RESPONSE OF WEANER RABBITS TO DIETARY LEVELS OF SORREL SEED MEAL AS REPLACEMENT FOR SOYA BEAN MEAL

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of replacing soybean meal with sorrel seed meal (SSM) diets on the performance of weaner rabbits. A total of thirty-two (32) weaner rabbits were used in a completely randomized design consisting of four dietary treatments with eight rabbits per treatment and four replicates of two rabbits each. Sorrel seed meal was included at graded levels of 0, 33.33, 66.67 and 100% as a replacement for soybean meal. The study lasted for a period of eight (8) weeks. Data were collected on growth performance and carcass characteristics as well as economic parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS 27.0 version. Differences between means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that, dietary treatments significantly (P<0.05) influenced growth performance. Rabbits fed 66.67% SSM recorded the highest final body weight (1680 g), daily weight gain (20.20 g), and total weight gain (1128.5 g), compared to the control group. Carcass evaluation revealed an improved carcass weight (1050 g) and dressing percentage (62.5%) at 66.67% SSM inclusion, while most organ proportions were not significantly (P<0.05) affected. Economic analysis indicated a progressive reduction in feed cost from ₦1638 (T1) to ₦1365.3 (T4), with the highest cost savings of ₦501.59 (27.56%) recorded at 66.67% inclusion. The study concluded that, sorrel seed meal can effectively replace soybean meal in weaner rabbit diets up to 100% inclusion level without detrimental effect. It was recommended that farmers should adopt SSM at 66.67% inclusion level to achieve improved growth performance, better nutrient utilization and maximum economic returns.