The Effects of Feeding Different Energy Sources Supplemented With Bitter Leaf (vernonia Amygdalina) on Growth Performance, Water Intake and Economics of Production of Weaner Rabbits (oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of alternative energy sources supplemented with bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract on the growth performance and economic viability of weaner rabbits. A total of 20 weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (T1= 0% cassava and yam peels without bitter leaf extract in drinking water; T2= 0% cassava and yam peels + bitter leaf extract in drinking water, T3 = 100% replacement of maize by cassava peel + bitter leaf extract in drinking water;T4= 100% replacement of maize by yam peels + bitter leaf extract in drinking water; T5= 100% replacement of maize by both cassava and yam peels + bitter leaf extract in drinking water). The feeding trial lasted six weeks, during which growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, water intake, and economic parameters were evaluated. Results indicated that final weight and daily weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments, with rabbits in T2 (treatment containing 0% cassava and yam peels + bitter leaf extract in drinking water showing the highest final weight (1560.00 g) and daily weight gain (19.94 g/day). Water intake also varied significantly (P<0.03) among treatments, with T4 (treatment containing 100% replacement of maize by yam peels + bitter leaf extract in drinking water) recording the highest daily water intake (391.40 ml). Feed conversion ratio and total feed intake were not significantly affected by dietary treatments. Economic analysis revealed that the total cost of feed consumption was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in groups supplemented with cassava and yam peels compared to the control diet, indicating potential cost savings. The study concludes that cassava + yam peel meal, supplemented with bitter leaf extract, is a viable alternative energy source for reducing feed costs in weaner rabbit production