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 experimental 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 day of the feeding trial for determination of dry matter digestibility. 

Dried 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 by the treatments but dry matter digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) depressed by DCPM at the three levels. Feed cost savings in percent were 8.25, 18.65 and 32.72, respectively for the three levels of replacement.