EFFECT OF RICE OFFAL AS REPLACEMENT FOR WHEAT OFFAL IN DIET OF WEANER RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS) ON ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of rice offal (Zea mays) as replacement for wheat offal in diet of weaner rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics of production. A total of 60 rabbits mixed sexes aged 5-6 weeks were used in the experiment. Five experimental diets were formulated using graded levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with groundnut haulms constituting 20% and soya beans as protein source with 12 rabbits per treatment each treatment was replicated three times with 4 rabbits per replicate in a Completely Randomised Design. However, there was significant (p<0.05) differences on values for feed cost, total feed cost, feed cost per kilogram gain, cost saving and % saving cost. The economics of production revealed that feed cost (N /kg) decreases with increase in rice offal at 25% with corresponding improvement in cost saving values as observed on the cost analysis. It was concluded that rice offal can serve as fibrous source which replace wheat offal at 25% in the diets of weaner rabbits without compromising performance and carcass yield of rabbits.