Effect of Graded Levels of Maize Cob Meal as Replacement for Dietary Maize on the Carcass Characteristics of Growing Rabbits

ABSTRACT

A feeding trial was conducted with thirty (30) weaner rabbits with average weight of 355.00g of mixed breed (New Zealand X American Chinchilla) and mixed sexes to investigate the nutritive potentials of maize cob meal (MCM). Thirty mixed breed rabbits were used and randomly assigned to treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 in which MCM replaced maize at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% weight for weight respectively at the rate of six (6) rabbits per dietary treatment. Results of preliminary (analytical) experiments showed that MCM contained ME of 2104kcal, CP of 3.0%, cellulose of 34%, NDF of 70.63%, C of 44%. The rabbits were fed and given drinking water ad-libitum for the twelve-week experimental duration during which their carcass quality was evaluated. Significant difference was observed on carcass yield, internal organ and gastrointestinal tract characteristics. Dressing percentage values ranged from 54.05 to 62.44% while GIT weight range was (2.58-3.51%). It was concluded that maize cob meal can replace maize in growing rabbit diet up to 10% without adverse effect on the carcass characteristics.