Effect of turmeric, garlic, ginger powder and their blends on growth performance and carcass yield of rabbits

Abstract

Phytogenic additives are natural growth promoters that can be used as potential alternatives for common artificial growth promoters like antibiotics. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of turmeric garlic, ginger powder and their blends on growth performance and carcass yield of rabbits. Forty-eight (48) weaner rabbits (8 weeks old) were randomly allotted into eight dietary groups designated in a completely randomized design. The T1 contained 0g, T2- 3g of turmeric, T3- 3g of garlic, T4-3g of ginger, T5- 3g turmeric and 3g garlic, T6- 3g turmeric and 3g ginger, T7- 3g of garlic and 3g of ginger and T8- 2g turmeric, 2g garlic, 2g ginger. Data were collected for all the growth parameters and carcass yield. Result showed significant (p< 0.05) higher final body weight of the rabbits were recorded with rabbit fed diets containing 3g of Garlic and Ginger (2057.0g) while rabbit fed diets containing 6g Ginger (1339.5g) had lowest total weight gain. Rabbits fed 6g garlic had significant (p< 0.05) higher quantity of feed consumed per day (65.42g) while rabbit fed diet containing 3g turmeric and 3g garlic had the least value (55.05g). Rabbit group fed diet containing 3g turmeric and 3g garlic had significantly (p<0.05) lower value (0.10) of feed efficiency ratio while rabbits fed 3g garlic and 3g ginger utilized feed more efficiently (0.21). Rabbit fed diet with 6g garlic had highest (p<0.05) eviscerated and dressed weight of (1438.40g), (1204.7g) while lowest were recorded in rabbit fed 6g ginger (885.70g) and (733.3g) respectively. It was concluded that rabbits fed 3g of garlic and ginger blend had higher growth indices and carcass yield hence could be recommended for use by rabbit farmers.