Effect of Yam Peel Meal (YPM) Replacement for Maize on the Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Weaner Rabbits

A 56 days feeding trial was conducted with 27 weaner rabbits to evaluate the performance of rabbits fed Yam Peel Meal (YPM) as replacement for maize. The rabbits were randomly allocated into three treatment groups in a complete randomizes design. Each treatment was replicated three times having three rabbits per replicate. Three experimental diets were formulated with YPM at varying levels of replacement. The replacement level of YPM was 0% (50%maize), 50% (25%maize) and 100% (0%maize) representing T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Each of the diets was offered ad libitum to the rabbits. Parameters measured included, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, and economics of production. Carcass analysis was done at the 56th day. Cost implication of replacing maize with YPM was calculated at the end of the experiment. The result showed a non significant (P > 0.05) difference in the body weight and feed conversion ratio among treatments. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the fed intake of the rabbits. Rabbits fed T2 and T3 diets consumed significantly more feed than rabbits fed T1 diets. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference for all the parameters considered for carcass traits, with the exception of kidney. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in all the parameter measured in the cost implication except in the revenue and in the benefit. T3 has the least cost/Kg feed, cost/Kg feed intake, cost/Kg weight gain, total cost and cost-benefit ratio. Thus the inclusion of YPM in diets up to 100% had no adverse effect on the performance, and carcass characteristics of the animal. Result also showed that replacement of maize with yam peel meal caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the cost of feed/kg weight gain of rabbit.