Performance and Hematological Parameters of Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of Sorrel Seed (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) Meal as a Replacement for Grountnut-Cake

摘要

A feeding trial was conducted with 16, 5-6 weeks old (Dutch and New Zealand white) rabbits to evaluate their response when fed graded levels of Sorrel Seed Meal (SSM). The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments namely T1 (0% ssm, control), T2 (5% ssm), T3 (10% ssm) and T4 (15% ssm). Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period of nine weeks. The parameters measured were feed intake, body weight gain and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and hematological parameters. No significant (p> 0.05) differences were observed among the different treatments with respect to feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Similarly, no statistical (p>0.05) differences was also observed for treatment effects on Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts, White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and no deaths were recorded. It was therefore, concluded that, up to 15% of Sorrel seed meal could be included in the diets of growing rabbits without adverse effects on their performance, hematological parameters and health