Effect of graded levels of dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) root meal on the performance and carcass parameters of growing rabbits

Abstract

Twenty-four (24) apparently healthy rabbits of mixed sexes were used to determine the effect of dried ginger root meal (GRM) on feed and water intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters. The rabbits were randomly assigned by weight to four experimental treatments of seven replicates each. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. GRM was incorporated in the diets of rabbits at 0%, 15%, 25% and 35% for groups T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Rabbits were housed in individual cages. Water and feed were administered ad libitum. Data was collected on water and feed intake, body weight gain, and carcass indices. Data was subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences separated using Least Significant Difference. The results showed inclusion of ginger root meal in rabbit diets significantly (p<0.05) influenced weekly feed intake in the 7^th and 8^th weeks. Weekly water intake was significantly (p<0.05) affected in the 2^nd, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th week. Ginger root meal had no effect (p>0.05) on final body weight, weight gain, eviscerated weight and singed weights. The finding of this study showed that feed and water intake were influenced by GRM inclusion in rabbit diet while up to 35% GRM can be included in rabbits diet without debilitating effect on their body weights

Keywords: Feed additive, Phyto-additive, Root meal, Grower Rabbit