EFFECT OF VARYJNG LEVELS OF MANGO-SEED KERNEL MEAL ON CROMITH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND BLOOD COMPONENTS OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

Twenty-four weaner rabbits were fed ad libitum on a diet contail~ing0, 5 10 or 15% Mango-seed kernel meal (MSKM). The MSKM was used in quantitative Replacement of maize offal’s during the 35day feeding trial. Rabbits fed 10'%, MSKM Had the highest (P<0.05) growth rate while those on 5 or 15'% MSKM - based diets Showed superior (P<0.05) growth performance compared to the control diet Conversion ratio were similar (P>0.05) among dietary treatments. Digestibility’s of crude protein and carbohydrates significantly decreased (P<0.05) while those of dry matter, crude fiber, ether extract and ash were not significantly (1'>0.05) influenced. Dietary MSKM did not significantly (P>0.05) change carcass yield, weights of liver, kidney and heart but the 10'%) MSKM showed apparent higher values when compared to the 5 or 15% levels. The hematocrit, hemoglobin and leukocytes were also nut significantly affected. The findings indicated that MSKM holds potentials for fattening rabbits as a dietary energy source.