EFFECT OF NEEM (Azadirachta indica) LEAF MEAL ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF MALE GROWING RABBITS

L. T.  Egbeyale; O. Y.  Ayo-Ajasa; O. O.  Adeleye; A. A.  Ayoola; F. A.  Adewole; B. O.  Fashina

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.7320

Authors

L. T. Egbeyale Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
O. Y. Ayo-Ajasa Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
O. O. Adeleye Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
A. A. Ayoola Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
F. A. Adewole Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
B. O. Fashina Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.7320

Keywords:

growth, carcass, rabbit, neem

Abstract

A total number of 36 male growing rabbits of mixed breeds with an average weight of 550g were used to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of male growing rabbits fed diet containing neem leaf meal (NLM). The experiment was a complete randomized design (CRD) with four treatment diets replicated thrice. Wheat offal was replaced with NLM in the diets 0, 5, 10 and 15%, respectively. The study lasted for 13 weeks. Feed and water were supplied ad
libitum. Results on growth performance showed that all the measured indices were similar (p>0.05) across the treatments. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, hind limbs, loin, neck and liver were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by neem leaf meal. It was concluded that male growing rabbit could only effectively tolerated 5%NLM dietary inclusion as a replacement of wheat offal.