REPLACEMENT VALUE OF SUNFLOWER MEAL (Helianthus annus l.) IN THE DIETS OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

The study investigated the replacement value of sunflower seed meal (SFM) for soyabean meal (SBM) in the diets of growing rabbits. A total of twenty (20) rabbits were allotted to five dietary treatments containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels of SFM coded as diet 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively. Each treatment had four (4) replicates with one rabbit per replicate. The experimental design was a completely randomized design and the study lasted for eight (8) weeks. Feeds and water were provided ad-libitum. The results indicated a non significant value for feed intake (74.84 -76.33 g). However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in final body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Rabbits on diet one (1) 0% SFM recorded the highest final body weight (1753.50 g) and daily weight gain (21.87 g), which did not differ from the values obtained on diets 2 and 3. Most of the carcass characteristics were not affected by the dietary treatments except carcass weight, forelimb and kidney weight at p< 0.05. Hematological parameters fell within the normal range for healthy rabbits. Similarly, serum biochemistry indices such as glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, and cholesterol were within normal ranges across all treatments. In conclusion, replacement of SBM with SFM at 75% supported optimal growth and carcass yield without adverse effects on hematological and serum indices. Hence, inclusion levels up to 75% SFM are recommended in rabbit diets to ensure optimal performance and health status.