Authors : K. M. Bello and Z. Abdulkarim
Abstract: Twenty cross-breed Weaner rabbits were used to assess the performance of growing rabbits fed cassava root meal as replacement for maize. The cassava root meal was included at 0, 25, 50 and 75% to replace maize in the diets designated as diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The rabbits were randomly allocated to four diets. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period of 42 days. The results showed a non significant treatment effect on all the performance parameters. The daily feed intake (35.132-47.36 g), daily weight gain (7.84-12.56 g) and feed conversion ratio (3.65-4.48) were not influenced by the dietary levels of cassava root meal. The feed cost per kg and feed cost per kg weight gain showed progressive decrease with increase in the CRM inclusion levels. The carcass analysis also showed a non-significant treatment effect on most of the parameters measured except the weight of the legs that was affected. In conclusion, CRM can be included in Weaner rabbit diet as energy source at 50% level of replacement for maize without compromising performance and carcass yield with concomitant reduction in feed cost.
K. M. Bello and Z. Abdulkarim, 2015. Performance of Weaner Rabbits Fed Dietary Levels of Cassava Root Meal. Research Journal of Animal Sciences, 9: 1-3.