REPLACEMENT VALUE OF COCOA HUSK MEAL AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MAIZE IN RABBITS' RATION

Abstract

Twenty crossbred weaner (Newzealand x Chinchilla) of six weeks of age were used to
determine the effects of replacing maize with graded levels (0,25,50, 75 and 100%) of
cocoa husk meal (CHM) on the performance of rabbits in a completely randorniscd
design for an eight week period. Feed intake increased correspondingly (Pc0.05) with
dietary levels of CHM. Control and 25% CHM - bascd diets significantly (P<0.05) had
lower feed intake, liveweight gain of rabbits on diets were similar (P>0.05) but higher
(Pc0.05) and bctter than the control diet. Crude fibre, crude fat and dry matter
digestibilities of CHM - based diets did not differ significantly (P>0.05). There was a
linear increase .in apparent nitrogen utilization which was directly proprotional to
increnlental CHM levels. However, 100% CHM level depressed nitrogen retention.
Apparent nitrogen utilization of 25 and 50% CHM - bascd diets were similar (P>0.05).
While rabbits on controldiet had lower (P<0.05) nutrient retention. CHM can effectively
replace 25 and 50% maize in rabits's ration without any detrimental effects on the
animal, while 75 and 100% CHM reduced feed conversion ratio of rabbits.