Effects of cotton seed oil sludge on the performance and carcass characteristics of young rabbits

Abstract

A feeding trial lasting 63 days was conducted using 60 weaned rabbits of mixed sexes and breeds with an average initial live weight of 487.50g. The rabbits were allotted to replicates each. Cotton seed oil sludge (CSOS) was included at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% levels of the experimental diets respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous (20% CP). The results showed that feed intake, weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly different (P<0.05) across the dietary treatments. The highest weight gain was observed on rabbits fed diet containing 12% level of cotton seed oil sludge (CSOS). The use of cotton seed oil sludge in rabbit diet was cost effective. The percentage reduction in feed cost per kilogram of diet for the 3,6,9 and 12% level of inclusion were 2.90, 6.43, 12.04 and 15.25% respectively. The dressing percentage and percent belly fat increased significantly (P<0.05) with increase in the level of cotton seed oil sludge. A non-significant but slight increase was observed with the carcass weight and weight of the major organs (P>0.05) as the level of cotton seed oil sludge increased in the diet. It was concluded that cotton seed oil sludge (CSOS) can be included up to 12% level in the diets of young rabbits without adverse effects on performance and carcass characteristics.