GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF WEANER RABBITS FED SOYA BEAN MILK RESIDUE MEAL

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of sun-dried soybean milk residue meal (SMRM) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and economic benefit of weaner rabbits. Thirty (30) mixed-breed weaner rabbits were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments for a period of eight (8) weeks in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Five diets containing 16% crude protein were formulated to include graded levels of SMRM at 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30%, designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Growth performance results showed that, final body weight (1708.2–1945.6 g), total weight gain (1005.0–1243.8 g), daily weight gain (17.95–22.21 g/day), and feed conversion ratio (3.36–4.24) were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments, with rabbits fed 15% SMRM (T3) exhibiting superior performance. Daily feed intake was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by dietary replacement levels. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were significantly (P < 0.05) improved, with dry matter (68.9–75.6%), crude protein (71.5–80.2%), and other nutrients recording the highest values in T3. Result of carcass evaluation revealed a significant (P < 0.05) improvements in slaughter weight (1695.3–1930.4 g), dressed weight (915.4–1105.6 g), dressing percentage (54.0–57.3%), and hind limb yield (15.4–16.8%), with rabbits fed T3 producing the highest values. Most internal organs measurements were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected, although small intestine and caecum weights increased significantly with higher inclusion levels, while abdominal fat decreased at 30% inclusion. Economic analysis showed that, cost of producing one kilogram of live weight was lowest in rabbits fed 15% SMRM diet (₦1,881.60/kg gain), representing a 13.37% reduction in production cost relative to the control diet. The study concluded that, sun-dried soybean milk residue meal can effectively be incorporated in weaner rabbit diets up to 15% inclusion. Therefore, a 15% inclusion level is recommended for sustainable and cost-effective rabbit production.