Apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics. And gastrointestinal morphometry of mature rabbits fed different processed flamboyant tree (delonix regia) seed meal-based diets

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the carcass yield, gastrointestinal morphometry and nutrient digestibility of rabbits. Thirty-two (32) crossed bred mature rabbits of both sexes (16 bucks and 16 does), with an average initial weight of 1450g, aged between 6-7 months were used for the study. Four experimental diets were formulated comprising 0% (control), 15% (fermented), 15% (boiled) and 15% (toasted) levels of differently processed dietary Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) seed meal as treatment T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 8 rabbits (4 males and 4 females) each on body weight equalization basis. Each group was thereafter randomly assigned to the 4 dietary treatment groups in a Completely randomized design. Data collected were statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The study lasted for 12 weeks. Carcass characteristics were not adversely affected with the use of Delonix regia seed meal (DRSM).  The result showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the values for dressed weight, neck, hind limb/thigh and skin/fur across treatments. Dressing percentage (%) was similar in all treatment groups. Gastrointestinal morphometry showed significant differences (p<0.05) in esophagus, stomach, Jejunum and ileum. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in Proximate Composition and Nutrient Digestibility parameters measured across dietary treatments with respect to Moisture, Ash, Crude fibre, Ether Extract, Crude protein, Dry Matter and NFE. The results suggested that Delonix regia seed meal (DRSM) could be included (up to 15%) in rabbit diet without any deleterious effects on the carcass yield and Gastrointestinal Tract of rabbits. It revealed that inclusion level of Toasted Delonix regia seed meal (TDRSM) at 15% brought about a positive result in terms of nutrient digestibility in rabbits.