Effect of fermented African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) kernel meal on Performance of growing rabbits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.7575Keywords:
African star apple, kernels, nutrient, anti-nutrient, boiling, rabbitsAbstract
The effect of fermented African star apple kernel meal (FASAKM) as substitute for maize on
performance of growing rabbits was investigated. A total of forty eight weaner rabbits (mixed
breed, average weight, and 590 g) were randomly allocated to four experimental diets containing
0, 5, 10 and 15 % FASAKM as substitute for dietary maize in a study that lasted for 12 weeks.
The results showed that FASAKM influenced (P<0.05) average daily weight gain, feed conversion
ratio, protein efficiency ratio, energy efficiency ratio and % mortality. Rabbits fed 0 % and 5 %
FASAKM diets gained weight (16.24 g and 15.16 g) faster than those fed 10 % and 15 %
FASAKM diets (11.42 g and 11.17 g). Feed conversion ratio was better for rabbits fed 0 % and 5
% FASAKM diets. It was concluded that FASAKM could be used up to 5 % to replace dietary
maize in the diet of growing rabbits without compromising performance characteristics of the
rabbits.
