Chemical composition of some plants used as feed for rabbits in Bauchi metropolis

Abstract

The study examined the nutrient composition of twelve plant species used as feed for rabbits in Bauchi metropolis. They were collected during the month of April which is considered the peak of the dry season. The plants were divided into four groups: Trees, grasses, leguminous herbs, and non-leguminous herbs. The result showed that the crude protein content ranged from 13.61% for the leguminous herbs to 17.9% for non-leguminous herbs. The crude fibre content ranged from 14.12% for non-leguminous herbs to 18.95% for leguminous herbs. The result also showed that the plants have light nitrogen free extract and mineral contents. It can be concluded that most of the plants examined could satisfy the nutrient requirement of rabbits with little supplementation especially during the dry season when there is acute shortage of feeds.
Keywords: Chemical composition, plants, dry season, rabbits