Performance and nutrient digestibility of weaned rabbits fed cooked Albizia seed meal (Albizia spp.) as replacement for full-fat soybean meal

Abstract

Nine 6-week old rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly allotted to three Cooked Albizia Seed Meal (CASM) based diets designated T1, T2 and T3 to evaluate its performance and digestibility. Diet T1 had no CASM while T2 and T3 contained 50% and 100% levels of CASM respectively as replacement for full-fat soya meal (FFSM) on crude protein (CP) basis. Proximate composition, fibre fraction and anti-nutrient content of the seed were determined. Weekly body weight and feed intake were measured. After 3weeks, faecal samples were analysed to determine the level of digestibility. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Average weight gain (81.11g/rabbit) and feed intake (930g/week) were highest (P<0.05) for rabbits in T1 while Rabbits in T2 had the best feed conversion efficiency (12.41). Saponin (anti-nutrient) inhibits digestibility and utilization. Feed intake, weight gain and digestibility co-efficient were significantly affected above 50% inclusion level of CASM. CASM could replace FFSM up to 50% on CP basis.