Growth performance and blood profile of weaner rabbits fed different legume haulms supplemented with concentrate (original) (raw)
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Comparative Responses of Weaner Rabbits to Concentrate Diets Supplemented with Different Forages
An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different forages on performance of rabbits fed concentrates diets. Three different forages i.e cashew leaves, cassia leaves and digitaria leaves were fed to rabbits with control diets which contain concentrate only. The forages were supplemented at the morning and afternoon (100g) each. Forty eight rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were randomly allotted to four experimental diets. There are twelve rabbits per treatment replicated six times (two rabbits per replication) in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed that daily feed intake (74.37-84.88g), daily weight gain (16.37-24.05g) and feed conversion ratio (3.29-5.30) were affected by the different types of forages (P<0.05). Live weight (978.64-1190.40g), dressed weight (42.95-53.22%) and ceacum weight (2.15-3.09%) were affected by the different types of forages (P<0.05). The blood parameters affected by the different types of forages include white blood cells (8.00-8.55%), blood platelets (33.15-53.70%), ASAT (32.00-35.00) and ALAT (32.00-35.00) (P<0.05). Considering the results of this study the different forages influence the performance of rabbits, however Digitaria spp has better performance characteristics compared to other forages and concentrate based diet. Introduction The acute shortage of animal protein in developing countries like Nigeria is quite alarming. Daily intake of 35g recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 1992) has not been met. The level of consumption of animal protein in Nigeria is estimated at 8g per day which is about 27g less than the minimum requirement by World health organization (Obioha, 1992). The rapid increase in the cost of animal protein source has now put it out of the reach of most Nigerians (Maidala and Istifanus, 2012).There is therefore, an urgent need to increase livestock production in the country especially those that are highly prolific with rapid turnover rate at very low cost. This brings the rabbit (Oryctolagus cunniculus) into focus, as it forms a very important aspect of livelihood for socio economic reasons. Rabbit production has been noted to be one of the best means of alleviating the prevailing low animal protein consumption in developing countries due to certain characteristic of rabbits and rabbit meat (Taiwo et al., 2005; Maidala and Istifanus, 2012). The rabbits thrive on wide range of fresh or preserved grasses, shrubs and leaves (Carew et al., 1989; Bamgbose et al., 2004). The rabbit is also a very efficient converter of feed to animal protein and the meat is very nutritious, easily digested, extremely low in cholesterol and sodium and contains more protein and less fat, when compared to various other meats. The production of animals like rabbits, with very short gestation periods and production cycles, can be a solution to the problem of protein shortage. The advantages projected include
Rabbit, a non-ruminant animal with high reproductive potential and space requirement, is preferred by rural households for poverty alleviation and improved nutrition. Yet, much attention has not been given to luxuriant soil tolerant forages in rabbit production especially in small holder areas despite their nutritional value and potential in feeding rabbits. Therefore, twenty (20) cross bred weaner rabbits aged between 5-6 weeks with an initial weight ranging between 459.00g and 512.50g were used to investigate the performance and nutrient digestibility of rabbits fed diets containing mixture of grasses, legumes and concentrate. They were randomly assigned to five treatment diet with two replicates of two (2) rabbits per pen in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted eight weeks. Five experimental diet were selected, Diet T 1 was Panicum maximum supplemented with grower mash, Diet T 2 contained Andropogon gayanus supplemented with grower mash, Diet T 3 constitute Calopogonium mucunoides with grower mash, Diet T 4 include centrosema pubescens and grower mash while Diet T 5 was the control experiment containing concentrate feed without any forages. The types of forages used in this study have effect on the nutrient intake of rabbits, dry matter and ash digestibilities. It was observed that final weight gain and daily feed intake are significantly (P<0.05) affected by experimental diets. For all the parameters considered, Treatment 4 (T4) had the highest value for final weight (1423.00g), average weight gain (925.50g) and daily weight gain (16.52), followed in rank was T 3 and T 5 rabbit respectively. Average weight gain (804.50g) of T 3 rabbits and T 5 (756.50) were not significantly different (P>.0.05). The lowest final weight and average weight gain of 1047.50g and 547.50g was observed in T 2 (rabbits fed Andropogon gayanus). The best feed efficiency was observed for T 4 (2.58). It can be concluded that incorporation of legumes like centrosema pubescens and grass like Panicum maximum is a good combination as a substitute for concentrated diet in rabbit feeding without any adverse result. The duo hiltherto are recommended in feeding regime for sustainable rabbit production.
Sixteen Crossbred Weaner rabbits aged eight weeks made up of 8 males and 8 females with initial average weight of 650 ± 21.76 g were subjected to four dietary treatments namely Panicum maximum plus Poultry growers mash (T 1), Centrosema pubescens plus Poultry growers mash (T 2) Sida acuta plus Poultry growers mash (T 3) and Poultry growers mash alone (T 4) which served as Control. The experiment, which las ed for nine weeks, was aimed at comparing the performance of the rabbits fed different forages. The results indicated that there was no significant (P > 0 05) difference in weight gain among the treatment groups. However the group fed Centrosema pubescens recorded the highest numerical weight gain compared with the other groups. Total feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the rabbits fed Panicum maximum, Centrosema pubescens and Sida acuta were similar but significant y (P > 0 01) higher than for rabbits fed poultry growers mash alone. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the total feed intake, total dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio and cost of feed per kg live weight gain among rabbits fed different forages. In conclusion, the results of the experiment indicated that all the orages could be used for the feeding of rabbits and that a better performance will be obtained i forages are supplemented with poultry growers mash. t. l. f f
Feed Evaluation and Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Different Forages
2016
The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of five diets containing different forages on the feed intake and growth performance of rabbits. Complete randomized design (CRD) was used for this study. Seventy five weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were randomly divided into five diet groups (I-V) of fifteen rabbits per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with five animals per replicate. Diet I serve as control while diet II to V contains forages at 25 % level of inclusion (diets were formulated at 18 % crude protein. There were significant difference (P<0.05), in daily weight gain, total weight gain, final weight gain, daily feed intake, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio The result of the proximate composition showed that the different forages are good sources of protein, fibre, fat, minerals, vitamin A, and carbohydrate. It was futher infer that, rabbits fed Moringa oleifera Lactuca sativa and Adansonia digitata based diets had the highest daily intake of feed while the least was with Amaranthus hybridus based diet. Rabbits fed Moringa oleifera, Daucus carota and Lactuca sativa based diets had the highest weight gain while Adansonia digitata based diet had the least. The rabbits fed Moringa oleifera and Daucus carota based diets had bighest final body weight while rabbits fed Adansonia digitata based diet had the least. The results revealed highest feed conversion ratio for rabbits fed Daucus carota based diet. It is recommended that rabbit ration should be formulated using Moringa oleifera and Daucus carota leaves.
Rabbit responses to pigeon pea (PP), cowpea (CoP) and soybean (SB) as sole sources of protein for growing rabbits were determined. Flemish Giant (FG), California Black (CB) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were fed soybean (Glycine max), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as protein sources in the ration. Eighteen rabbits weaned at six weeks of age were used for each breed (a total of 54 rabbits) out of which six of them were assigned to Ration 1 (containing 31.6% soybean), six rabbits to ration 2 (containing 72% cowpea) and the last six to Ration 3 (containing 70.18% pigeon pea). The rabbits were randomly assigned to fifty four cages in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. The three legume grains were roasted before rations were compounded. Raw Legume Grains (RaLG), Roasted Legume Grains (RoLG) and the three Rations (1, 2 and 3) were analysed for tannin content (TC). TC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CoP and Ration 3. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (p<0.05) higher for FG. Rabbits fed SB based ration had significantly (p<0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits fed either CoP or PP based rations. Rabbits offered PP based ration demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits consuming the CoP based ration. Dressing-out percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher for the FG than for either NZW or CB. The study revealed that SB and FG were superior legume and breed, respectively. The study also showed that PP could successfully replace SB in rabbit rations without adversely affecting the performance of rabbits.
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 5, 2012
Rabbit responses to Pigeon pea (PP), Cowpea (CoP) and Soybean (SB) as sources of protein for growing rabbits were determined. Flemish Giant (FG), California Black (CB) and New Zealand White (NZW)) were fed Soybean (Glycine max), Pigeon pea (Cajunus cajan) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as protein sources in the ration. Eighteen rabbits weaned at six weeks of age were used for each breed (a total of 54 rabbits) out of which six of them were assigned to Ration 1 (containing 31.6 % sSoybean), six rabbits to ration 2 (containing 72 % Cowpea) and the last six to Ration 3 (containing 70.18 % Pigeon pea). The rabbits were randomly assigned to fifty four cages in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment. The three legume grains were roasted before rations were compounded. Raw Legume Grains (RaLG), Roasted Legume Grains(RoLG) and the three Rations (1, 2 and 3) were analyzed for tannin content (TC). TC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CoP and Ration 3. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (p<0.05) higher for FG. Rabbits fed SB based ration had significantly (p<0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits fed either CoP or PP based rations. Rabbits offered PP based ration demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher growth rate than rabbits consuming the CoP based ration. Dressing-out percentage was
African Journal of …, 2010
Thirty-five (35) grower crossbred rabbits were randomly allocated to seven combinations of concentrate, grass and legume in proportions of 50 g:60 g:40 g in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: (1) rabbit meal, Rhodes grass and groundnut haulms (RRG), (2) rabbit meal, Rhodes grass and sweet potato vines (RRP), (3) rabbit meal, Rhodes grass and soybean forage (RRS), (4) Soybean cheese waste meal, Rhodes grass and groundnut haulms (SRG), (5) Soybean cheese waste meal, Rhodes grass and sweet potato vines (SRP), (6) Soybean cheese waste meal, Rhodes grass and soybean forage (SRS) and (7) rabbit meal and Rhodes grass (RR) constituted the control. The control consisted 100 g rabbit meal and 100 g Rhodes grass, which was the normal feeding regime. Diet had a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed intake of grower rabbits. Rabbits on RRS had lower feed intake compared with the other groups. There were non-significant (P>0.05) differences in daily weight gain for all the treatments. Feed cost/kg gain was, however, higher for rabbits fed RRP combination compared with the other treatments. Dry matter digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in SRP, SRS and SRG and lowest in RRP. Crude protein digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in RR, RRS and SRS than RRP, while nitrogen free extract digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher for SRG, SRP than the control (RR) and RRS. Crude fibre and ether extract digestibility were similar for all the treatment groups. The combination of concentrate, grass and legume shows promise in the reduction in the cost of production of grower rabbits.
1991
Thirty-six crossbred growing rabbits were used to evaluate performance of rabbits on sole and mixed forage meals in a 3 x 2 factorial experiment consisting three treatments made of Arachis hypogea (groundnut, GFM), Lablab purpureus (lablab, LFM) forage meals and 50:50 mixture of both forage meals (GLFM), and two sex groups (males and females) in a completely randomized design. Both forages were harvested, chopped and milled before inclusion at 50% rate into the concentrate diet to make complete diets and offered at 125 g/rabbit/day in earthen feeders in the morning at 08.00 hr. Results obtained indicated that forage type did not affect final weight of rabbits. Feed intake and weight gain respectively were similar for GFM (75.26 ± 4.18, 6.02 ± 1.18 g/day), LFM (78.91 ± 3.50, 7.86 ± 0.99 g/day) and GLFM (74.35 ± 3.54, 7.53 ± 1.00 g/day). Feed cost and feed cost/kg gain were also similar for all the forage types. Male and female rabbits had similar final weight, feed intake, weight gai...
Egyptian Journal of Nutrition and Feeds, 2018
total of seventy APRI rabbits were chosen after weaned at 5 weeks of age and randomly divided into 5 similar groups (14 rabbits/group) according to their initial live body weight (656.96±2.67g), to evaluate the utilization of dried green bean vines (GBV) in feeding growing rabbits and its effect on growth performance, nutrients digestibilities, carcass traits, some blood parameters, cecum activity as well as economic efficiency. Rabbits were fed ad-libitum on diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% dried GBV for groups D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, respectively. The five diets were formulated according to the Agriculture Ministry Decree Recommendation (1996). At the end of the experimental period (15 weeks of age), digestibility trials were carried out to determine the digestibility and the feeding values of the experimental diets. In addition, four rabbits were slaughtered from each group to test the carcass traits, some blood parameters and cecum activity. The experimental diets were fed to growing rabbits for 10 weeks post-weaning period. Results revealed that the dried GBV contained 2243 kcal digestible energy/kg, 12.70% crude protein, 21.59% crude fiber, 1.60% ether extract, 15.77% ash, 2.05% calcium 0.18% phosphorus and amino acids such as 1.02% aspartic acid, 0.90% glutamic acid, 0.12% methionine and 0.40% lysine (as fed). Final body weights (at 15 weeks of age) were insignificant higher with tested diets (D2, D3 and D4) and significant lower with tested diets (D5), compared with control one (D1). The same trend among the experimental diets was observed with the total weight gain over 5-15 weeks. Total feed intake during the whole experimental period was significant lower with D5, compared to that of D2, D3, D4 and control diet (D1). Feed conversion was insignificant better with diets contained 10 up to 30% dried GBV than that of control one, while the diet contained the highest level of dried GBV (D5) was achieved significantly the worst one in comparison of control diet, over the whole experimental period. In comparison with control diet, most nutrients digestibilities of most tested diets did not affected significantly. Diets involved up to 30% dried GBV had achieved the best results in respect of pre-slaughter weight and empty carcass weight as well as dressing percentage in comparison with control and the other tested diets (D4 and D5). Level of 10, 20 and 30% dried GBV recorded insignificantly higher values of CP and ash contents and the lowest content of EE of rabbit meat compared to the control and D5 groups. Dried GBV had slightly changes on blood constituents of experimental rabbits. Insignificantly higher concentrations of TVFA´s were observed in the cecum contents of rabbits fed on the different levels of dried GBV compared to the control group. Inversely pH of cecum content and ammonia-N concentrations were insignificantly decreased compared with control diet. While cecum weight had significantly the highest value in D5 diet. Profitability and economic efficiency were markedly improved with dried GBV up to 30% compared to control diet. In conclusion dried GBV could be used in feeding of growing rabbits up to 30% with no adverse effect on productive performance, carcass traits, physiological functions and economic efficiency.
2014
A total of 45 unsexed weaned Alexandria rabbits line (a paternal rabbit line), at four weeks of age (with an average initial weight 513 gm) were randomly distributed into three groups (15 each). First group (G1) was fed the basal diet (control). The other groups were fed the control diet supplemented with 300 and 400 gm digestarom ® / ton feed. The experimental period extended for five weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation with digestarom showed the highest live body weight, body weight gain, digestion coefficients, and caecal activity. Treatment with digestarom also improved meat composition, carcass, dressing, liver and caecum percentages. The improvements of feed conversion ratio and mortality rate with digestarom ® groups were also found. The experimental additives significantly increased hemoglobin, red blood cells count, serum phosphorus, insulin, T3 and growth hormones concentration. Blood constituents significantly differed between groups and serum total lip...