Effect of supplementing maize with yam peel meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost benefit of rabbit production

Abstract

A 56 - days study was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with yam peel meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits. Eighteen (18) growing rabbits of mixed sexes age between 6-8 weeks were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly allotted into three treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times having two rabbits per replicate. Three experimental diets were formulated with YPM at varying levels of replacement. The replacement levels of YPM was 0% for control, 20% and 30% representing T2 and T3, respectively. Each of the diets was offered ad-libitum to the rabbits. Parameters studied include feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics and cost benefit ratio. Carcass evaluation was done at the 56th day. Cost implication of supplementing maize with YPM was calculated at the end of the experiment. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance ANOVA using Duncan's new multiple range Test. The result showed a non-significant (P>0.05) differences in the body weight and feed conversion ratio among treatments. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the feed intake of the rabbits. Rabbit fed T2 (20%) and T3 (30%) consumed significantly more feed than rabbits fed T1 (0%). There was no significant (P>0.05) difference for all the parameters considered for carcass traits except kidney. The total feed cost per kg reduced as the replacement levels of YPM in the diets increased. Therefore, the control diet (0%YPM) was more expensive than the diets containing 20% and 30% YPM, respectively. The cost of feed/kg live weight gain was higher for the control diet (0% YPM) when compared with T2 and T3. The results of this study suggest that YPM can replace maize up to 30% optimal level without any deleterious effect on the growth and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits.