Effect of Diets with Iron Tree (Prosopis africana) Pulp on Performance and Blood Characteristics of Growing Rabbits

Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso, Onwujiariri Eberechukwu Bede and Azodo Lilian Nonye

Background and Objective: Animal protein tends to rank better than plant protein because of its higher essential amino acids. Some plant parts have been reported to have phytogenic and growth promoting properties. The study aimed to determine the influence of iron tree (Prosopis africana) pulp containing diets on growth indices, feed intake and blood characteristics of rabbits. Material and Methods: Twenty four male rabbits were used for this study. They were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups of 6 animals each. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diets containing Prosopis africana Pulp (PAP) at 0% (control), 10, 20 and 30% for 50 days in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Blood samples were obtained from each rabbit on the last day of the trial. Results: It was observed that PAP is abundant in phytochemicals. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were (p<0.05) best for rabbits on PAP containing diets. However, feed intake was best (p>0.05) for rabbits in the control group. Haemoglobin, red blood cells, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes and neutrophils showed significant (p<0.05) difference across the groups. Sodium, potassium and cholesterol showed significant (p<0.05) difference and tended to be higher in T₁. Conclusion: The results indicated that PAP enhanced body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. In addition, all the haematological and serum biochemical parameters examined fell within the normal physiological range indicating that the diets were not deleterious to the animals.

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