Lactation performance of New Zealand white rabbits fed fermented ground mature <i>Prosopis juliflora</i> pods replacing maize

Abstract

Rabbit production is one of the enterprises expected to ensure food and nutrition security in developing countries. However the availability of feed ingredients especially energy sources is a challenge. There is therefore, the need to evaluate non-conventional feed resources such as mature Prosopis juliflora pods that are available throughout the year. Fluctuation in the weight of does during lactation is an indication of energy changes in the body of the doe and therefore energy content of the feeds offered. A study was conducted at Egerton University to investigate the effect of replacing maize with fermented ground mature P. juliflora pods (FGMPP) in lactating doe diets on lactation performance and energy balance. The study investigated kits weight gain and doe weight changes during the four week lactation period. Fifteen primiparous does weighing 3.05 ± 0.47 kg with a litter of six kits each, weighing 0.61 ± 0.05 kg were individually housed in cages measuring 75 x 55 x 40 cm3. In a completely randomized design (CRD) of 5 diets; control (formulated standard breeder diet), 15 % unfermented ground mature pods of P. juliflora (UGMPP), 30 % UGMPP, 15 % FGMPP and 30 % FGMPP replacing maize in standard breeder diets were offered in three replicates per treatment. The nutritional value of mature Prosopis pods improved (p˂0.05) on fermentation. There was no treatment (p>0.05) effect in weight of kits and does. Up to 30 % maize in lactating doe diets can be replaced by FGMPP.

Keywords: Anti-nutrients, Fermented Prosopis juliflora pods, Non-conventional feed resource, Rabbit