RESPONSE OF WEANER RABBITS FED GRADED LEVELS OF COWPEA HUSK DIETS

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the response of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of cowpea husk diets. A total of forty (40) weaner rabbits were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, replicated four times in a completely randomized design, in which cowpea husk replaced groundnut haulm at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels designated as diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Growth performance such as initial weight, final weight, total feed intake and daily feed intake were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments except for total weight gain (397.33 to 638.66g), daily weight gain (7.10 to 11.40g), feed conversion ratio (5.41 to 7.94) and feed efficiency (0.12 to 0.19), which were significantly (P<0.05) affected. Nutrient digestibility indicated significant (P<0.05) difference in crude protein (91.64 to 93.42%), crude fibre (78.50 to 81.77%) and ash (90.93 to 93.95%). Most of carcass characteristics were not affected by the diets except live weight (1407 to 1750.66g), large intestine (28.66 to 43.93%), stomach (61.33 to 98%) and hind limb (18.70 to 26.26%) at (P<0.05). Diet 3 (50% cowpea husk) had the highest cost-benefit (₦710.97) with an 18.58% cost saving. It can be concluded that cowpea husk can replace groundnut haulm at 50% level in the diet of weaner rabbits without compromising their performance, carcass characteristics, digestibility as well as reduction in feed cost. Diet 3 is recommended for rabbit production.