EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE OFFAL WITH RUMEN CONTENT ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing maize offal with rumen content on carcass characteristics. The experiment was conducted at the Bauchi State College of Agriculture Rabbitry unit. Fouty five weaner rabbits were allotted to five dietary treatments replicated three times with three rabbits per replicate in complete randomized design. The experiment lasted eight weeks. Five diets were formulated with sun-dried rumen content replacing maize offal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% designated as diet 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Parameters were measured were carcass yield, weight of organs and gut characteristics. Results showed that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in all the parameters except Intestinal length and stomach. Therefore, it can be inferred from this research that sun-dried rumen content should be included in the diet of weaner rabbits without affecting their carcass traits and health condition.