Abstract

A seven-week feeding trial was conducted at the Rabbitary Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma to evaluate the growth performance, hematology and serum biochemistry of 15 unsexed weaner rabbits fed varying levels of Parboiled sundried false yam (Icacina tricantha) meal. Five treatments were formulated with diet one containing 100% maize as control, while in diet two, three, four and five parboiled sundried false yam meal replaced the percentage proportion of maize in diet one at 25, 50, 75 and 100% inclusion level respectively. Each rabbit was randomly assigned to the five treatment diets in a complete randomized designed (CRD) each treatment group contained three replicates with one rabbits each. Performance characteristics revealed that final live weight and weekly feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with the highest value (2.01kg/rabbit and 398g/rabbit) recorded from rabbits fed 25% PSFYM. Weekly weight gain was also significantly (P<0.05) influenced with the highest (194.67g/rabbit) from those fed 25% PSFYM. Feed conversion was lowest (1.36) from rabbits fed 25% PSFYM while lowest mortality rate of (3.34%) was recorded from rabbits fed 25% PSFYM. All the hematological indices assayed in this study showed a significant (P<0.05) variation among rabbits fed the treatment diets with highest values recorded among those fed 75% PSFYM. Serological studies showed significant variation in all the parameters assayed with highest values recorded among those fed 75% PSFYM. It is concluded that parboiled sundried false yam meal is a valuable replacement for maize up to 25% for optimum growth performance while 75% replacement can be tolerated in rabbit diets without adverse effects on the blood metabolites.