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Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Relative Organ Proportions of Weaner Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Leucaena leucocephala Leaf Meal

Adedokun Olubukola O. ¹ , Ibe, P.C. ¹ , Safiyu, K.K.¹* and Onabanjo R.S.²

¹Deparment of Animal Production and Livestock Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
²Deparment of Animal Nutrition and Forage Science, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2021 24(2): 31-38

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A total of twenty-four (24) un-sexed weaner rabbits were used to determine the effect of diets containing varying levels of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and relative organ proportions of weaner rabbits. The rabbits were purchased from a reputable rabbit farm and quarantined for a week before they were randomly allotted into four treatments of diets containing varying levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of LLM after balancing for body weight. Each treatment consisting of 6 rabbits was further subdivided into 3 replicates of 2 rabbits per replicate. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Data collected for growth performance, carcass characteristics and organ proportions were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results showed average feed intake was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in rabbit fed diets containing 20 and 30% LLM. However, the average weight gain intake was significantly (p<0.05) highest in rabbits fed diets containing 10% LLM and lowest in rabbits fed diets containing 30% LLM. Similarly, the feed conversion ratio was (p<0.05) best in rabbits fed diets containing 10% LLM. The portion of thigh, back-cut and fore arm of rabbits were significantly (p>0.05) heaviest in rabbits fed diets containing 10% LLM. However, heart and lungs were significantly (p<0.05) lower in rabbits fed diets containing LLM when compared with their counterparts in the control. The kidney was significantly (p< 0.05) largest in rabbits fed diets containing 20 and 30% LLM while gall bladder was significantly (p< 0.05) highest in rabbits fed diets containing 10% LLM. Hence, the inclusion of 10% L. leucocephala leaf meal in the diet of rabbits will result in improved weight gain with excellent feed conversion ratio as well as enhanced the portion of thigh, back-cut and fore arm with increased production of bile.