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Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in Rabbits fed graded levels of Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) forage


M. R. Hassan
S.B. Abdu
A. S. Yakubu
S. M. Yashim
H.Y. Adamu
A. Musa
J. T. Amodu
Y. M. Ishiaku
A. G. Bala
S. S. Bello

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage on performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in rabbits. A total of 24 growing rabbits of different breeds, with initial live weight range of 450-500g were fed rations with graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage supplement in the diet in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were grouped into 4 (6 rabbits per treatment) and the experiment was replicated 3 times. The experiment lasted for 63days. Results showed that the final live weight of rabbits fed 30% velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage in the diet increased (P<0.05) by 57% than those fed the control diet (1350 vs.1550g). However, feed intake of rabbits fed 30% inclusion of mucuna forage was 47% lower (P<0.05) than those on the control diet (43.00 vs. 63.33g/d). Feed conversion ratio was 71% better (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% level of inclusion of mucuna forage than those fed the control diet (2.47 vs. 8.58). Also, feed cost/kg gain was 62% lower (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% inclusion level of mucuna forage (N 6.12) than those on the control diet (N16.28). Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fibre and nitrogen retention were significantly higher (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% inclusion level of mucuna forage except in nitrogen absorbed by the rabbits (P>0.05). The study showed that velvet bean forage inclusion levels of 30% in the feed of growing rabbits will improve growth performance of rabbits in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria, without any detrimental effect.

Key words: Alternatives, feed, pasture, production, rabbit.


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