THE EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF BREWEARS’ SPENT GRAINS AND KOLAUNT POD MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC AND CARCASS QUALITY RABBITS

Abstract

Thirty six New Zealand fryer rabbit (bucks) averaging 874g in body weight were fed on three diets blended with 0, 7, 14% kolaunt pod meal (KPM) and10, 20, and 30% Brewers spent grains (BSG). Other dietary components included maize, soyabean meal, bone meal, salt and vitamin-mineral mixture. The trail lasted for 98 day. Significantly differences (P < 0.05) were found among the three rations with respect to daily live weight gains, feed intake and water intake. There were significant difference among the rations with respect to percent carcass yield, feet, blood and unemptied alimentary canal. However there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences among the three rations with respect to head, tail, and liver weight expressed as percentage of live weight. There was no significant treatment effect no the wholesale cuts. The chemical composition of the meat of rabbits fed 14% KPM + 3-% BSG diet was significantly lower in energy value, % moisture and % fat. The results showed that a diet fortified with 30% BSG and 14% KPM will support good growth as well as improved carcass yield of rabbits.