Evaluation of differently processed African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) kernel meal as feed for growing rabbits.

Abstract

A 12- y maize. Diet 1 (0% ASAKM) served as the control diet. Each of the five treatments was replicated thrice. Each replicate had four rabbits in a Completely Randomized Design. Rabbits fed diets containing 10 % boiled and 10 % roasted ASAKM gained weight (P<0.05) faster than those fed other diets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly better (P<0.05) for rabbits fed BASAKM and RASAKM diets. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the blood parameters measured except the white blood cell (WBC), alkaline phosphate (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT) (P<0.05). Economic analysis showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all the parameters measured. Cost of feed/kg was significantly reduced (P<0.05) with inclusion of ASAKM in rabbit diets. Production cost and revenue (₦) were better (P<0.05) among rabbits fed Boiled ASAKM diet. It was concluded that either BASAKM or Roasted ASAKM can replace 10 % dietary maize in the diets of growing rabbits without compromising growth performance, bloods profiles and economic benefits of growing rabbits.