Effect of Andropogon gayanus and Centrosema pubescens Leaf Meals as Feed Ingredients on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Cost-Benefit of Growing Rabbits

O.O. Ekwe, O.C. Onwudike and C.C. Nwali

Objective: 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. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 growing rabbits of mixed sex aged between 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. The data such as feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein consumption, protein efficiency and cost benefit ratios were generated. Carcass and organs characteristics were evaluated. The feed cost-benefit analysis was performed on the following: feed cost kg^–1 weight gain, total cost of production and net returns. All the data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mean values were separated using Least significant difference (LSD). Results: No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in all the growth performance parameters except the final body weight. The feed cost per kg weight gain decreased as the inclusion levels of Ag and Cp leaf meals increased. The total revenue and net returns increased as the inclusion levels of Ag and Cp leaf meals increased. Conclusion: It was observed that 15% inclusion level of Ag and Cp leaf meals is adequate for growing rabbit without any adverse effect on their normal growth and development. It is relatively cheaper to feed rabbits with Ag and Cp leaf meal based diets rather than the diet containing maize as energy source ingredient alone.

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