GROWTH PARAMETERS OF WEANED RABBITS FED FERMENTED SHEA BUTTER MEAL (FSBM) SUPPLEMENTED WITH QUATUM BLUE®

Abstract

A six (6) weeks feeding trial was conducted at Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu– Lafia Campus to evaluate the growth parameters of weaned rabbits fed fermented shea butter meal (FSBM) supplemented with enzyme. Thirty two (32) composite rabbits of same sex and average live weight (740-750.12g) were used for the study. Rabbits were randomly assigned to a test diet in a 2x2 factorial design fitted into a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments 4 replicate haven 2 rabbits each. Four (4) types of diets, control, control with enzyme, 20% fermented shea butter meal and 20% fermented shea butter meal with enzyme were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of rabbits and were designed to be isonitrogenous (18% crude protein) and isocaloric (2700kcal/kg ME). Rabbits were fed with weighed amount of the experimental diets and drinking water ad-libitum and other routine management practices were strictly observed throughout the experimental period. The result showed improvement in average feed intake and protein intake only. Rabbits fed with FSBM and enzymes had significant (P<0.05) higher feed intake (58.27g) for 20% and 100ppm respectively. Similarly, the interactive effects showed improvement in the feed intake and protein intake. Rabbits fed with diets containing 20%FSBM +100ppm (T4) had higher (P<0.05) feed intake (61.33g) and protein intake (10.42g) but statistically similar with rabbits fed diets containing 20%FSBM+0ppm (T3) only. It is concluded that FSBM (20%) and enzyme (100ppm) might improve growth of weaned rabbits.