Evaluation OF Detarium microcarpum Pulp Meal as Feed Ingredient in Rabbits Diets

A 12-week study was conducted to investigate response of weaner rabbits to diets containing graded levels, 0, 5, 10 and 15%, of dietary Detarium microcarpum fruit pulp meal (DFPM). Twenty-four, 4-week-old mixed breed weaner rabbits divided into 4 groups of 6 rabbits were randomly assigned to the four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The results of the phytochemical assay shows that DFPM contained tannins (0.023%) whereas saponins, phytate, oxalates and hydrogen cyanides were not detected. Feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in 15% DFPM than in the control diet. Daily weight gain, nutrients intake, protein to gain ratio and feed conversion ratio were not (P > 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. Similarly, nutrients digestibility was similar (P > 0.05) among the treatments. However, cost of feeding and feed cost per kg body weight gain (BWG) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of DFPM in the diets. Cost differential per kg BWG, savings of feed cost and relative cost benefit per kg BWG significantly (P < 0.05) varied among the diets; the rank order is: 15% > 10% > 5% DFPM. The impressive performance and comparative cost advantage suggests that DFPM is an economic viable alternative feedstuff and can be used up to 15% in the diets of weaner rabbits.