NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF SELECTED TROPICAL FORAGES AND THEIR EFFECT ON ACCEPTABILITY IN RABBIT FEEDING

Abstract

The ability of rabbits to make use of forages is an important factor in rabbit nutrition. Tridax procumbens, Euphobia heterophylla, Alternanthera brasiliana, Aspilia africana, Tithonia diversifolia are common forages for rabbits. Previous authors have reported the nutrient composition of these plants but there is scanty of information on the how the available nutrient affects consumption of the plants. This study was designed to ascertain the effect of nutrients present in these plants on its preferences. A total of thirty weaner rabbits (Breeds of rabbit should be indicated) were used in the
experiment. Omale, J The rabbits were separated into groups A and B, fifteen rabbits are in each group. Animals in group A were offered fresh forages while those in group B were offered dry forages in a cafeteria arrangement. With the aid of cameras installed in the pens, the behaviours of experimental animals were recorded to help study the frequency of visitation to the various forages. Results of this study showed that Euphorbia heterophylla was the most visited while Aspilia africana was the least visited. The crude protein in the forages ranged from 4.70% - 5.62% with Tithonia diversifolia and Euphobia heterophylla having the significantly (p≤0.05) highest and least values, respectively. Aspilia africana recorded significantly highest (p≤0.05) values for NDF, ADF and ADL followed by Tridax procumbens. Hemicellulose of Euphobia heterophylla was the significantly (p≤0.05) highest. It was concluded that of the selected forages, Euphobia heterophylla was the most preferred while the least was Aspilia africana.