RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO DIETS CONTAINING DRIED WATERMELON RIND

Abstract

ABSTRACT The increasing cost of conventional feed ingredients necessitates exploring alternative feed sources for sustainable rabbit production. The use of alternative energy source such as dried watermelon rind meal may reduce cost of rabbit production This study evaluated the effect of graded level of dried watermelon rind (DWMR) as replacement for maize on performance of weaner and grower rabbits. A total number of eighty (80) unsexed mixed breed weaner rabbits with an average weight of 630/g were alloted to four treatment group (0, 5, 10 and 15%) inclusion levels of DWMR with twenty (20) animals per treatment on weight equalisation basis. The feeding trial lasted for a period of 98 days with data collected on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and liver histology subjected to one way ANOVA. Results showed that nutrient digestibility for weaner and grower rabbit were not significantly different (p>0.05), however, weaner rabbits fed 5% DWMR had higher (p<0.05) final weight and weight gain (1391.25/g and 762.31/g) than those fed 10% DWMR though comparable to rabbits fed 0 and 15% DWMR. Conversely, grower rabbits fed 15% DWMR recorded higher (p<0.05) feed intake than rabbits fed 10%, though similar as 0% and 5% DWMR . Cost benefit analysis of diets of weaner and grower rabbits containing 0% DWMR had the highest feed cost (N559; N545.50) respectively, while 15% DWMR had the least feed cost (N464; N450.50). Furthermore, the red blood cell (RBC) for weaner rabbits on control (0% DWMR) diet was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 15% DWMR, but comparable to RBC of rabbits on 5 and 10% DWMR diets. Among grower rabbits, highest (p<0.05) RBC (7.17x1012/L) was recorded at 10% DWMR, while least value (6.55 x1012/L) was recorded at 5% inclusion. For serum parameters, weaner rabbits fed DWMR at 5, 10 and15% recorded higher (p<0.05) values for total protein, albumin, and globulin, compared to the control group, while highest (p<0.05) glucose (92.17 mg/dl) was recorded at 15%, but least values (67.98 mg/dl) at 5% for grower rabbit. The eviscerated and dressed weights of the rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) higher at 0 and 10% DWMR. Also, hind limb and chest weights were significantly (p<0.05) influenced with higher values at 0, 5 and 10% inclusion levels. Liver, heart and kidney weights varied significantly (p<0.05), with highest values observed at 10% DWMR. Histological analysis revealed normal histological structure at 5% inclusion levels. Hence this study concluded that DWMR at 5% inclusion level is recommended for better growth performance and cost benefit of weaner rabbits without adverse effect while 10% inclusion level is advised to achieve better carcass yield, while also benefiting from cost reductions for grower rabbits.