Assessment of Gamba Grass (andropogon Gayanus) and Centro (centrosema Pubescens) Leaf Meal Diets on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Cost-benefit of Growing Rabbits.

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Andropogon gayanus (Ag) and Centrosema pubescens (Cp) leaf meals on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefits of growing rabbits. A total of 24 rabbits of mixed sex (8-10 weeks) were used in a 63 days feeding trial. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated three times having two rabbits per replicate. T1 (Control) contained 0% leaf meal.T2, T3, and T4 contained 5%, 10% and 15% leaf meals respectively. Data were collected on feed intake and Weight gain. Feed conversion ratio, protein consumption, protein efficiency and cost benefit ratios were calculated. Carcass and organs characteristics were evaluated. The feed cost –benefit analysis was performed on the following: feed cost/kg weight gain, total cost of production and net returns. Data collected were analyzed using One -Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Mean values were separated using Least significant difference (LSD).There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all the growth performance parameters except the final body weight. It was observed that 15% inclusion level of Ag and Cp leaf meals each is adequate and relatively cheaper to feed rabbits with Ag and Cp leaf meal based diets rather than the diet containing maize as energy source ingredient alone.