Substitution Of Maize Research Articles

Effects of Inclusion of Mango Peel Waste in Diets of Layer Chickens on Performance and Egg Quality in Kenya

Alternative ingredients for the manufacture of poultry feeds need to be identified to meet the growing demand. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the inclusion of mango peel waste in layer chicken diets on performance and egg quality. This study involved one hundred and fifty Isa Brown layer chickens aged 60 weeks. These chickens were assigned to five treatments with graded levels of mango peels: 0% (Treatment 1), 3.5% (Treatment 2), 7% (Treatment 3), 14% (Treatment 4) and 28% (Treatment 5), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Daily egg production was recorded, and weekly measurements included feed intake, specific gravity, egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Notably, Treatment 5 exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (3.09) and Roche yolk color (RYC) fan score (14.3), which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from Treatment 1, with values of 2.36 and 12.4, respectively. Layer chicken fed on T1 had the highest egg weight and egg thickness (6.6 g and 0.44 mm, respectively), differing significantly (p < 0.05) from Treatment T5 eggs (6.3 g and 0.41 mm). It was concluded that mango peels could substitute maize in layer chicken diets up to 7% without affecting production and egg quality. Mango peels are recommended for partial substitution of maize in layer chicken diets and as natural egg yolk pigment to impart the yellow yolk desired by consumers.

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

Substitution of maize with sorghum and millets in traditional processing of Mahewu, a non‐alcoholic fermented cereal beverage

SummaryThere is growing interest in Sub‐Saharan Africa for substituting maize with climate‐smart crops like sorghum and millets in local food processing. We conducted a survey to explore current variations in processing and consumption practices for Mahewu, a traditionally fermented cereal beverage from Zimbabwe. Processing involved cooking a cereal porridge, adding cereal flour or malt as a starter ingredient, and fermenting for 12–48 h. Ingredient availability was the main driver for porridge ingredient choice (42% of respondents) with the most preferred being maize (55% of respondents), pearl millet (22%) and sorghum (9%). Final product taste had the most influence on starter ingredient choice, with most respondents preferring pearl millet flour (23%), finger millet malt (22%), wheat flour (17%), and sorghum malt (13%). Our study proves that maize can be replaced with sorghum and millet in Mahewu processing, thus increasing the climate‐resilience of future food systems, and demonstrates that traditional practices harbour clues for adapting current practices.

Fermentative profile and nutritive value of maize, legume and mixed silage

The partial substitution of maize by tropical legumes for the production of silage has aroused interest, for bringing benefits of increasing the crude protein content of corn-only silage, constituting an important alternative for the production of food in a more sustainable way. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition 30% tropical legumes on the fermentative characteristics and nutritive value of maize silage. The experimental design was entirely randomized with three replications. The treatments consisted of the following silages: Maize; Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande, Stylosanthes cv. Bela: Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan cv. BRS Mandarim), maize + 30% Campo Grande; maize + 30% Bela and maize + 30% Pigeon pea, totaling 21 experimental silos. The results show that exclusive legume silage without preservatives present fermentative losses that compromise the silage quality. Addition of 30% legumes to maize silage improves the nutritional quality of the silage without compromising its fermentation profile. Stylosanthes cv. Campo Grande and Bela are the most recommended locations for maize silage. Thus, a mixed silage of maize and legumes is an alternative to improve the crude protein content of exclusive maize exclusive silage, greater sustainability, and reduced fermentative losses of legume silages.

Does Replacing Maize with Barley Affect the Animal Performance and Rumen Fermentation, including Methane Production, of Beef Cattle Fed High-Concentrate Diets On-Farm?

Ruminants fed high-concentrate diets produce less enteric methane than those fed high-forage diets, but not all grains are equally effective in reducing methane production. This study aimed to examine, in farm conditions, the effects of a partial substitution of maize with barley on animal performance and rumen fermentation, including methane production, of intensively reared beef calves (ca. 0.9:0.1 concentrate to forage ratio). Ninety-six beef calves were fed a concentrate with 45.5% maize and 15% barley (n = 48; M) or a concentrate with 15.5% maize and 45% barley (n = 48; B). Both the concentrate and barley straw were offered ad libitum. The type of concentrate did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on final live weight, average daily gain, carcass dressing percentage or intake of concentrate and straw. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) for the M (75.4% and 76.6%) than for the B (71.0% and 73.1%) treatment, but with no effect on digestible organic matter intake. In general, the majority cereal in the concentrate did not affect rumen fermentation, including methane production, or the degradability of dry matter and starch. A partial substitution of maize with barley in the concentrate offered to beef calves does not seem a promising strategy to decrease the emissions of enteric methane on-farm.

Meta-analysis of the influence of the substitution of maize with cassava on performance indices of broiler chickens

Abstract There are growing numbers of publications on the effect of substitution of maize with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on growth indices of broiler chickens with variable results. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the influence of substitution of maize with dietary cassava on growth traits (i.e., average daily feed intake [ADFI], body weight gain [BWG] and feed conversion efficiency [FCE]) of broilers. Search done in PubMed, Google scholar and Scopus databases yielded 303 studies of which 27 were suitable for the analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup and meta-regression analyses using the following moderator variables: publication year, study continent, processing methods, cassava form, substitution level, broiler strain, number of birds per groups and treatment durations. Results show that dietary cassava reduced ADFI (mean difference [MD] = −5.19 g/day; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.60, −1.79; I 2 = 99%) and BWG (MD = −8.49 g/day; 95% CI: −9.65, −7.33; I 2 = 98%) and increased FCE (MD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.35; I 2 = 99%) in broilers compared to controls. Publication year, broiler strain, treatment durations and substitution level) influenced the outcomes of the study and explained some of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, our results suggested that dietary cassava inclusion at 5% (minimum) and 62% (maximum) reduced growth performance in broiler chickens. However, more effective methods for increasing the nutrient value of cassava roots for broiler chicken feeding as well as the cassava inclusion levels for optimal productivity are required.

Common Reed and Maize Silage Co-Digestion as a Pathway towards Sustainable Biogas Production

The key factor in sustainable biogas production is a feedstock whose production has no adverse impact on the environment. Since maize cultivation harms the environment, biogas plant operators seek a more sustainable feedstock. Common reed is an invasive species mown as part of wetland conservation measures, or it can be harvested from paludiculture. This study aimed to investigate wet co-digestion of maize silage with 10%, 30%, and 50% content of common reed silage using the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test. In addition, the potential energy generated and avoided greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were calculated. The substitution of maize silage with 10%, 30%, and 50% content of reed silage reduced the methane (CH4) yield by 13%, 28%, and 35%, respectively. A disadvantage of reed silage addition was increased ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations in biogas. Although substituting maize silage with reed silage decreases the CH4 yield, the co-digestion of maize and reed biomass from conservation or paludiculture may positively affect environmental aspects of energy generation. The substitution of maize with reed in biogas plants decreases the area used for maize cultivation and reduces GHG emissions.

Effects of Replacing Maize with &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Dioscarea bulbifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Flour on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

The present study was designed to evaluate Dioscarea bulbifera flour as potential feed ingredient in broilers diets. For this purpose, 256-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks, were divided into 4 groups replicated 4 times in a completely randomized design. A control ration (R0) containing maize as the main energy source was compared to three other rations in which 50%, 75% and 100% maize were substituted with Dioscarea bulbifera flour. The main results showed that, the increasing rate of Dioscarea bulbifera flour had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the digestibility of feed components. Feed intake was higher with 50% and 75% Dioscarea bulbifera flour inclusion levels. As compared to the control ration, a significant (p Dioscarea bulbifera flour in the ration. Dioscarea bulbifera flour induced a linear and significant (p Dioscarea bulbifera flour could be a sustainable solution to palliate the growing inflation of maize as animal feed ingredient. However, the incorporation level of Dioscarea bulbifera as feed ingredient in substitution of maize must not exceed 50% at the risk of depreciating growth performance of broilers.

Effect of Feeding Sun Dried Banana Pseudostem as a Partial Replacement of Dietary Maize on Performance and Production Economics of Crossbred Grower Pigs

Background: The usage of banana waste pseudostems has drawn more attention in recent years. Additionally, it is said that these banana waste components are rich in vitamins and minerals, notably dietary fibre. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of substituting dietary maize with sun dried banana pseudostem (BP) in their feed on performances of crossbred grower pigs. Methods: The current study was carried out between 2020-2021 on forty eight (48) Hampshire crossbred grower pigs, that were randomly divided and allotted to 4 compounded dietary treatments by replacing dietary maize with sun dried BP by 0% (T0), 10% (T1), 20% (T2) and 30% (T3) in their ration. By modifying the amounts of maize with BP, all compounded diets were rendered isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Result: Results indicated significant (p less than 0.05) improvement in the total body weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) in both male and female crossbred pigs fed ration T2 in comparison to the other groups. The performances of the both female and male pigs were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower when dietary levels of BP were increased up to 30% (T3). The feed cost/kg live weight gain in group T2 was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than the control group in both the sexes. In conclusion, crossbred grower pigs can tolerate up to 20% dietary substitution of maize with BP in the ration without compromising their growth, blood biochemical parameters, reproductive performances and carcass quality. Incorporation of 20% sun dried BP resulted in lowered feed cost.

Excreção de creatinina e derivados de purina e síntese microbiana em cordeiros alimentados com farinha de vagem de Samanea saman

ABSTRACT Evaluated the levels of rain tree (Samanea saman) pod meal (RTPM) (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) replacing maize in the dry matter of the diet on intake of DM, CP and ME, creatinine and total purine derivatives excretion in urine and microbial protein synthesis in lambs. Twenty-five uncastrated Bergamasca lambs were used, with an initial body weight of 24±5kg and an average age of 120 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and five replications. The trial lasted 84 days and the 24h and spot urine collections were performed in the last day of the experiment. The intake was not affected (P&gt;0.05), the urine volume and daily creatinine excretion were influenced (P&lt;0.05) by RTPM replacing maize, observing increasing linear effect and cubic variation (P&lt;0.05), respectively. The cubic and quadratic components were significant (P&lt;0.05) for the excretion of total purine derivatives, absorbed purines, and microbial synthesis. The cubic variation, with peaks at 5% and 18% replacement for urinary excretion of creatinine and purine derivatives, indicates that the levels used of RTPM affected the renal activity of lambs. Substitution of maize by RTPM up to 10% enhances efficiency of rumen microbial crude protein synthesis.

Evaluation of Functional, Pasting and Sensory Properties of Composite Flour Food Formulated from Blends of Maize (Zea-May), Melon Seed, (Citrullus Vulgaris schrad), Carrot (Darcus Carota L) and Crayfish (Evastacus SPP) Flour

This study was designed to evaluate the functional, pasting and sensory properties of composite flour foods formulated from blends of maize, melon seed, carrot and crayfish flour. The maize flour was blended with melon flour, carrot and crayfish flour in the ratio of 100:0:0:0, 80:10:5:5, 70:15:10:5, 60:20:15:5 and 50:30:10:10 and used to formulate composite flour food samples. The composite flour foods produced where evaluate for functional properties, pasting and sensory properties using standard methods: The functional properties of the samples showed that the bulk density, water absorption capacity, emulsification capacity, solubility capacity, swelling capacity, foaming capacity and oil absorption capacity decreases as the substitution of maize with melon, carrot and crayfish flours increases, 0.86±0.03-0.71±0.01, 2.42±0.02-2.36±0.02, 4.83±0.03-4.26±0.03, 06.4±0.02-52±0.02, 92.57±0.06 – 86.77±0.06, 3.23±0.02-2.63±0.02, 38.56±0.04-29.34±0.03 and 2.52±0.03-1.62±0.02 respectively. The control sample had the highest gelation temperature (92.57±0.66). The pasting properties of the sample also shows that the peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, setback viscosity final viscosity, trough viscosity and initial viscosity decrease with the increase in substitution with melon, carrot and crayfish flours. But the control sample (A) has the highest peak viscosity, breakdown, set back, final viscosity, trough and initial viscosity respectively. The sensory scores showed that the colour, taste, flavour and texture of the control sample had better consumer sensory attributes, it was significant (P&lt;0.05) lower in the other nutrients compared to the formulated samples with the exception of carbohydrate. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-4-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2022

Development, Production and Evaluation of Complementary Food for Protein-Energy Malnutrition Children (PEM) from Blends of Maize (Zea-May), Melon Seed, (Citrullus Vulgaris schrad), Carrot (Darcus Carota L) and Crayfish (Evastacus SPP) Flour

This study was designed to evaluate proximate composition, mineral and vitamin content of complementary foods formulated from blends of maize, melon seed, carrot and crayfish flour. The maize flour was blended with melon flour, carrot and crayfish flour in the ratio of 100:0:0:0, 80:10:5:5, 70:15:10:5, 60:20:15:5 and 50:30:10:10 and used to formulate complementary food samples. The complementary foods produced where evaluate for chemical composition, minerals and vitamins using standard methods: The protein, fat, Ash and fibre contents of the sample increased from 6.55±0.02-26.43±0.01%, 4.78±0.03-19.31±0.54%, 0.95±0.02-3.15±0.60% and 0.01±0.00-3.67±010% respectively, as the ratio of melon seed, carrot and crayfish flours increased the carbohydrates contents decreases from 75.77±0.01-36.35±0.07. The mineral content of the samples also showed that the calcium, potassium contents increases with the increase in the substitution of maize with melon carrot and crayfish flours from 18.35±0.045, 19.84±0.07/100g and 153.59±0.36ms 167.77±010/100g respectively, while phosphorus, magnesium and iron contents decreased. The control sample without substitution had the highest phosphorus (142.27±0.22) and magnesium (108.55±0.16/100g) contents, respectively. The study therefore revealed that the micro and micro nutrient contents of maize-based gruels can be inculcated by supplementary maize flour with melon, carrot and crayfish flour at a level of 5-5-30% and 5-5-20% in the preparation of complementary food. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-1-02 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Quality evaluation of “Kangu” produced from bambara nut (Vigna subterranean) and yellow maize (Zea mays) composite flour

Legumes play a very important nutritional role in the diet of millions of the populace around the world as major sources of protein and minerals (FAO, 2016). In developed countries, plant proteins are now considered as important component than major nutrients. The aim of this study is to produce ‘kangu’ from bambara nut and maize composite flour. This study examined the chemical properties of ‘Kangu,’ a value added snack produced using composite flour of Bambara groundnut and maize. Four composite flours were prepared by homogenously mixing Bambara flour and maize flour in the proportions of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 and evaluated for functional properties and chemical composition. Valueadded snacks produced were evaluated for colour properties, water absorption ability and sensory acceptability using 100% Bambara flour as a control. The loose bulk density, packed bulk density, dispersibility, water and oil absorption of the composite flour increased when compared with 100% Bambara flour. At 70°C, 80°C and 90°C, the swelling power of composite flour was nearly the same, with only a little differential at 50°C, and 60°C. The moisture content, ash, fat and crude fibre of the composite flours significantly increased when compared to 100% Bambara flour with the exception of protein and carbohydrate. Sensory evaluation by semi-trained panelist indicated consumer acceptability. However, the sample that contained 60% Bambara flour and 40% maize flour scored the highest for crunchiness, taste and overall acceptability, while 100% Bambara flour scored the highest for appearance and colour. Composite flour with 30% maize substitution absorbed the highest moisture (0.76 g) among other stored snacks. Maize is rich in the amino acid methionine and deficient in lysine which is readily available in bambara groundnut, where as methionine is limited in bambara nut, this suggested that products from bambara and maize flour should be encourage so as to solve the problem of malnutrition

Trial of partial substitution of maize (Zea mays) by Parkia biglobosa pulp in the diet of japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Poultry farming has always been a means of combating malnutrition. In recent years, quails farming has offered us new choices of taste, with meat production to meet the increased demand in animal proteins. However, the big problem in the poultry sector remains the cost of food. To overcome this problem, the use of agricultural by-products in animal feeding remains capital. These by-products are readily available and rich in nutrients, as it is the case with Adansonia digitata and Parkia biglobosa pulp. This is the context in which this study is taking place, which is a contribution to the valorization of P. biglobosa pulp as a partial replacement for corn in quail nutrition as a source of energy and nutrients. A total of 540 curds was selected with an average body weight of 7.00 ± 0.02 g and one day of age. Four batches of treatments were constituted, namely, batch control, batch 5%, batch 10% and batch 15% according to the rates of substitution of corn by P. biglobosa pulp in their feed. The weekly weighings of the birds made it possible to follow their weight growth and the average weekly gain of the birds. The consumption index was thus determined on the basis of food consumption. The results showed that the substitution of maize by P. biglobosa pulp improved the weight and the average daily gain of the birds in the growth phase. Feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were low for the control batch compared to the treated batches during both rearing phases. Food consumption and the consumption index were more in favor of the control especially in the start-up phase compared to the treated batches. The pulp of P. biglobosa, by virtue of its nutritional quality, can therefore be used in quail feed at corn substitution rates of 5 to 15% without adversely affecting its zootechnical performance.

Physicochemical, Atwater Factor and Acceptability Changes of Moi-Moi Prepared from Cowpea (&lt;i&gt;Vigna unguiculate&lt;/i&gt; (L) Walp) as a Function of White Maize Substitution

Cereal grains complement legumes when consumed together in a beneficial ratio to gives good quality protein. Maize protein is deficient in lysine but rich in sulphur containing amino acids lacking in cowpea thereby complementing that to enhance the nutritive value of the moi-moi. Cowpea-white maize moi-moi samples were produced from cowpea and white maize blending ratio (%) of 95: 5, 90: 10 and 80: 20 while moi-moi produced from 100% cowpea (CP100:WM0) served as control sample. Proximate, mineral, vitamin and physicochemical composition were evaluated with standard analytical methods. Energy values were by calculation using Atwater general factor system (AGFS) and sensory scores were by subjective means with 25 semi-trained panellists. With increasing white maize substitution of cowpea, crude fibre (1.40-1.47%), ash (1.41-1.70%), carbohydrate (17.31-31.51%), energy (241.50-279.08 Kcal), vitamin A (1.33-1.63 μg/100g), calcium (17.07-18.94 mg/100g), magnesium (12.38-13.17 mg/100g), phosphorous (7.20-7.53 mg/100g) and colour (0.13-0.29) were increased. But moisture (48.53-37.82%), protein (20.52-18.82%), fat (10.02-8.64%), vitamin C (0.04-0.03 mg/100g), pH (6.05-5.83), and general acceptability (7.10-5.70) were decreased. The control sample, 100% cowpea moi-moi had the best organoleptic properties. Increasing substitution of cowpea with white maize resulted in acceptable moi-moi samples at lower levels with significant (p&lt;0.05) nutritional changes.

Partial Substitution of Maize for Sorghum With or Without Supplemental Hydrolysable Tannins on Digestibility and Postprandial Glycemia in Adult Dogs.

The effect of partial substitution of maize for sorghum, containing condensed tannins (CT), with or without the addition of a purified hydrolysable tannin extract (HT), on dog apparent digestibility and glycemic response were evaluated. The trial was conducted with eight adult dogs distributed in four treatments: (M) 50% maize; (MS) 25% maize + 25% sorghum; (MHT) 50% maize + 0.10% HT; (MSHT) 25% maize + 25% sorghum + 0.10% HT; in a balanced incomplete Latin square design in three periods, with two dogs per diet, per period. Data were analyzed by ANOVA procedure and glycemic response by repeated measures ANOVA over time (P < 0.05). The phenolic compounds analyzed were not detected after extrusion process, with a reduction mainly in diets containing sorghum. There were no differences in the digestibility coefficients of nutrients and energy between the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Fecal and urinary characteristics were not changed by the addition of sorghum and HT (P > 0.05). The fecal score remained within the ideal classification as hard, dry, firm stools. A moderate increase in fecal pH was observed on dogs fed diets containing sorghum (P = 0.0948). Additionally, the partial replacement of maize for sorghum associated or not with HT do not alter the glycemic aspects evaluated among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Availability of nutrients from maize and sorghum were similar. Tannins did not interfere in the nutritional capacity of the ingredients.

THE USE OF TWO EMPIRICAL METHODS OF SUBSTITUTION OF FEEDSTUFFS: PARBOILED CASSAVA PEEL MEAL VERSUS MAIZE IN THE DIETS OF GROWTH COCKERELS

The effect of two empirical methods of substituting maize with parboiled cassava peel meal (PCPM) in the diets of 168, 11-week old Isa Brown cockerels were examined in a 3-week experiment. The control diet A contained 40% maize while the proportion of maize in the control diet was replaced with PCPM at the graded levels of 20% of diets B and C, 30% of diets D and E and 40% of diets F and G with and without regard to the energy content of PCPM respectively. Consequently, diets A, B, D and F contained metabolisable energy (ME) content of about 2600s kcal/kg while diets C, E and G contained ME of about 2400, 2300 and 2200 kcal/kg respectively. The calculated crude protein (CP) contents of all diets were similar (17% CP). The results on the performance characteristics studied did not reveal any adverse effect of the two empirical methods of substitution of maize with PCPM in the diets of growing cockerels. The growth rate and feed conversion ration of birds fed on diets containing 50 and 75% of PCPM at the expense of maize using the two substitution methods were similar to those of the control birds. However, there was depression in feed intake at the replacement levels beyond 50%. Thus, it was concluded that the two substitution methods could be used to replace maize with PCPM at the level of 75% of the former without adverse effect on weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the growing cockerels during the early stage of growth.

Effect of replacing corn grains with date palm kernels on ruminal fermentation, feed degradability, and methane production under different initial in vitro pH conditions

Date kernels (DK) are cheap by-products rich in energy and phenolic compounds. It can be used as an alternative to the conventional sources of energy in ruminant diets while reducing methane (CH4) production. Using a semi-automated gas production (GP) system, the initial pH of buffered rumen liquor was adjusted to 5.5 and 6.8. Five experimental diets were evaluated, control (0% DK), and DK25, DK50, DK75, and DK100 presented 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement of maize by DK, respectively. Of the 16 phenolic compounds detected in DK, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic and catechin were the most abundant. At pH 6.8, the control diet recorded higher (p < 0.05) GP values throughout the first 12 h incubation than all other DK diets, while at 5.5 pH, DK50 displayed the highest (p < 0.05) GP at 3 and 6 h compared to all other diets. At either pH conditions, all DK diets reduced (p < 0.05) CH4 compared to the control without affecting protozoal counts. At 5.5 pH, DK diets showed enhanced (p < 0.05) nutrients degradability compared to control. DK modified (P < 0.05) the fermentation patterns toward more propionate than the control under either pH conditions. Substitution of maize by 50% DK was highly recommended in ruminant diets.

Performance and economics of production of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of sorghum sprout waste meal-based diets

The effect of feeding varying dietary levels of sorghum sprout waste (SS) as substitutes for maize on performance, carcass and blood indices of rabbits was investigated. Thirty growing rabbits of nine weeks of age were allocated to 5 dietary treatments of 6 rabbits per replicate in a Complete Randomized Design experiment which lasted 56 days. The diets were formulated with 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% SS as substitutes weight for weight in place of maize. Results show that daily feed intake, cost per kg feed, cost of feed per kg weight gain, carcass, organs, most serological and haematological indices investigated were significantly (p&lt; 0.05) affected by dietary treatments. The trends obtained in these parameters across the treatments were not definite and not depict adverse effects on the experimental rabbits. The highest (p&lt; 0.05) total protein, albumin, packed cell volume, red blood cells and haemoglobin values were obtained in the experimental rabbits fed 100% SS-based diets. Cost/kg feed reduced (p&lt; 0.05) from N69.07 (€0.32). N63.95 (€0.30), N62.88 (€0.29). N59.77 (€0.28) and N55.11 (€0.25); and cost of feed/ kg live weight from N582.84 (€2.69), N509.04 (€2.35), N445.30 (E2.06), N433.12 (€2.00) and N403.68 (€1.86) respectively for rabbits fed 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% SS. Substitution of maize with 100% SS gave the cheapest cost of production of a kg live weight of rabbits with no deleterious effects on carcass and health depicted by normal serological and haematological values; and could be adopted by rabbits farmers to alleviate the problem of high cost of maize.

Performance and economics of production of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of sorghum sprout waste meal-based diets

The effect of feeding varying dietary levels of sorghum sprout waste (SS) as substitutes for maize on performance, carcass and blood indices of rabbits was investigated. Thirty growing rabbits of nine weeks of age were allocated to 5 dietary treatments of 6 rabbits per replicate in a Complete Randomized Design experiment which lasted 56 days. The diets were formulated with 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% SS as substitutes weight for weight in place of maize. Results show that daily feed intake, cost per kg feed, cost of feed per kg weight gain, carcass, organs, most serological and haematological indices investigated were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by dietary treatments. The trends obtained in these parameters across the treatments were not definite and not depict adverse effects on the experimental rabbits. The highest (p&lt; 0.05) total protein, albumin, packed cell volume, red blood cells and haemoglobin values were obtained in the experimental rabbits fed 100% SS-based diets. Cost/kg feed reduced (p&lt; 0.05) from N69.07 (€0.32), N63.95 (€0.30), N62.88 (€0.29), N59.77 (€0.28) and N55.11 (€0.25) ; and cost of feed/ kg live weight from N582.84 (€2.69), N509.04 (€2.35), N445.30 (€2.06), N433.12 (€2.00) and N403.68 (€1.86) respectively for rabbits fed 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% SS. Substitution of maize with 100% SS gave the cheapest cost of production of a kg live weight of rabbits with no deleterious effects on carcass and health depicted by normal serological and haematological values; and could be adopted by rabbits farmers to alleviate the problem of high cost of maize.