EFFECT OF FEEDING GRADED LEVELS OF GLIRICIDIA LEAF MEAL (GLM) ON MEAT QUALITY OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) on meat quality of weaner rabbits. A total number of 27 mixed breed unsexed weaner rabbits of 6 weeks were divided into 3 dietary treatments (Treatment 1; control, Treatment 2; 25 % inclusion level of gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) and Treatment 3; 50% GLM). Fresh Gliricidia sepium leaves were harvested, shade dried and milled to produce leaf meal. Each treatment had 8 rabbits with 4 replicates of two rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Meat quality parameters were collected for evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α 0.05. The physicochemical property (cold shortening) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in rabbits fed control with the least recorded in rabbits fed 25.0% GLM. Under the thermal shortening, the rabbits fed 50% GLM had the highest significant (P<0.05) with the least in rabbits fed 25.0%. The Oxidative rancidity indicates highest significant different fed control with least fed with 25.0% of GLM. There were no significant differences obtained in all the physical properties except the cooking loss loin.  The cooking loss loin was highly significant in rabbit fed 25.0% GLM with least value obtain in rabbit fed control diet. In conclusion dietary treatments with varying Gliciridia leaf meal up to 25.0% inclusion level is highly significant different in physical properties and chemical.