Carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits fed concentrate diets with graded levels of yam peel meal

Abstract

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the use of yam peel meal as a source of energy in concentrate diets for feeding rabbits. Thirty cross breed weaner rabbits were randomly allotted to three treatment groups in a Complete Randomized Design arrangement. Each treatment was replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated with varying levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) yam peel meal. The diets were designated as T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ respectively. Each of the diets were offered ad-libitum to the respective groups of rabbits. Carcass analysis was done at the end of eight-week trial. The results showed significant (P<0.005) differences on evisceration weight, carcass weight, the weights of the hind limb, loin and the neck. There was no dietary influence on the other carcass parameters measured. On the organs and the guts, significant (P<0.005) dietary influence were observed on the weights of the heart, large intestine and on abdominal fat. There was no any dietary effect on all the remaining parameters measured. This is an indication that rabbits can tolerate yam peel meal at level of inclusion up to 30%. It can be concluded that yam peel meal could be included in diets for weaner rabbits without any serious adverse effect on carcass traits.

Key words: Carcass traits; Yam peel meal; Concentrate; weaner rabbits.