REPLACEMENT VALUE OF KOLANUT HUSK MEAL FOR MAIZE IN RABBIT DIETS

Abstract

Forty - five (45) weaner rabbits were fed on diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% kola nut husk meal (KHM). Kola nut husk meal was incorporated to replace maize in a nine week feeding trial. KHM at 100% dietary level depressed feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, apparent nitrogen retention and protein efficiency ratio, while 25% and 50% KHM replacement level improved feed conversion ratio, growth rate, nitrogen retention, protein efficiency ratio and reduce the cost per kilogram live weight gain of rabbits relative to control diet. Hence, kola nut husk meal could replace up to 50% maize in the diets of rabbits.