Authors : A.O. Fafiolu , O.O. Oduguwa , A.M. Bamgbose , A.O. Oso , O.A. Isah , J.E.N. Olatunji and A.V. Jegede
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the intake and utilization of Mango leaf meal by growing rabbits. Twenty cross weaned rabbits of average weight 700 g were randomly assigned to the five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets in which wheat offal was substituted at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The results showed that rabbits weight reduced significantly (p<0.05) across the dietary treatments. Weight gain and feed intake were affected significantly (p<0.05) by the treatment imposed on the rabbits. Dry matter digestibility, ash and crude fibre digestibility were affected across the treatment. Carcass evaluation values were significantly influenced by the treatment except the kidney. The cost kg-1 diet (^) decreased significantly as the level of dietary inclusion of Mango leaf meal increased from 0 to 100%. At the end of the study the highest savings on feed to produce kg-1 was obtained in the group which consumed 100% mango leaf meal diet. This was closely followed by rabbits on 75, 50 and 25%. It was therefore concluded that Mango leaf meal can be fed to weaner rabbits up to 50% level without any adverse effect on performance variables.
A.O. Fafiolu , O.O. Oduguwa , A.M. Bamgbose , A.O. Oso , O.A. Isah , J.E.N. Olatunji and A.V. Jegede , 2006. Feeding Value of Mango Leaf (Mangifera indica) for Growing Rabbits. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 800-804.