Utilization of varying proportions of maize milling waste and cowpea shell in diets for weaner rabbits

Abstract

Thirty weaner New Zealand white rabbits, weighing averagely 0.609kg, were randomly allotted to five dietary groups of six animals each, in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were fed on five isonitrogenous (16% CP) diets in which maize milling waste (MMW) and cowpea shell (CPS) were included at various levels, such that the two ingredients collectively constituted 40% of the rations. Dry matter intake (DMI), daily weight gain (DWG), feed efficiency and economics of including varying levels of MMW and CPS were studied for eight weeks. The DMI and DWG were significantly (p<0.05) higher for diets C, D and E (59.40, 57.60 and 61.00 g/day and 11.94, 10.89 and 11.42 g/day respectively) compared to those obtained for other diets. Rabbits on all CPS diet (40% CPS) recorded the least DMI and DWG. The efficiency of feed utilization (g/feed/g gain) was significantly (p<0.01) lower for animals on the 20%MMW/20%CPS diet, indicating that the diet was much more utilized than the others. Water consumption (ml/day) increased with increasing levels of MMW inclusion (p<0.01), while daily fecal output increased with increasing levels of CPS inclusion (p<0.05). The cost of feed per Kg gain increased significantly (p< 0.05) as the levels of MMW was increased. It may be concluded that up to 40% varying proportions of MMW and CPS can be included in the diets of weaner rabbits without any adverse effects on performance. However, based on the higher DWG, better feed efficiency and reduced cost of feed per Kg gain for rabbits on diet C, 20%MM/20%CPS can be recommended in diets for weaner rabbits.

Keywords: cowpea shell, maize-milling waste, performance, rabbits

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 1(1) 2005: 54-58