Authors : L.J. Isaac , I.P. Solomon , J.S. Ekpo and M.M. Owoh
Abstract: Sixteen weaner rabbits were used in a 60 day feeding trial to assess the nutritional potential of some forages in promoting growth. The experimental diets were Centrosema, Calapogonium. Aspillia and Tridax designated as treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Fifty gram of the forages was fed along with 50 g of commercial poultry growers mash per animal per day. Each trial was replicated four times. Data collected were subject to analysis of variance. Results showed that feed intake (g) was significantly (p< 0.05) affected by forage type with Tridax (1115.54) being better than Aspillia (618.75), Calapogonium (595. 54) and Centrosema (479.02). Tridax (97.14g), supported weight gain better (p< 0.05) than Calapogonium (73.66 g), Centrosema (66.47 g) and Aspillia (49.25 g). Treatment did not significantly (p>0.05) affect feed conversion efficiency. Apparently Tridax exhibited greater potential in promoting growth of weaner rabbits.
L.J. Isaac , I.P. Solomon , J.S. Ekpo and M.M. Owoh , 2008. Nutritional Potential of Some Selected Forages for Rabbits . Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 145-147.