Growth Of Rabbits Research Articles

Effect of low power diode laser on mandibular growth (experimental study)

Introduction: Low laser level therapy (LLLT) has a stimulatory effect on bone formation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the low laser therapy LLLT on the condylar growth in rabbits. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 24 male white New Zealand rabbits with the mean age of 5 weeks and the mean weight of 1.5 kg. LLLT was used for radiation. The sample was divided into two groups: The first group was the control group, which was not subjected to any laser irradiation. The second group was irradiated unilaterally (right side) with was CW 870 nm with power output of 300 mW, energy of 180 J. The spot size was 4 mm circle. The exposure was performed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (a total of 10 min) for 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. The rabbits in both groups were sacrificed, and the histological evaluation of TMJ was performed to compare the fibro cartilaginous layer, chondrogenic layer and newly formed bone trabeculae. Results: Hyperplasia was observed in the fibro cartilaginous layer associated with hypertrophy in the chondroblasts with excessive newly formed bony trabeculae in the underlying bony structure. Conclusion: Low-level laser (diode) in rabbits enhances mandibular growth by condylar endochondreal bone growth while no increase in the fibrous tissues. The results of this study encourage the use of LLLT during orthodontic treatment as it would provide benefit to patients, allowing them to shorten prolonged treatment.

Breed, heterotic, maternal and direct additive effects on pre and post-weaning body weight and body dimensions in New Zealand and Chinchilla strains of Rabbit

Data on growth and linear body measurements of rabbits which consisted of two pure strains (New Zealand White, NZW and Chinchilla, CH) as well as their reciprocal crosses were compared. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the crossbreeding effects (i.e direct, maternal and heterotic effects) for growth and linear body dimensions as well as body weight (BW) at weeks 3,5 and 7 and daily gain (DG) at 0-21, 21-35 and 35-49 days respectively. Results revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among the genotypes for BW at week 3, 5, 7 and DG. Linear contrast showed that breed differences (p<0.01) exist among the strains in favour of NZW. Direct heterotic effect was positively significant (p<0.01) only for NTS with a percentage of 5.16. Direct additive effect was significant (p<0.01) and positive only for LE with a percentage of 10.26 while maternal additive effect was observed to be insignificant (p>0.01) for all the traits except IBW with a percentage of 21.66. Breed also showed significance (p<0.01) for all body weight changes except for DG35-49. Direct additive effects was generally positive in favour of NZW but showed significant (p<0.05) difference only for BW5 (11.63 %) and DG0-21 (20.72 %). Maternal additive effect was significant (p<0.01) for BW5 (8.95 %) and BW7 (20.36 %) while negative heterotic effect (p<0.05) was observed for BW5 (-23.26 %) and BW7 (-18.01 %) respectively. It was concluded that breed differences exist between the two strains studied and this difference is mostly in favour of NZW strain.Key words: Breed, direct heterotic, maternal additive, direct additive effects, NZW, CH.

Feed forms of different particle sizes: growth response, carcass yield and intestinal villus morphology of growing rabbits

Several studies revealed inconsistencies in recommended feed particle size for optimal growth and productive performance of rabbits. Information on the interaction effect of feed form and feed particle size on rabbit’s growth performance and gut morphology is thereby a growing concern. Hence, the growth response, carcass yield and intestinal villus morphology of thirty-six growing male rabbits of mixed breeds (Chinchilla × New Zealand White) weighing between 550-600g were determined using two feed forms (FF): pellets and crumbs of different particle sizes (PS): 1 and 2 mm. The rabbits were allotted on weight equalization basis to crumbs and pellets composed of 1 and 2 mm PS in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental layout and subjected to Completely Randomized Design. Nine (9) rabbits were assigned to each treatment made of three replicates of three rabbits each. The rabbits were maintained on concentrate diets ad libitum for 10 weeks. Two rabbits per replicate with representative mean live weight were selected for carcass evaluation at the 10th week and the remaining one was used for intestinal villus morphology. FF and PS significantly (P<0.05) influenced the cost/kg feed but did not influence the growth responses. Rabbits on 1mm PS feed had a higher (P<0.05) dressing percentage (65.61 %) than 2 mm. Also, rabbits fed crumbs containing 1 mm PS recorded the highest dressing percentage. Rabbits on 1mm PS feed had a higher (P<0.05) lamina propria depth (172.50 µm) and apical width (52.50 µm) of ileum. Significant (P<0.05) interaction effects were observed for lamina propria depth (LPD) and basal width with rabbits fed crumbs of 1 mm PS having the highest LPD. It was concluded that carcass yield of growing rabbits could be optimized by feeding pellets or crumbs of 1mm particle size.

Effects of variants in proopiomelanocortin and neuropeptide y genes on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits in rabbits.

Appetite-related neuropeptides proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) are essential for regulating feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variants in POMC and NPY genes on growth, carcass and meat quality traits in rabbits. A total of six SNPs were identified for POMC (n = 2) and NPY (n = 4) genes by direct sequencing. Three SNPs were subsequently genotyped by using MassArray system (Sequenom iPLEXassay) in 235 individuals, which belong to three meat rabbit breeds, including 93 Ira rabbits; 81 Champagne rabbits and 61 Tianfu black rabbits. The SNP c.112-12G>T was in intron-exon boundaries (intron 1) of POMC gene, and the association analysis showed that individuals with TT genotype had a greater 84 d body weight (BW84), eviscerated weight and semi-eviscerated weight than those with GT genotype (p<0.05); the TT individuals were also higher than those GG in the ripe meat ratio (RMR) (p<0.05). The g.1778G>C SNP, which was in complete linkage with other three SNPs (g.1491G>A, g.1525G>T and g.1530C>T) in intron 1 of NPY gene, was significantly correlated with eviscerated slaughter percentage and semi-eviscerated slaughter percentage in rabbits, and the individuals with CC genotype had a better performance than CG genotype (p<0.05). These findings would provide primary clues for the biological roles of POMC and NPY underlying the rabbit growth-related traits.

Growth and wear of incisor and cheek teeth in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) fed diets of different abrasiveness

Although patterns of tooth wear are crucial in palaeo-reconstructions, and dental wear abnormalities are important in veterinary medicine, experimental investigations on the relationship between diet abrasiveness and tooth wear are rare. Here, we investigated the effect of four different pelleted diets of increasing abrasiveness (due to both internal [phytoliths] and external abrasives [sand]) or whole grass hay fed for 2 weeks each in random order to 16 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on incisor and premolar growth and wear, and incisor and cheek tooth length. Wear and tooth length differed between diets, with significant effects of both internal and external abrasives. While diet abrasiveness was linked to tooth length for all tooth positions, whole forage had an additional effect on upper incisor length only. Tooth growth was strongly related to tooth wear and differed correspondingly between diets and tooth positions. At 1.4-3.2 mm/week, the growth of cheek teeth measured in this study was higher than previously reported for rabbits. Dental abnormalities were most distinct on the diet with sand. This study demonstrates that concepts of constant tooth growth in rabbits requiring consistent wear are inappropriate, and that diet form (whole vs. pelleted) does not necessarily affect cheek teeth. Irrespective of the strong effect of external abrasives, internal abrasives have the potential to induce wear and hence exert selective pressure in evolution. Detailed differences in wear effects between tooth positions allow inferences about the mastication process. Elucidating feedback mechanisms that link growth to tooth-specific wear represents a promising area of future research.

Variation in Growth and Linear Body Measurements of Rabbits Due to Generation Differences, Housing Systems, Sex and Season

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of generational differences, housing systems, sex and seasonal variations and their interactions on the growth and linear body parameters of rabbits. A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were used for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These forty-eight weaner rabbits were further divided into four males in three replicates (12) as well as four females in three replicates (12) for cage (24) and also repeated in deep litter system (24). This experiment was carried out in four seasons with seasonal divisions being made according to the climatic conditions prevalent in southwest Nigeria namely early dry season (EDS) from September to November, late dry season (LDS) from December to February, early rainy season (ERS) from March to May and late rainy season (LRS) from June to August. This experiment was carried out for two generations and data obtained were analysed using Analysis of Variance in a 2 x 2 x 2 x 4 factorial arrangement. The study showed that most of the body linear measurements investigated increased significantly in the first than the second generation and during the

Effect of re-mating intervals on growth and reproductive performance of rabbits

The aim of this study was to know the effects of postpartum re-mating intervals on reproductive performances of does and growth of kits. Fifteen female New Zealand White crossbred rabbits were divided into three groups of equal numbers. They were re-mated within 24 hours, at 10 days and 28 days postpartum. Animals were individually caged in cells measuring 2'×2'×2'. Does were kept under natural lighting. Plastic nest boxes were supplied to does 3-4 days before parturition. They were reared up to four generation. Litter weight at birth was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher at 10 days postpartum than within 24 hours and at 28 days postpartum intervals. Higher growth rate was observed in 10 days postpartum group comparing to other re-mating groups. Milk yield of the dams were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher when dam re-mated at 10 days postpartum than those re-mated within 24 hours after parturition. Conception rate, gestation length of does, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at weaning, doe weight at mating, kidding, weaning and kid mortality did not differ significantly among the groups. Rabbit does re-mated at 10 days postpartum show maximum litter weight at birth, growth rate of kits and milk yield of dam.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18497 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (2): 143-147

Effects of genetic management on reproduction, growth, and survival in captive endangered pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis).

A quarter of all lagomorph species worldwide are threatened with extinction. Captive breeding programs, such as that developed for the Columbia Basin (CB) pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), sometimes are implemented as emergency conservation measures to restore small, genetically distinct populations. However, small source populations also may have low genetic diversity, which may influence attributes related to fitness, including growth, survival, and reproduction. We used mixed-effects regression models to explore the influence of genetic pedigree (% CB) on pairing success, growth, and survival during the 10-year captive breeding program at Washington State University, which included controlled pairings and outbreeding with pygmy rabbits from Idaho. Pairing success, juvenile growth, and juvenile survival declined with increasing CB pedigree of 1 or both parents, suggesting inbreeding depression among the small number of related founders. Demographic variables such as age, sex, and previous pregnancies, and environmental variables such as month and temperature at birth also were associated with production of pygmy rabbits. Our study illustrates the difficulty of retaining a unique genome of a small source population while simultaneously producing enough rabbits for restoration into natural habitat as part of endangered species recovery programs.

Controlled delivery of growth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6 from the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) copolymer and the effect of a growth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6–copolymer hydrogel on the growth of rex rabbits

ABSTRACTGrowth‐hormone‐releasing peptide 6 (GHRP‐6) plays an important role in animal growth. However, there have been few studies focusing on the effect of GHRP‐6 on animal growth through controlled release systems. We synthesized the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–PLGA copolymer to investigate its controlled released effect on GHRP‐6 in vitro and to study the effect of a GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel on the growth of rex rabbits. The copolymer was synthesized with ring‐opening copolymerization and characterized by 1H‐NMR. The interaction between GHRP‐6 and the copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The body weight, serum level of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), and hair coat quality were studied in rex rabbits. The results show that hydrogen bonds formed between the NH group in GHRP‐6 and the CO group in the copolymer. The release mechanism of GHRP‐6 was a combination of a diffusion‐controlled mechanism and an erosion‐controlled mechanism in the copolymer. The serum level of IGF‐1, hair coat quality, and body weight were all significantly higher in the GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel group than in the other groups. These results indicate that the copolymer effectively controlled the release of GHRP‐6. In addition, the GHRP‐6–copolymer hydrogel increased the synthesis of IGF‐1 for a prolonged period and, thereby, increased the rex rabbits' growth and hair coat quality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40185.

Genetic parameters, genetic trends and inbreeding depression of growth and carcass traits in Pannon terminal line rabbits

Abstract. Genetic parameters, inbreeding depression and genetic trends were estimated for average daily gain between the ages of 5-10 weeks and thigh muscle volume (measured in vivo with computerized tomography) in a group of 22 098 Pannon terminal line rabbits born between 2006 and 2011 and reared in 3 396 litters. The data sets were analysed with bi-variate animal models taking pedigree completeness (complete generation equivalent) into account. By 2011, all rabbits were inbred and the average inbreeding coefficient and complete generation equivalent of the population were 7.69 % and 11.89 %, respectively. Estimated heritability was moderate both for average daily gain (0.23±0.02) and thigh muscle volume (0.25±0.03). Litter effects were low for both traits (0.16±0.00 and 0.09±0.01 respectively). The genetic correlation coefficient estimate between average daily gain and thigh muscle volume was also low (0.02±0.08). Significant inbreeding depression (per 10 % inbreeding) was only detected for average daily gain (0.57 g/d). The estimated annual selection response was substantial both for average daily gain and thigh muscle volume (1.49 g/d and 5.84 cm3, respectively), proving the efficiency of the breeding programme.

Botulinum toxin type A: implications in wound healing, facial cutaneous scarring, and cleft lip repair

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that has been utilized to induce chemo-denervation of muscles. Cutaneous wounds represent a special situation in which the tensile forces applied by these muscles on wound edges might have deleterious effects on the healing process. The aim of this review was to investigate such an effect and to review other mechanisms this toxin might have on the healing process. We also reviewed the role of botulinum toxin in the management of hypertrophic scars and cleft lip repair.

Eyelash Growth Induced by Topical Prostaglandin Analogues, Bimatoprost, Tafluprost, Travoprost, and Latanoprost in Rabbits

Prostaglandin analogues (PGA) are ocular hypotensive agents used for the treatment of glaucoma. Hypertrichosis of the eyelashes has been reported in humans as a side effect. Eyelash growth was investigated with clinical trials in people using bimatoprost. Scattered reports of eyelash growth during the treatment of glaucoma with other PGA are also found in the literature. We investigated the effect of 4 different topical PGA on eyelash length. Forty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups and received daily topical application of bimatoprost, tafluprost, travoprost, and latanoprost in the left eye for 4 weeks. The right eye received no treatment. Eyelash length was measured in both eyes before and after treatment using a stainless steel digital caliper. Bimatoprost and tafluprost groups had significant increases in eyelash length. We did not observe significant eyelash growth in rabbits receiving travoprost and latanoprost after 1 month of treatment. Today, only bimatoprost is approved for growing eyelashes, and our research shows that tafluprost could be further explored by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Additional research using travoprost and latanoprost as agents for eyelash growth should be performed in the future using prolonged treatment periods to determine whether or not these PGA induce eyelash growth, and investigate other possible side effects.

Resveratrol treatment delays growth plate fusion and improves bone growth in female rabbits.

Trans-resveratrol (RES), naturally produced by many plants, has a structure similar to synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol, but any effect on bone growth has not yet been clarified. Pre-pubertal ovary-intact New Zealand white rabbits received daily oral administration of either vehicle (control) or RES (200 mg/kg) until growth plate fusion occurred. Bone growth and growth plate size were longitudinally monitored by X-ray imaging, while at the endpoint, bone length was assessed by a digital caliper. In addition, pubertal ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits were treated with vehicle, RES or estradiol cypionate (positive control) for 7 or 10 weeks and fetal rat metatarsal bones were cultured in vitro with RES (0.03 µM–50 µM) and followed for up to 19 days. In ovary-intact rabbits, sixteen-week treatment with RES increased tibiae and vertebrae bone growth and subsequently improved final length. In OVX rabbits, RES delayed fusion of the distal tibia, distal femur and proximal tibia epiphyses and femur length and vertebral bone growth increased when compared with controls. Histomorphometrical analysis showed that RES-treated OVX rabbits had a wider distal femur growth plate, enlarged resting zone, increased number/size of hypertrophic chondrocytes, increased height of the hypertrophic zone, and suppressed chondrocyte expression of VEGF and laminin. In cultured fetal rat metatarsal bones, RES stimulated growth at 0.3 µM while at higher concentrations (10 μM and 50 μM) growth was inhibited. We conclude that RES has the potential to improve longitudinal bone growth. The effect was associated with a delay of growth plate fusion resulting in increased final length. These effects were accompanied by a profound suppression of VEGF and laminin expression suggesting that impairment of growth plate vascularization might be an underlying mechanism.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FTO gene and their association with growth and meat quality traits in rabbits

Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is an excellent candidate to affect the fatness and growth-related traits in pig and cattle. The aim of this study was to reveal the association between FTO and growth and meat quality traits in rabbits. A total of eight coding SNPs were detected, and four SNPs of them in exon 3 were further genotyped for association analysis in 442 rabbits from three breeds, including 248 New Zealand rabbits, 92 Ira rabbits, and 102 Champagne rabbits. Because there were significant differences for the allele and genotype frequencies among breeds, the association analysis was independently conducted in each breed only for these SNPs with minor allele frequency >5.0%. The results revealed that non-synonymous SNP c.499G>A (p.A167T) was significantly associated with body weight (BW) at 35, 70, and 84days of age in New Zealand rabbits (P<0.01). The CC genotype of synonymous SNP c.660T>C was significantly associated with higher BW84, average daily weight gain, and intramuscular fat content of longissimus lumborum than TT and TC genotypes in Ira rabbits (P<0.05). There were no associations between the four SNPs and growth and meat quality traits in Champagne rabbits. Meanwhile, FTO SNPs were not associated with meat pH value. Our data indicated that FTO gene could be a candidate gene associated with growth and meat quality traits in rabbits. However, the breed-specific effect should be carefully taken into consideration.

Induced metabolic disturbance and growth depression in rabbits infected with Eimeria coecicola

Eimeria coecicola causes intestinal coccidiosis in rabbits and, thereby, enormous economic losses in rabbit farms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intestinal coccidial infection, E. coecicola on metabolic status and growth of rabbits. Animals were allocated into two groups with eight rabbits each; one group was orally inoculated with saline and served as control while the other group was orally inoculated with 5 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts. On day 7 postinfection, fecal expulsion of E. coecicola oocysts is maximal (1.2 × 10(6) oocyst/g feces) and rabbits have lost approximately 23% of their weight. Infection induced a severe depletion in plasma growth hormone level. In addition, the energy metabolic status was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) altered by the infection as, both blood glucose and total lipid levels were significantly elevated with mutual depletion in carbohydrate stores in liver sections. Also, the thyroid-stimulating hormone and cortisol concentrations were raised as a consequence of the infection. Moreover, protein status was affected by the infection as both liver and plasma total proteins were significantly decreased with concurrent disturbance in the blood protein electrophoretic pattern and duplication of blood urea nitrogen concentration. Finally, the infection induced plasma electrolyte imbalance as indicated by a significant decrease in sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, ferrous, and selenium ions. Our data suggested that the intestinal coccidial infection of rabbits with E. coecicola has serious effects on rabbit growth and metabolism and could disrupt endocrine and electrolyte homeostasis.

Effects of dietary fiber and starch levels on the non-specific immune response of growing rabbits

The effects of dietary fiber and starch on the non-specific immune response were studied using four different experimental diets (I, II, III, and IV) on 200 growing rabbits. The following parameters were assessed: the number of membranous epithelial (M) cells in the appendix, total SIgA titers in the gut, total IgG levels in the serum and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the peripheral blood; as these measures were taken to determine the effect of diet with age, samples were obtained at 52, 62, 72 and 82 days of age. The number of M cells was increased with dietary fiber enhancement and starch reduction at 52 and 62 days of age (P<0.001). However, at 72 and 82 days of age, there was no difference (P>0.05) in M cell number among the four diets. Using immunohistochemistry, the high fiber/low starch diet (Diet I) resulted in an increase in M cell size and number when compared with the other diets. The only differences(P<0.001) in SIgA titers from gut tissues were detected between animals that received a high fiber (Diet I) and a low fiber (Diet IV) diet at an early stage (52 d and 62 d). Serum IgG titers were only affected (P=0.05) at 82 days of age. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood was not affected. The study revealed that increased levels of fiber might improve mucosal functionality, but only during the early stage of growth of rabbits. The effect of dietary fiber and starch levels on intestinal immunity was greater than their effect on humoral immunity in the peripheral blood.

Investigation of biochemical indices of female rabbit blood with addition of an antioxidant to the ration

Homeostasis constants, the characteristics of growth and development of Soviet Chinchilla female rabbits were studied from an age of 2 to 6 months with addition to the ratio of the antioxidant Eurotiox Plus Dry in doses of 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg mixed feed. A positive effect of the antioxidant on anabolic processes, particularly on protein metabolism, is noted. the age-related dynamics of the activity of transamination enzymes, alkaline phosphatase amylase, and lactate dehydrogenase is given. The effect of a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase activity at an antioxidant dose of 300 mg/kg feed is found.

Special effects of a complex probiotic containing cellulolytic bacteria Cellulomonas on actively growing rabbits

It was shown that the association of probiotic bacteria of the genuses Bacillus and Cellulomonas form biolayers on the surface of beet marc particles. The positive effect of a fodder additive that contained the biolayer on the basis of a phytomatrix on the growth and development of young rabbits was shown. Feeding of animals with a mixed fodder that contained 0.1% preparation resulted in stimulation of digestion of all components of the food. Among other components of the mixed fodder, cellulose was digested most effectively. An increase in the biomass of symbiotic bacteria and enzymatic activity in the blindgut chymus was also observed. The positive nitrogen balance demonstrated an increase in the nitrogen content in animals and a decrease of its losses with excretion. The mechanism of response of the rabbit's organism to introduction of the complex probiotic preparation into the digestive tract is discussed.

Mortality Caused by Melon and Cassava Diets Fed to Chinchilla Rabbits During Experimental Trial

An experiment was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu-Port Harcourt, to determine the mortality rate of the feedstuffs, namely, melon (Citrullus vulgaris), cassava (Manihot utilissima) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and soyabean (Glycine max) in rabbits during the experimental period (feed trial), using 30 Chinchilla grower rabbits. The rabbits were randomly allotted to 5 treatments thus: T1, Corn meal (Zea mays) as control; T2, Cowpea; T3, Melon; T4, Soyabean; and T5, Cassava. Each treatment comprised one (1) male and one (1) female, replicated thrice, in a randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The rabbits were fed non-isonitrogenous and non-isocaloric diet, ad libitum for 12 weeks, housed individually in hutches. At the end of 12 weeks, the 30 rabbits were slaughtered to determine the effects of the treatments on the following parameters: Total Lipid, Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglyceride (TG). The mortality observed in the different treatments were recorded. It was observed that there was significant difference (P

Performance, Carcass and Internal Organ Charactristics of Grower Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Congronema latifolium Leaf Meal

A study was carried out to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of Congronema latifolium (CLLM). Four experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 (control) contained 0% CLLM, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 10%, 20% and 30% CLLM, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 9 grower rabbits for 49 days. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) for average final body weight gain and average daily feed intake. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by treatments.Also, there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among treatment means in dressing percentage, and percentage weights of some internal organs (hearts, lungs and pancreas). However, dietary levels of 20% and 30% CLLM significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the weights of livers and kidneys. This is indicative of presence of stress factor(s) in the diets. The overall result of this investigation suggests that up to 20% dietary level of CLLM could support normal growth performance of grower rabbits.Key words: Grower rabbits, performance, carcass and organ characteristics, Congronema latifolium