EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH A MIXTURE OF RUMEN CONTENT AND BLOOD MEAL ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of replacing maize with varying levels of mixture of rumen content and blood meal (8:2) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. 30 weaner rabbits were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments. The experimental diets incorporated rumen content and blood meal as substitutes for maize at inclusion levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Data were collected on growth performance, hematological parameters, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics. The findings revealed that diets T3 and T4 (50% and 75% replacement levels) resulted in the highest growth performance, with mean daily weight gains of 20.15 g/day and 21.54 g/day, respectively. Average daily feed intake for diets T2–T4 ranged from 46.41 g to 46.74 g, which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1 (38.53 g). Rabbits fed T5 had the lowest (₦3,537.60) feed cost per kilogram of weight gain whereas T4 exhibited the most efficient feed conversion ratio (2.11). Carcass analysis revealed that T4 had the highest pre-slaughter weight (1398.00 g) and carcass weight (989.63 g), alongside a dressing percentage of 66.70%. In conclusion, incorporating rumen content and blood meal into weaner rabbit diets significantly improved growth performance and carcass quality, with optimal results achieved at 50–75% replacement levels. The findings suggest that rumen content and blood meal are cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to maize in rabbit diets. It is recommended that farmers include up to 75% replacement levels for enhanced growth and economic benefits.