Variation in relative palatability of different forages fed to rabbits

Abstract

Twenty four 10-week old crosses of (New Zealand White X Chinchila) rabbits was used to determine relative palatability differences in leaves of Calopogonium mucunoides (Calopo), Elaeis guineensi (Oil palm), Musa sapientum (Banana) and Andropogon gayanus (Gamba). Centrosema pubescens (Centro) was included as control. Significant diferences (P < 0.01) in relative palatability index (RPI) were detected among the diferent forages offered. Based on their RPI rabbits preferred in descending order of magnitude Centrosema pubescens, Calopogonium mucunoides and Elaeis guineensi (RPI > 95 %) toMusa sapientum (RPI > 70 %) and Andropogongayanus (RPI > 40 %). The preference of Oil palm leaves to Banana leaves according to the RPI ranking in this study is an interesting observation from the study.

Keywords: Forage plants, Relative palatability, Rabbit

Animal Research International Vol. 4 (1) 2007 pp. 608-610