Whole cassava root meal from TME419 cassava variety can support performance and health of growing rabbits as dietary energy source

Abstract

A total of thirty-six (36) growing (6-8 weeks old) New Zealand and Haliquine rabbits of both sexes were used to evaluate performance and health status of rabbits fed fermented whole cassava root meal (WCRM, TME419 Cassava variety) with enzyme supplementation. The rabbits were allotted to experimental groups in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement comprising three fermentation durations (0, 3 and 5days) and inclusion of enzyme (0, 0.5%) as factors in a randomized complete block design. The diets were designated as D0- (Basal diet (WCRM) without ensiling and no enzyme supplementation), D0+ (Basal diet (WCRM) without ensiling with enzyme supplementation), D3- (Basal diet (WCRM) with three days ensiling without enzyme supplementation), D3+ (Basal diet (WCRM) with three days ensiling with enzyme supplementation), D5- (Basal diet (WCRM) with five days ensiling without enzyme supplementation) and D5+ (Basal diet (WCRM) with five days ensiling with enzyme supplementation). The performance, hematological and serum biochemical indices were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by fermentation and enzyme inclusion. It is therefore concluded that TME419 cassava variety can be fed to growing rabbits without fermentation or enzyme inclusion.