Efect of increasing levels of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to grass pellets on performance of grower rabbits

3. Ojo, V.O.A and Adelusi, O.O. and Idowu, O.J. and Shittu, O.O. and Okeniyi, F. A. and Ogundapo, B.M. and Dada, F.I. and Oso, A.O. (2023) Efect of increasing levels of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to grass pellets on performance of grower rabbits. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 55 (221).

Text Efect of increasing levels of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to grass pellets on performance of grower rabbits..pdf - Published Version Download (758kB)

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of composite pellets of Megathyrsus maximus containing Leucaena leucocephala seed meal at the varying level and growth responses, as well as haematological and serum biochemi�cal of rabbits, fed the pellets for 60 days. The treatment consists of M. maximus and L. leucocephala—100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40, respectively. Results revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in the proximate composition of the grass pellets with an increase in seed inclusion while there was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the NDF contents of the pellets. An increase in the tannin contents was recorded with an increase in seed inclusion to the grass pellets. Rabbits fed with 30 and 40% inclusions of seed in the grass pellets had similar weight gain while the lowest feed conversion ratio was recorded in rabbits fed grass with 30% seed inclusion. Packed cell volume, RBC and lymphocyte in rabbits were altered with feeding grass seed pellet (P < 0.05), although no particular pattern was followed. Total protein, globulin and urea contents were reduced in the rabbits as the contents of the seeds in the grass pellets increased. Albumin contents in pellets with 30% of seeds were higher in the rabbits fed the pellets above other treatments. It can be concluded that increasing the seed meal level up to 30% in grass pellets supported growth response without inficting any side efects on the health indices of the rabbits.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr F. A. Okeniyi
Date Deposited:	12 Jan 2024 15:31
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 15:31
URI:	https://eprints.lmu.edu.ng/id/eprint/4340

Actions (login required)

View Item