Authors : W.A. Olayemi , A.O. OSO , A.M. Bamgbose , O.O. Oduguwa and S.A. Onadeko
Abstract: A ten-weeks feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of inclusion of Maize Milling Waste (MMW) with/without xylanase supplementation on the performance characteristics, nutrient digestibility, haematological traits and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. A total of 48 unsexed, crossbred weaner rabbits were randomly allotted to the experimental diet in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with MMW at graded levels (0, 12, 23 and 35%) and two xylanase levels (0 ppm, 100 ppm). There were eight treatment groups of six rabbits each per treatment group(3 replicate of 2 rabbits per replicate). The final live weight of the rabbit were significantly (p<0.05) affected by MMW inclusion levels and it decreases as inclusion level of MMW increases from T1 to T4 and T3 to T8 respectively. Xylanase inclusion has no effect and hence did not improve the feed intake, final weight or weight gain. Nitrogen retention and crude fibre digestibility were not significantly (p<0.05) affected by the treatment. Ash digestibility significantly (p<0.05) increases as the inclusion level increases. Carcass yield indicated that shrunk weight, empty carcass weight and head were significantly (p<0.05) affected by the treatment imposed. The empty carcass weight reduces with increase in MMW inclusion level from 1165.30 g to as low as 999.30 g T4. The same trend also applies for the xylanase supplemented diets. The haemoglobin, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume and white blood cell were all significantly (p<0.05) affected by the treatment. The result indicated that above 12% MMW inclusion level may have adverse effect (with/without xylanase enzyme supplementation) on rabbit performance and nutrient utilization and may not be a promising energy supplement beyond inclusion level of 12% in a weaner�s diet.
W.A. Olayemi , A.O. OSO , A.M. Bamgbose , O.O. Oduguwa and S.A. Onadeko , 2006. Response of Weaner Rabbits to Xylanase Enzyme Supplemented Maize Milling Waste Based Diets. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 839-843.