Evaluation of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) Seed Cake Meal as Feed for Rabbit

An eight week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of fermented jatropha seed cake meal (JSCM) for growing rabbits to find a use for this less utilized by product of biodiesel production. The JSCM fermented by Aspergillus niger using solid state method was substituted for either 25% (diet 2), 50% (diet 3) or 75% (diet 4) soybean meal (wt/wt) in the control diet (diet 1) formulated for growing rabbits. Sixty mixed sex, crossbred (Newzealand × Flemish giant) rabbits average 877±4g were divided into four groups of 15 rabbits each and assigned to any of the four diets in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on production performance, mortality, production cost, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield and organ weight. Data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance using SAS soft ware package. Results showed that average daily weight gain of the rabbits that received diet 2 (14.37g) and diet 5 (13.14g) were similar to that of the control (14.35g) while the value obtained for those that received diet 3 (16.7g) were higher (P < 0.05). Feed conversion efficiency, final weight and live weight followed the same trend. Feed cost increased with increase JSCM in the diets. Production cost was lower (P < 0.05) at 50% substitution level than in control diet but higher (P < 0.05) at 25% and 75%. Crude fibre was poorly digested at 75% substitution level. Feeding fermented JSCM to rabbits reduced liver and spleen size. It was concluded that up to 75% soybean meal can be replaced with fermented JSCM in growing rabbit diet without adverse effect on growth but for economic reason 50% should be replaced.