Proximate, Electrolyte and Biochemical Profile of Rabbits Fed with Tridax procumbens Residue Meal in Replacement of Vitamins and Minerals in Lapai Niger state Nigeria

Abstract

Proximate, electrolyte and biochemical profile of rabbits fed with Tridax residue meal replacing Vitamin and Mineral were evaluated in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria using standard techniques. The dietary treatments evaluated were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 0% inclusion level of Tridax. The results obtained did not follow any pattern except Urea, Globulin and Creatinine which had significant (P<0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical profile. The highest value for crude fat was seen in feed3 with value of 11.33±0.30 and the lowest was recorded in the control feed with value of 10.38±0.21. There was no significant difference in crude protein between feeds 1 and 2 with values of 58.13±0.15 and 56.13±0. 15 but feeds feeds3, 4 and the control feed showed significant difference at (P<0.05) The result of Chloride shows no significant differences (P<0.05) in feeds1, 2 and 3, with values of 7.26±0.96, 7.25 ±3.74 and 7.55±4.81 also feeds4 and the control feed shows no significant difference with values of 6.55±2.67 and 6.46 ± 0.96 but there is significant difference between feeds1, 2, 3 and feeds4 and control feed. The prepared feed supplemented with 20 and 40% Tridax is promising compared to others, hence could be used as a supplement in the feed of rabbit which can be consumed in place of red meat. Also the low cholesterol level in the feeds makes it idle for people with cardiovascular related problem. Thus, the cost of production of feed can be reduced using Tridax plant as a substitute for Vitamin and mineral premix. It is recommended that further studies on the optimum level of inclusion of Tridax plant to be established.