Replacement value of unpeeled cassava rootmeal (UCRM ) for maize in weaner rabbit diets

Abstract

Twenty four mixed breed (New Zealand x Chinchila) rabbits aged six weeks with average initial weight of 560g were used to examine the effect of replacing maize with unpeeled cassava root meal (UCRM) on the performance, organoleptic properties and economy of rabbit production. The rabbits were divided into four groups and assigned to four treatment diets formulated with 0, 10, 20 and 30% UCRM respectively. Average live weight and weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) improved by the increasing levels of URCM, but feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. All the organoleptic properties were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. However, the increasing levels of UCRM reduced the cost per kg feed, seed cost per kg weight gain and cost of production of rabbits to matured weight. Therefore, the utilization of unpeeled cassava root meal us replacement for maize up to 30% level is profitable and feasible in rabbit diets formulation.