GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBITS FED VARY LEVELS OF SIDA ACUTA AND ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) MIXTURE AS ADDITIVE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying levels of Sida acuta on the growth performance, organ, and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Thirty (30) mixed breed weaned rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments, with 6 rabbits per treatment, and each rabbit served as a replicate in a completely randomized design for 8 weeks. Feed intake was recorded daily and weight gains were recorded on a weekly basis. The animals were fed twice daily at 08:00 hours and 16:00 hours, while water was supplied ad libitum.
At the end of the feeding trial, three rabbits from each treatment were slaughtered for carcass analysis. The data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 25, and significant means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test option of the same software version.
The result indicated that all parameters observed were significantly affected (p < 0.05). The test ingredient showed no observable difference (p > 0.05) in final weight, cost per kg feed, roasted weights, and relative roasted weight, but there were noticeable differences among other parameters observed. The slight difference observed in the FCR suggests that the levels of the test ingredients affected palatability. Treatment 3 had the best FCR (2.10), which will be of very profitable economic return.
The inclusion levels used in this study showed a very significant impact among the treatments with respect to all the organs observed, which suggests the response of the organs to possible toxicity or influence of anti-nutritional factors present in the test ingredient. Treatment 5 had the lowest abdominal fat content (0.30 g) compared to other dietary treatments, which could be due to the hypocholesterolemic properties of plant parts.
It was concluded that 5 g of ginger and Sida acuta mixture (GSAM) per kg of feed had a positive effect on the growth performance, carcass, and organ characteristics and can be included in rabbit feed.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.