RESPONSE OF GROWING RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS) FED DIETS CONTAINING RAW TALLOW (DETARIUM MICROCARPUM) SEED MEAL

A 12-week study was conducted to determine the effect of graded

levels of raw tallow seed meal (RTSM) on growth performance, haematological

and biochemical parameters and organoleptic qualities of growing rabbits. Five

experimental diets were compounded to contain 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% RTSM

replacing the palm kernel cake weight for the weight designated as T1, T2, T3, T4

and T5, respectively. Forty-five (45) weaned rabbits between 5 and 6 weeks with

an average body weight ranging from 500 to 600 g of mixed breeds and sexes

(females and males) were randomly allocated to the five (5) dietary treatments in

the randomized complete block design with nine (9) rabbits per treatment

replicated three (3) times with three (3) rabbits each. Data were collected on feed

intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility, some

haematological and biochemical parameters and organoleptic qualities of the

rabbits. The feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly

(P