Influence Of Sex On Growth And Carcass Traits Of Rabbits Fed Unpeeled Cassava Tuber Meal, Peeled Cassava Tuber Meal And Cassava Peel Meal As Energy Sources

Abstract

The effects of sex on growth, haematology and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed unpeeled cassava tuber meal, peeled cassava tuber meal and cassava peel meal were investigated in a randomized complete block design using thirty two weaned rabbits aged 6 and 7 weeks. Four diets were formulated. Diet 1 (the control) contained 37% maize as the main energy source. Maize in diet 1 was replaced with unpeeled cassava tuber meal (UCTM), peeled cassava tuber meal (PCTM) and cassava peel meal (CPM) in diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of eight (4 males and 4 females) weaned rabbits (NZW X Chinchilla). The results showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between sexes for all parameters examined. Dietary treatment effect was observed in growth performance as rabbits fed UCTM recorded significantly higher (P<0.05) feed intake and weight gain compared to other diets. Economics of production data indicated lowest cost per weight gain (N249.76/kg) by the rabbits fed UCTM (T2) while the highest cost per weight gain (N292.39/kg) was recorded in T1 (control).One United States dollar was exchanging for N140 at the time this experiment was conducted. Carcass analysis indicated no significant differences (P>0.05) amongst treatments.