (10 % LGNC) were not varied. The result of intestine showed that G3 (5 % CGNC), G5 (10 % CGNC) and G7 (20 % CGNC) had the same intestine value than other groups. Likewise, similar trend was observed on G1 (Control), G2 (5 % LGNC) and G4 (20 % LGNC). On the other hand, lowest intestine value was recorded on G6 (20 % LGNC). Abdominal fat outcome indicated G1 (Control), G3 (5 % CGNC), G5 (10 % CGNC) and G6 (20 % LGNC) had more abdominal fat than other treatments However, least abdominal fat was observed on G2 (5 % LGNC) and G4 (5 % LGNC). Though, G4 (10 % LGNC) and 7 (20 % CGNC) were similar across the groups. It can be concluded that rabbits fed CGNC at 5 %, 10 % and 20 % had significant performance on and daily weight gain compare to those fed LGNC.The dry matter digestibility shows that there was no significant difference among the dietary groups.