Effects of yam and Irish potato peels as alternative energy sources on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits in semi-arid Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Thirty (30) rabbits (Dutch × New Zealand Whites) with an average weight of 450 g were used in a 56 - day feeding trial to evaluate yam peel meal (YPM) and Irish potato peel meal (IPPM) on carcass characteristics of growing rabbits in semi-arid Maiduguri, Nigeria. The animals were assigned to six dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and divided into five replicates. They were fed with diets containing 100% maize, 50% maize+50% YPM, 50% maize+50% IPPM, 50% YPM +50% IPPM, 100% YPM and 100% IPPM designated as diets A, B, C, D, E and F respectively. Slaughter weight and dressed weight were similar (P> 0.05) to the control except diets E (100% YPM) and F (100% IPPM that were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the control. Racks weights were similar(P>0.05) to the control diet except diet B (50% maize + 50% YPM) which differ (P< 0.05) from diet C. Loins and thighs weights were similar (P> 0.05) to the control diet except for diet D (50% YPM + 50% IPPM). The heart did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) among the treatments. The weight of liver and kidneys were similar among the treatments (P> 0.05). It was concluded that replacement of maize with YPM and IPPM in the diet of growing rabbits had no adverse effects on carcass yield and organs weight of growing rabbits.