EFFECTS OF MORINGA LEAF MEAL (Moringa oleifera) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN RABBIT

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) supplementation on the growth performance, feed efficiency, and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits. The eight weeks experiment was conducted at the rabbitry unit of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, Nigeria, with 16 Hyla breed weaner rabbits randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% MOLM inclusion. Each treatment had two replicates, with two rabbits per replicate. Performance metrics, including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, were recorded weekly. Digestibility studies were also carried out using fecal samples. The results indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in growth performance across the treatment groups. The final body weight of rabbits fed 1.5% MOLM (T4) was significantly higher (1673.00g) when compared with other treatment groups. Rabbits in the T4 group exhibited the highest body weight gain (1098.00 g), while those in the T2 group recorded the lowest gain (250.00 g). Feed intake was highest in the T3 group, with an intake of 2247g, while the control group (T1) consumed the least (1863.5 g). Feed conversion ratio was most favorable in the T4 group, with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.79, while the T2 group had the least favorable FCR at 7.69. Nutrient digestibility was also significantly influenced by MOLM supplementation. The highest crude protein digestibility (65.23%) was obtained in the T4 group (1.5% MOLM), whereas the lowest (55.46%) was seen in T1 (0.00% MOLM). Crude fiber digestibility ranged from 20.10% in T3 to 35.08% in T2. The ether extract digestibility was highest in T3 (68.71%) and lowest in the T1 group (59.34%). In conclusion, MOLM supplementation, particularly at 1.5%, improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and feed conversion ratio of weaner rabbits. It is therefore recoomended that 1.5% moringa leaf meal can be added to rabbit feed to improve performance and digestibility.