Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in Rabbits fed graded levels of Velvet bean (<i>Mucuna pruriens</i> L.) forage

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage on performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in rabbits. A total of 24 growing rabbits of different breeds, with initial live weight range of 450-500g were fed rations with graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage supplement in the diet in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were grouped into 4 (6 rabbits per treatment) and the experiment was replicated 3 times. The experiment lasted for 63days. Results showed that the final live weight of rabbits fed 30% velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) forage in the diet increased (P<0.05) by 57% than those fed the control diet (1350 vs.1550g). However, feed intake of rabbits fed 30% inclusion of mucuna forage was 47% lower (P<0.05) than those on the control diet (43.00 vs. 63.33g/d). Feed conversion ratio was 71% better (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% level of inclusion of mucuna forage than those fed the control diet (2.47 vs. 8.58). Also, feed cost/kg gain was 62% lower (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% inclusion level of mucuna forage (N 6.12) than those on the control diet (N16.28). Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fibre and nitrogen retention were significantly higher (P<0.05) in rabbits fed 30% inclusion level of mucuna forage except in nitrogen absorbed by the rabbits (P>0.05). The study showed that velvet bean forage inclusion levels of 30% in the feed of growing rabbits will improve growth performance of rabbits in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria, without any detrimental effect.

Key words: Alternatives, feed, pasture, production, rabbit.