Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Processed Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Pod Husk Meal Supplemented with Multi-enzyme
S. A. Adeyeye *
Department of Animal Health and Production, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria
J. O. Agbede
Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
V. A. Aletor
Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
O. D. Oloruntola
Department of Animal Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Performance and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits fed graded levels of processed (ash treated and rumen liquor fermented) cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husks meal (PCPM) and enzyme (E) supplementation were investigated in this study.
Study Design: One hundred and eighty healthy, five-week old weaner rabbits of cross-breeds (New Zealand white and Chinchilla) and mixed sexes were randomly allotted to the six dietary treatments after balancing for weight in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group was replicated ten times with three weaner rabbits representing a replicate and was fed ad-libitum for 56 days.
Place and Duration of Study: This 56-day feeding trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria.
Results: The E supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased the final live weight (FLW), total weight gain (TWG) and average daily weight gain (ADWG) of the growing rabbits while improved (P<0.05) rabbit growth (FLW, TWG and ADWG) was also recorded at 150 g/kg PCPM inclusion level. However the feed conversion rate (FCR) was negatively affected (P<0.05) at 150 g/kg PCPM inclusion level. The dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility significantly (P<0.05) increased with E supplementation. The carcass traits (slaughter weight (SLW), dressed weight (DWT) and dressing percentage (DP) were significantly (P<0.05) improved by E supplementation; while the relative weight of lung increased (P<0.05) due to E supplementation.
Conclusion: PCPM dietary inclusion at 150 g/kg supports normal growth; while dietary E supplementation enhances the growth performance of the rabbits.
Keywords: Carcass, enzyme, fermentation, performance, rabbits