EVALUATION OF MONODORA MYRISTICA (AFRICAN NUTMEG) AS FEED ADDITIVE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the performance effect of African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) as feed additive in rabbits. A total of forty eight (48) weaned rabbits were allotted to four experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each group was replicated three times with four rabbits per replicate and the experiment lasted for twelve weeks. Treatment 1 was basal diet without additive, T2 was basal diet with 1% inclusion of M. myristica, T3 was basal diet with 2% M. myristica while T4 was basal diet with 3% M. myristica inclusion. Results revealed that rabbits fed Monodora myristica as feed additive recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher feed intake and body weight gain, compared to those on the control group. Rabbits in T3 group recorded the highest values for all parameters assessed. Feed conversion ratio recorded significant (P<0.05) differences across treatments. Rabbits fed 2% levels of the test ingredient recorded the lowest and best FCR. Mortality was not recorded in the course of the experiment. It can be concluded that Monodora myristica can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits up to 2% without an adverse effect on their health. Hence, it can be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in improving the performance of weaner rabbits.