Authors : A.H. Akinmutimi, N. Amaechi and M. Unogu
Abstract: The evaluation of substitution of African yam bean for soybean meal in weaner rabbits diet was carried out. Four experimental diets were formulated and designated T1, T2, T3 and T4. Diet 1 (soybean based) served as control while diets 2, 3 and 4 had African yam bean substituting for soybean meal at 32.26, 64.52 and 96.77%, respectively. A total of 24 weaner rabbits of different sexes and breeds were assigned to those diets in a completely randomized design. The trial consisted of six rabbits per treatment, replicated thrice, with each replicate having 2 rabbits. The trial lasted for 56 days. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, organ weights and serum chemistry while feed-to-gain ratio and economics of diet were calculated. The result showed that the feed intake of the control diet differed significantly from those of diets 3 and 4. Weight gain per rabbit per day for diets 1, 2 and 3 was statistically similar, but differed significantly (p<0.05) from diet 4. The feed-to-gain ratio followed similar pattern. For mean weight of organs, there was significant (p<0.05) difference for liver and heart values only. The liver values followed similar pattern with weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio. Serum chemistry showed significant (p<0.05) difference only for globulin values. The globulin values also followed similar pattern like the liver. Economics of diet showed that the gross margin favoured diets 2 and 3. Judging from growth performance especially non-significant feed-to-gain ratio for diet 1, 2 and 3, statistically similar organ weight for 1, 2 and 3, good serum chemistry and better performance of diet 2 and 3 as touching of the economics of the diets. Diet 3 (10% raw African yam bean meal) is recommended for weaner rabbits diet.
Akinmutimi, A.H. , N. Amaechi and M. Unogu , 2006. Evaluation of Raw African Yam Bean Meal as Substitute for Soya Bean Meal in the Diet of Weaner Rabbits. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 907-911.