Growth Performance of Rabbits fed dry graded level of Bitter Kola (Garcina kola) as additive.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Bitter cola (Garcina kola) on the growth performance of growing rabbits. Twenty-four (24) weaner rabbits of mixed breed and mixed sexed (12:12) were used for the experiment, which lasted for eight weeks (56 days). The rabbits were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: T1 with no bitter kola additive (0g), T2 (2.5g) and T3 (5g) of G. Kola inclusion and into four (4) replicate group. The experiment was design using completely randomized designs. During the eight weeks’ period of theexperiment, feed and water were given ad-libitum and while similar managerial and sanitary measured were applied for all the animals. Daily feed intake and growth performance of animals in each unit were monitored. The results showed significant difference on total feed intake (TFI), and daily feed intake (DFI) only. The initial weight (IW), final weight gain (FWG) and daily weight gain(DWG) did not differ significant (P>0.05. rabbits fed 0g BKSM had the highest figures followed by those fed with 2.5g, BKSM and 5g of BKSM respectively in both the daily feed intake and total feed intake. The result obtained for linear body measurements indicates that there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the chest length (CL), fore leg length (FLL), hind leg length (HLL) and neck circumference (NC) respectively. The ear length (EL), body length (BL), tail length (TL) and head length (HL) shows significant (P<0.05) difference. As bitter kola inclusion increases, so as feed utilization, thereby leading to higher body gain. It thereby recommended that more research is necessary to find the perfect balance of BKSM in rabbit feed to achieve the best possible growth and feed efficiency.