The effect of replacing maize with cassava peel meal on the performance of weaned rabbits

Abstract

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal replacement level(s) of dried cassava  peel meal (DCPM) for maize in diets for weaner rabbits. Four experimentnl diets were formulated such that dried cassava peel meal replaced maize at 0, 50%, 75% and 100% levels, respectively. Each diet was fed to five replicates of 3 weaner rabbits of mongrel type (Newzealand White and Flemish Giant). Fecal collections were done as from the 10th dny of the feeding trial for determination of dry matter  digestibility. Dl"ied cassava peel meal significantly (P<0.05) depressed feed intake of the rabbits at 100% replacement level. At both 75% and 100% replacement levels, DCPM also significantly (P<0.05) depressed body weight gain of the rabbits. Feed  conversion ratio was not affected hy the trentments but dry matter digestibility wns significnntly (P<O.OS) depressed by DCPM at the three levels. Feed cost suvings in percent were 8.25, 18.65 and 32.72, l'especti\'ely for the three levels of replacement.

Key words: cussava peel meal, maize replacement, rabbits.