Weaner Rabbits Research Articles

SUBSTITUTION VALUE OF A MIXTURE OF RICE MILLING BY-PRODUCTS FOR MAIZE IN DIETS OF WEANER RABBITS

A 12 – week feeding trial involving 64 weaner rabbits in a completely randomized design was carried out to determine the substitution value of a mixture of rice milling by-products (in the ration of 1: 1: 2 respectively for straw, busk, hull, and bran) for maize in the diets of New Zealand white type weaner rabbits at four substitution levels: 0%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Rabbit on the experimental diets recorded higher feed intake of 68.83, 68.11, and 66.97gm respectively for 50%, 75% and 100% as against 52.71gm for 0%. The difference in feed intake between the group on 0% and the group on experimental diets became significant (P < 0.05) at 50% dietary substitution level, but there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference among the group on the experimental diets. Rabbits on 50% substitution level recorded the highest feed intake (68.83gm) while the group on 100% recorded the highest feed conversion ration (15.72). Body weight gain of the groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05). The mixture of rice milling by-products used for this study contained 9.10% crude protein, 30.4% crude fibre, 0.29% calcium, 0.19% phosphorus and 2.01 kcal/kg metabolizable energy levels. The result of this trial suggest that a mixture of rice milling by-products could substitute maize in weaner rabbits diets up to 50% with good result.

PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF RABBITS FED FERMENTED AND UNFERMENTED COCOA POD HUSK

This study was designed to investigate the performance and nutrient digestibility of rabbits fed cocoa pod husk (CPH). Thirty weaner rabbits of about five weeks old were used for the study. They were allotted to five treatment consisting of three replicates of two rabbits each. Diet T, served as the control with 0%CPH, Diet T2 and T3 contained 30% unfermented and fermented CPH respectively. The experiment lasted for ten (10) weeks. The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ration of rabbits fed increasing levels of inclusion of fermented and unfermented CPH in experimental diets. The apparent nutrient digestibility also improved with increasing levels of fermented and unfermented CPH in the diets. However, rabbits performed better on the fermented CPH than the unfermented CPH based diets.

Raw Pigeon seed meal in Weaner Rabbit Diet: Effect of Methionine Supplementation

Effect of graded levels of methionine supplementation on the performance of weaner rabbits fed diets containing raw pigeon pea seed meal were studied in a 42-day feeding trial. Four experimental weaner rabbit diets were formulated such that raw pigeon pea seed meal (RPSM) made up 300.0g kg-1 in each diet. Methionine was respectively supplemented at 0.0, (control diet), 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g kg-1 in the four weaner rabbit diets. These diets and water were offered ad libitum to 3 replicates of 2, six weeks old mixed breed rabbits. The results indicated that the daily weight gains were 2.62, 2.85, 5.23 and 4.64 for rabbits fed 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5g kg-1 methionine supplemented diets respectively. Feed intake of rabbits fed 7.55 kg-1 methionine supplemented diets was significantly (P<0.05) lower than other treatment groups except the control. Rabbits fed 0.0 and 2.5 g kg-1 methionine supplemented diets recorded significantly (p<0.05) poorer feed conversion ratio than rabbits fed 5.0 and 7.55 kg-1 methionine supplemented diets. The feed cost per kg weight gains were ₦363.58, ₦351.49, ₦197.64, ₦204.38 for rabbits fed 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g kg-1 methionine supplemented diets respectively. It would appear that weaner rabbits performed best on 300.0g kg-1 raw pigeon pea seed meal diet when supplemented with methionine at 5.0g kg-1 diet.

Carcass and organ weight changes of weaner rabbits fed varying inclusion levels of dehulled African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) soaked in wood ash solution

A total of thirty weaner rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments of six rabbits each in a completely randomized design to investigate the carcass yield and organ weight changes of weaner rabbits fed diets containing alkaline-soaked dehulled African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) at 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels of inclusion. The rabbits were fed ad libitum for 56 days. The carcass yield showed that live weight, head, fore limbs, hind limbs, breast, back neck, pelt, tail and eviscerated weights were significantly affected (P0.05) difference in weights of liver, gall bladder and spleen across the dietary treatments. Results showed that rabbits on T1 had the highest value of live weight (586.5g), fore limb (13.10%), hind limb (14.50%) and neck (1.02%) while the lowest value of fore limb and hind limb was recorded for rabbits on T5 (6.26). Rabbits on T4 had the highest value of pelt (8.57%), tail (0.50%) and chest (8.82%). The lowest value was recorded for rabbits on T5 (5.36%), T2 (0.38%) and T1 (6.14) respectively. Rabbits on T1 had the lowest value of heart (0.05%), lungs(0.05%) whole intestine (2.50%) and caecum (2.16%) while the highest value of heart (0.46%), whole intestine (18.81%) and caecum (5.46%) was recorded for rabbits on T4 with rabbits on T5 having the highest value of lungs (0.51%). It can be concluded that dehulled AYB soaked in alkaline medium can be fed to weaner rabbits at 5% level of inclusion promoted good carcass yield and without having adverse effects on the internal organs. However, further processing methods needs to be adopted to improve the feeding quality of legume seeds.

Performance characteristics and cost benefit of feeding weaner rabbits cashew nut residue based diets

A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the performance characteristics and cost benefit of feeding weaner rabbits cashew nut residue (CNR) based diets. Three dietary treatments containing: 0.10 and 20% CNR at the expense of maize on a weight for weight basis were used. Eighteen weaner rabbits (mixed breeds and sexes) were randomly divided into three groups of six rabbits each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. But rabbits fed 10% CNR based diet had the highest values for average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake while rabbits fed the control diet (0% CNR) had the least value for feed conversion ratio. No mortality was recorded for all the dietary treatments. The feed cost/kg diet (₦), feed cost/kg live weight gain (₦/kg) and cost of feed consumed/day (₦) decreased steadily with increasing level of cashew nut residue meal. The saving on feed cost (%) was not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments, but increased across the groups. However, the saving on feed to produce 1kg live weight was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the CNR based diets. Rabbits fed 10% CNR based diet had the highest value of 9.66% than their counterparts fed other diets. It is concluded that cashew nut residue could be incorporated into rabbit diet at 10% without compromising the performance

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<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< 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< 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.

Performance of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of sun-dried sweet potato tuber meal (Ipomea batatas) diets

Forty weaned rabbits (8 weeks old) of mixed sexes and breed, with an average initial live-weight of 680g, were used in a nine-week feeding trial to evaluate their performance on diets in which sun-dried sweet potatoe tuber meal (Ipomoea batatas) was included at the rate of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels in a CP Isonitrogenous diets. Performance parameters showed that feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio were not significantly different between treatments. Values obtained were poorer for the sweet potato based diets compared to the control. No mortality was recorded during the experiment. Carcass and oragn weights expressed as percentage of live-weight showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across the treatments. It was concluded that sweet potato meal can be included up to 40% level in diets of young rabbits.

The effect of feeding graded levels of raw pigeon pea seed (Cajanus cajan) meal on the performance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits

An 8-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of raw pigeonpea seed (Cajanus cajan) meal (PSM) on the performance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits 24 rabbits of initial average liveweight of 600-700g in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 (control) was maize soybean meal based with 0% PSM. Treatnents 2, 3 and 4 had 10, 20 and 30% PSM, respectively replacing part of maize and soybean in the diets. Results showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the rabbits fed the raw and control diets in all the performance measurements considered. The diet of 30% PSM significantly reduced (P<0.05) feed cost of weight gain and significantly improved (P<0.05) dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility more than other diets. It was concluded that raw PSM could be included up to 30%, replacing 28.57 and 71.43% of maize and soybean meal, respectively in the rabbits diets without any adverse effect on performance.

The Effect Of Replacing Maize With Cassava Peel Meal On The Performance Of Weaned Rabbits

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal replacement level(s) of dried cassava peel meal (DCPM) for maize in diets for weaner rabbits. Four experimental diets were formulated such that dried cassava peel meal replaced maize at 0, 50%, 75% and 100% levels, respectively. Each diet was fed to five replicates of 3 weaner rabbits of mongrel type (Newzealand White and Flemish Giant). Fecal collections were done as from the 10th day of the feeding trial for determination of dry matter digestibility. Dried cassava peel meal significantly (P<0.05) depressed feed intake of the rabbits at 100% replacement level. At both 75% and 100% replacement levels, DCPM also significantly (P<0.05) depressed body weight gain of the rabbits. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatments but dry matter digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) depressed by DCPM at the three levels. Feed cost savings in percent were 8.25, 18.65 and 32.72, respectively for the three levels of replacement.

Performance of grower rabbits fed Gmelina arborea leaf meal

Forty five weaner rabbits, aged four weeks of mixed sexes were used to investigate the performance of rabbits fed Gmelina arborea leaf meal (GALM) at 0,10,20,30 and 40% inclusion level. Increasing the level of GALM had no significant effect (P>0.05) on feed intake, weight gain and feed to gain ratio. There was also no treatment effect on nitrogen intake (P>0.05). Furthermore, increasing the dietary level of GALM in the diet also had no significant effect (P>0.05) on faecal nitrogen, nitrogen retained and nitrogen digestibility. However, the cost of feed declined with the corresponding increase in the GALM dietary level. The result shows that Gmelina arborea leaf meal could be fed to grower rabbits up to 40% inclusion level without any adverse effect.

Utilization of rumen filtrate fermented corn-cobs by weaner rabbits

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of rumen-filtrate fermented corn cob (RFFCC) for weaner rabbits. Twenty-five rabbits were divided groups. Each group was further divided into five replicates, housed in individual rabbit hutches. RFFCC was incorporated in the diets at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement for yellow maize. Feed intake increase progressively (P<0.05) with increased dietary level of RFFCC. Feed intake and average daily weight gain exhibited an inverse relationship. Feed: Gain ratio value increased with increasing dietary level of RFFCC, an indication of progressive decline in the efficiency of feed utilization Feed: Gain ratio was however not affected up till 25% RFFCC inclusion level (i.e 50% replacement of dietary maize). The result of the experiment showed that RFFCC posses some potential as a feed resource for the rabbit. It was concluded that RFFCC should not constitute more than 25% of total diet as this will result in impairment of performance.

Performance characteristics of weaner rabbits on cassava peel-based balanced diets

An eight-week trial was conducted to determine the optimum level of substitution of dried cassava peel meal (DCPM) for maize in rabbit diets balanced for varying energy, nitrogen and fibre contents. Six experimental diets were compounded such that DCPM replaced maize at 0%, 50%, 62.5%, 75%, 87.5% and 100% levels. Each diet was fed to five replicates of a weaner rabbit, averaging 0.49kg initial body weight. Water and feed were provided ad libitum throughout the 8 week period and their intake as well as faecal output were measured daily. Body weight gain and efficiency of feed conversion were determined weekly. No significant effects of replacement of maize in the control diet with graded levels of DCPM were observed on final body weight (FW), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed cost per unit weight gain (FC/WG). However, there were significant effects of dietary treatments on daily faecal output (DFO) (P<0.05) and daily feed (DFC) and daily water (DWC) consumption (P<0.01). The results of this study demonstrate that DCPM could replace 100% of dietary maize without adverse effects on rate, efficiency and economy of weight gain. Savings in feed cost were also achieved as a result of the use of DCPM and these ranged from 13.2 to 18.7%.

Nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass, and bio-marker traits of weaner rabbits fed diets containing graded levels of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hull meal

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the dietary effects of cowpea hull (CPH) meal on nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass, and biomarker traits of weaner rabbits. Sixteen 6-wk-old hybrids (Chinchilla × New Zealand white) rabbits with an average weight of 760 g were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in four replications of one rabbit each. The dietary treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with cowpea hull at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels, represented as CPH0, CPH10, CPH20, and CPH30. Rabbits fed CPH0 and CPH10 had higher (P < 0.05). It was concluded that up to 10% cowpea hull inclusion did not impair the nutrient digestibility and growth performance of rabbits, but improved their health status and reduced the cost of production.

Exploitation of unconventional protein sources in the feed of weaner rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus Linn.)

An experiment was conducted to explore the use of some leguminous shrubs, commonly accepted as protein sources for feeding ruminants but rarely considered as feed for micro livestock animals such as rabbits. Thirty two weaner rabbits of heterogeneous population, aged 4 weeks and balanced for sex, were randomly allotted to four experimental diets, in a completely randomized design, containing Moringa oleifera, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, with Centrosema pubescens serving as control. Total feed on offer was done at 4% body weight with concentrate supplementation at 25% of the total feed while forages were fed fresh. Results indicated that the crude protein content of the forages ranged from 21.64 g/100g DM to 26.88 g/100g DM in Centrosema pubescens and Moringa oleifera, respectively. Similarly, the crude fibre contents of the forage ranged from 14.47 g/100g DM to 21.89 g/100g DM Centrosema pubescens and Moringa oleifera, respectively. Although rabbits on Centrosema pubescens had the least weight (P&lt;0.05) throughout the experiment, yet they recorded the highest total feed intake (P&lt;0.05) of 6.348 kg, while the least feed intake was recorded for rabbits on Gliricidia sepium (5.48 kg). Rabbits on Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala gave the best (P &lt; 0.05) daily weight gain of 10.52 and 10.38g/d respectively, followed by those on Gliricidia sepium (10.05g/d) and least for rabbits on Centrosema pubescens (9.90g/d). The feed conversion ratios of rabbits on the forages were similar (P&gt;0.05) except for rabbits on Centrosema pubescens (P&gt;0.05). Nitrogen intakes of the rabbits from the different forage sources were similar (P&gt;0.05) but the nitrogen utilization differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) with rabbits on Leuceana leucocephala recording the highest value (78.52%), closely followed by rabbits on Moringa oleifera (76.46%) but the nitrogen utilization of rabbits on Gliricidia sepium and Centrosema pubescens are similar (66.23% and 66.11%, respectively). It can therefore be concluded that the unconventional forage shrubs hold potential as alternative feed sources for grower rabbits and Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala can conveniently replace Centrosema pubescens in the feeding of rabbits especially where the latter is depleted in stock.

Haematology and serum profile of rabbits due to generation interval, housing systems and sex

A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were use for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These fortyeight weaner rabbits were further divided into three replicates of four males (12) and four females each (12) housed in cage (24) and deep litter system (24).This experiment was carried out for two generations to determine the effect of generation interval, housing systems and sex on the haematological and serum profile of rabbits. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance test in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. The study showed that Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) were not significant in both generations while higher significant(p&lt;0.05) values of albumin were observed in first generation and white blood cells (WBC), globulin, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were significantly higher in the second generation. Sex had no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect on most of the biochemical parameters studied except for RBC and glucose which had 4.12 x1012/L and 69.23 mg/dl, for males and 3. 8 x1012/L and 78.78mg/dl for females, respectively in the second generation. In addition, the AST and ALT values were also higher in the females than in the males in the first generation but with no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference. Housing system result showed that WBC (6.29 x109/L) and glucose (78.35 mg/dl) of rabbits were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in the cage and deep litter system, respectively in the first generation while total serum protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in rabbits housed in the deep litter system in the second generation. Higher values were recorded for AST and ALT in the deep litter system than the cage system in both generations except that the values of ALT were within the same range for both housing systems in the second generation. This study clearly indicated that both housing systems support rabbit production without any negative influence on the immune status of the rabbit.

Effect of graded levels of raw bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on nutrient intake, digestibility and utilization by rabbits

The effect of graded levels of raw bambara nut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on nutrient intake, digestibility and utilization by weaner rabbits was investigated. Four diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20 and 30% raw bambara nut waste (RBW). Twenty-four hybrid (Chinchilla x New Zealand white) weaner rabbits weighing 790-880g at six weeks were randomly divided into four groups of6 rabbits each. The groups were randomly assigned to the four diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 56 days. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with two rabbits per replicate. Results showed that significant differences (P&lt;0.05) existed among treatments in final body weight (FBW), average daily weight gain (4DWG) and intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE) and digestible energy (DE). There were also significant differences (P&lt;0.05) among treatments in digestibility coefficients of DM, CP crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE), Rabbits fed 20 and 30% RBW diets had significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower FBW and ADGW, and lower (P&lt;0.05) intake of DM, CP GE and DE than rabbits fed the control diet. Rabbits fed 20 and 30% RBW diets also had significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower digestibility coefficients of DM, CP CF, EE and NFE Results showed that nutrient intake, weight gain and digestibility coefficients were depressed. Mortality was observed at 20 and 30% RBW levels. Although there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among treatments in relative organ weights and in carcass dressing percentage, the kidney of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets had mild degeneration necrosis and dilatation of the tubules. Bile duct dilatation, hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelia cells. fibrosis and thickening of the interlobular septa were observed in the liver of rabbits fed 30% RBW diets. The depression in nutrient intake, and weight gain, and the observed histopathological changes at 20 and 30% RBW levels could be due to ant nutritional factors present in the raw bambara nut waste or done to high fibre levels of RBW The results indicate that up to 10% RBH can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits without serious deleterious effects on rabbits

Growth response and apparent nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits fed with diets containing bamboo leaf meal

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth response and apparent nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits fed with diets containing bamboo leaf meal (BLM). Eighty weaner rabbits were allotted into four dietary treatment groups of twenty rabbits each. The dietary treatment groups consisted of four rations containing 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% BLM respectively. Rabbits fed diet containing 10% BLM had the highest (P&lt;0.05) final live weight, weight gain and apparent ether extract digestibility. Lowest (P&lt;0.05) final live weight, weight gain, apparent crude protein and ash digestibility were noticed with rabbits fed with diets containing 20% or 30% BLM. Rabbits fed with diet containing 30% BLM recorded the highest (P&lt;0.05) feed intake and lowest (P&lt;0.05) NDF digestibility. It was concluded that inclusion of 10% BLM in diets for weaner rabbits supported improved growth and nutrient digestibility.

Effect of fibre and digestible energy levels on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation of growing rabbits

A seventy-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary fibre and digestible energy (DE) level on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation of growing rabbits. The experiment was laid out in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of 3 levels of fibre (low (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF), optimum (349 – 381 g/kg NDF, 188 - 193 g/kg ADF) and high (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF)) and 3 levels of DE (low (8 – 8.5 MJ/kg), optimum (10.5 – 11 MJ/kg) and high (12 – 12.30 MJ/kg)). A total of one hundred and thirty five weaner rabbits were allotted to 9 dietary groups of 15 rabbits each. Main effect of fibre showed that the final live weight and weight gain of rabbits increased (P &lt; 0.01) while Ca retention reduced (P &lt; 0.001) with increasing dietary fibre level. Rabbits fed (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF), had the worst (P &lt; 0.05) feed to gain ratio. Rabbits fed (349 – 381 g/kg NDF, 188 - 193 g/kg ADF) had the highest apparent dry matter (P &lt; 0.05), ether extract (P &lt; 0.05), NDF (P &lt; 0.001), ADF (P &lt; 0.001) and organic matter digestibility (P &lt; 0.001). Main effect of DE showed that rabbits fed high DE recorded the highest (P &lt; 0.05) weight gain. Highest (P &lt; 0.01) apparent dry matter, crude protein, ash, NDF, ADF, organic matter digestibility and Ca retention were recorded with rabbits fed optimum DE diet. Rabbits(445.70g/kgNDF, 252.10g/kgADF and 8.01MJ/Kg) recorded the highest (P &lt; 0.001) final live weight, weight gain and feed intake (P&lt;0.05) while rabbits fed (249 g/kg NDF, 149 g/kg ADF and 8.17MJ/Kg) had the least (P &lt; 0.001) final live weight, weight gain, apparent dry matter digestibility, NDF and ADF digestibility. Highest (P&lt;0.001) NDF digestibility was obtained with rabbits fed (370.79 g/kg NDF, 189.61 g/kg ADF and 10.84MJ/kg). Not withstanding the DE level of the diets, rabbits fed with (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF) recorded the highest (P&lt;0.05) total VFA and acetic acid concentration. Rabbits fed (445.7g/KgNDF, 250.09g/KgADF and 10.52MJ/kg) recorded the best growth performance, improved caecal fermentation with no adverse effect on apparent nutrient digestibility.

Energy partitioning for growth by rabbits fed groundnut and stylo santhes forages supplemented with concentrate

Forty eight crossbred (California X New Zealand White) rabbits were used to evaluate energy partitioning of rabbits fed forages supplemented with concentrate. The rabbits were randomly allocated to three treatments consisting of sole Stylosanthes hamata (stylo),sole Arachis hypogea (groundnut) haulms and 50:50 mixture of both forages (mixed), and four class groups: weaners, 6-8 weeks old (0.79kg), growers, 11-12 weeks old (1.15kg), pubertal, 15-16 weeks old (1.36kg) and adult, &gt;16 weeks old (1.55kg) in a completely randomized design (3 x 4 factorial experiment). The rabbits were individually housed and offered 150g forage and 50g concentrate diet in separate feeders at 08.00hr. Feeding sole or mixed forages did not significantly affect daily gain or body composition of rabbits. DE intake, DE retention as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for maintenance, protein synthesis, fat synthesis and for growth were similar for sole and mixed forages. Efficiency of utilization of DE for growth was significantly higher for mixed forage than sole stylo and ranged between 0.41-0.43. DE intake was similar for all classes of rabbits. Weaners had significantly higher retained energy as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for protein and fat synthesis and for growth and efficiency of DE utilization for growth than growing, pubertal and adult rabbits. Efficiency of DE utilization for growth ranged between 0.39-0.47. Retained energy as protein, fat and for growth were similar for weaner and grower rabbits on mixed forage but higher than for pubertal and adult rabbits. For sole stylo, weaner rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower, pubertal and adult rabbits while for sole groundnut haulms, weaner and pubertal rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower and adult rabbits. DE utilization was better for mixed than stylo. It is concluded that feeding a mixture of groundnut and stylo forages slightly increased gain and improved efficiency of DE utilization resulting in better performance of the rabbits.

Effect of fibre and digestible energy levels on retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of growing rabbits

The retail cuts, gut characteristics and morphology of rabbits fed with varying dietary fibre and digestible energy (DE) levels were measured in a 70-d feeding trial using 135 weaner rabbits. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments having 3 levels of dietary fibre (low, optimum and high) and 3 levels of DE (low, optimum and high). The rabbits were allotted to 9 dietary groups consisting of 15 rabbits each. Main effect of fibre and DE showed that dressing out percentage (P &lt; 0.05), chilled carcass weight (P &lt; 0.05) and reference carcass weight (P &lt; 0.01) increased with increasing inclusion levels of fibre. Rabbits fed with (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF) had the highest (P &lt; 0.05) weights of thoracic cage, loins, hind part, small intestine, empty caecum and highest (P &lt; 0.05) villus height in the duodenum and jejunum. Rabbits fed (10.5 – 11 MJ/kg) diets had the least (P &lt; 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. Interaction effect of fibre and DE showed that rabbit fed (445.70g/kgNDF, 252.10g/kgADF and 8.01MJ/Kg) diet recorded the highest (P &lt; 0.05) chilled carcass weight. Rabbit fed with low fibre (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF) diets not withstanding the level of DE had low (P &lt; 0.05) chilled and reference carcass weight. The villus height of the duodenum and crypt depth of the jejunum increased (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing level of dietary fibre irrespective of the level of digestible energy. In conclusion, feeding of (440.41 g/kg NDF, 250.09 g/kg ADF, 10.52MJ/kg) diets to rabbits favoured improved retail cuts, gut characteristics and gut morphology.