GROWTH RESPONSE AND CARCASS YIELD OF GROWER RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING BAOBAB (Adansonia digitata) PULP MEAL

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Pulp Meal (BPM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics.. Fifteen grower rabbits (Mongrels) were fed diets containing 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6% designated as T1, T2,T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Treatments were allocated to grower rabbits in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three (3) times consisting of one (1) rabbit per replicate. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results indicated significant (P<0.05) differences in the final body weight, average daily weight gain, Daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram gain. Rabbits fed 4.5% (T4) BPM had significantly (P<0.05) highest values of final body weight (1550.00 g) and daily weight gain (22.44g). Better values of feed conversion ratio (3.26) and feed cost per kilogram gain (N203.46) were obtained for grower rabbits fed 4.5 BPM diet (T4) compared to others. Similarly, the values of final live weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were significantly (P<0.05) higher for rabbits on the 4.5% levels of Baobab Pulp meal. Based on this study, it was concluded that baobab (Adansonia digitata) Pulp meal can be used as feed ingredient in the diet of grower rabbits up to 4.5% level without any adverse effect on performance and carcass yield. It was recommended that BPM can be incorporated in the diet of grower rabbits up to 4.5% for reduction of the feed cost and cost of production.