Research Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2006
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Page No. 32 - 35

Evaluation of Hydrolysed Feather Meal as a Protein Source in Rabbit Diets

Authors : Bisi Alex Ayanwale

Abstract: An 8- week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the utilization of Feather Meal (FM) as a protein source in rabbit diets. A total of 24 weaned rabbits, hybrids of New Zealand White and Black, were used for the work in 4 treatment groups. Four types of feeds containing 0.0 (control), 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 % FM were formulated and designated T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The 24 weaned rabbits were randomly allotted to each of these diets. There were 6 rabbits in each treatment group and 3 replicates per group with 2 rabbits per replicate. Each replicate has an equal number of male and female rabbits (ratio 1:1). The rabbits were fed on Luffa aegyptiaca as forage in addition to the formulated concentrate. The feeding trial lasted for 8 weeks. Proximate and amino analysis of FM were carried out including proximate analysis of Luffa aegyptiaca. The results show that FM contains 82 % crude protein and is rich in iron, manganese and zinc and that Luffa aegyptiaca has about 16.0 % CP. Rabbits fed the control diet had significantly (p<0.05) lower body weight (1085.0 g), weight gain (686.68 g) and daily concentrate intake (66.48 g) per rabbit compared to those fed 15.0 % FM. No significant (p>0.05) differences in the intake of luffa among the different treatment groups. Total feed intake (forage + concentrate) was greater (133.84 g) in the control than in 15 % FM-fed rabbits. It was concluded that rabbits could be fed on feather meal up to 15% level with improved performance.

How to cite this article:

Bisi Alex Ayanwale , 2006. Evaluation of Hydrolysed Feather Meal as a Protein Source in Rabbit Diets. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 1: 32-35.

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