Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Niger
Oluremi, O.I.A., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Bogbenda, M., Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria; Mkah, T.P., Department of Animal Production, College of Animal Science, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi,Benue State, Nigeria
A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the nutritive potential of Cirina forda larva meal (CFLM) as an animal protein concentrate in rabbit feeding by evaluating growth response, carcass quality and nutrient digestibility. Twenty mixed breed weaner rabbits between 9-11 weeks of age were assigned randomly in groups of five to control diet (CD) and three other diets TD2.5, TD5.0 and TD7.5 containing 2.5. 5.0 and 7.5% CFLM. Rabbit had unrestricted access to drinking water and their respective diets. Diets had significant effects (p<0.01) on feed intake, water consumption and live body weight (LBW). The coefficient of nutrient digestibility, and carcass, visceral and offal indices did not have significant variations (p>0.05) except the forelimb (p<0.05). Rabbit became heavier as feed intake decreased at higher CFLM dietary inclusion, which is an indication of improved feed conversion. The study has shown that CFLM can be used in compounding diets for grower rabbit at 7.5% level of inclusion.