Growth Response of Weaner Rabbits to Diets Containing Graded Levels of Palm Kernel Cake

Abstract

The research work was carried out to evaluate the growth response of weaner rabbits to diets containing graded levels of palm kernel cake (PKC). A total of sixteen weaner rabbits of different sexes and mixed breed were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% levels of palm kernel inclusion given as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Growth parameters measured were: feed intake, final weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Results showed that there was no significant difference across dietary treatments in all the parameters measured. However, on the average, the final weight of the rabbits were higher in Treatment 2 (5%) compared to those on 10% and 15% palm kernel cake diets. Feed intake, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio values were slightly better in T 2 (5%) and T3 (10%). It was therefore concluded that palm kernel cake can be used up to 5% and 10% in the diet of weaner rabbits to enhance their growth.