EFFECTS OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ON CARCASS QUALITY TRAITS OF MONGREL RABBITS IN SEMI-ARID ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the effect of monosodium glutamate on carcass characteristics traits of mongrel rabbits in semi-arid zone of Nigeria. The research was carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse. Thirty-two (32) mongrel rabbits were used in the experiment with four (4) treatments of eight (8) animals per treatments as T1 (0 g), T2 (2 g), T3 (4 g) and T4 (6 g). Data collected on carcass quality parameters was analysed in one-way ANOVA using SAS (2000) and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results elucidated not significant (p>0.05) effect of monosodium glutamate on most parameters of the carcass characteristics of the rabbits whereas rabbits placed on T2 (2 g) we're reported with significantly higher (p<0.05) values on liver, loin, average weight and nech weight, respectfully. It was recommended that monosodium glutamate should best be used at 2 g as the best results were recorded at that value