An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth and economic performance of growing rabbits fed graded levels of cowpea testa meal (CTM). Wheat offal was replaced with cowpea testa meal at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Twenty-five crossbred rabbits (Dutch X New Zealand White) between 5 -7 weeks of age were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments in groups of 5 rabbits and allowed unlimited access to the feed and drinking water throughout the experimental period. The daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatments while the final body weight and daily feed intake were affected by the inclusion of cowpea testa meal (CTM) in the diets. Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the highest final body weight while those fed T5 (100% cowpea testa meal) diet recorded the least; other treatments were similar to the control (0% CTM). Rabbits fed T2 (25% cowpea testa meal) diet consumed more feed compared to rabbits fed other diets. The cost per kg feed decreased as the level of CTM increased in the diets. The best cost per kilogram of weight gain was obtained by rabbits fed T4 (75% cowpea testa meal) diet while the poorest was recorded by rabbits fed T2 (10% cowpea testa meal) diet. Therefore, 100% of the wheat offal in the diets of growing rabbits could be replaced with cowpea testa meal without adverse effects on growth and economic performance.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.