Abstract
Abstract:-A twelve week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of cowpea testa meal (CPTM) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Thirty-two weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to four diets, which contained CPTM at 20, 40 and 60% inclusion levels in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics and organ weights. The inclusion of CPTM beyond 20% level had a significant (p<0.05) depressing effect on weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, dry matter digestibility and carcass weight; whereas kidney and liver weights recorded a significant (p<0.05) increase. Dressing percentage, heart, lung, feet and the wholesale cut (rib, loin, rump, forelegs and hind legs) were independent of the CPTM inclusion in the diets. Feed cost kg reduced with increased CPTM level, of all the three levels of CPTM inclusions, 20% level was found to be the best for rabbits in terms of feed intake, feed conversion and growth performance. It was concluded that 20% CPTM could be used to substitute for maize in the diets of rabbits.
Keywords: Cowpea testa meal, substitute for maize rabbits.