Evaluation of Raw Baobab Seed (Adanosonia digitata) Meal on the Performance of Weaned Rabbits

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of raw baobab seed meal (RBSM) on the performance of 40 weaned rabbits with an average weight of 683.00 ± 0.12 g. The rabbits were randomly allotted to four diets with five replicates in a completely randomized design containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% raw baobab seed meal (RBSM). Data were collected on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and haematological indices. The results of growth performance showed that the final body weight and total body weight gain of weaned rabbits fed 0% (T1), 10% (T2) and 20% (T3) RBSM were similar (P>0.05). However, the rabbits fed 30% (T4) RBSM recorded significantly lower (P<0.05) final body weight and total body weight gain. The feed intake decreased (P<0.05) beyond 20% (T3). The carcass characteristics and internal weight of organs followed similar trend. The nutrient digestibility was (P<0.05) influenced by inclusion levels of RBSM. Dry matter (DM) digestibility was significantly higher (67.20%) in T1 (0%) while the lowest value (55.40%) was observed in T4 (55.40). Crude protein (CP) digestibility ranges from 64.37 to 55.39% while the ether extracts (EE) was between 70.54 to 69.03%. The digestibility values for crude fiber (CF) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) ranges from 67.77 to 55.94 and 65.89 to 59.03%, respectively.  The RBSM at 10% to 20% in the diet was found the best inclusion rate for rabbits.