Effect of millet offal-based diets on performance, carcass cuts and haematological profile of growing rabbits

Abstract

The carcass evaluation and haematological parameters of growing rabbits fed millet offal-based diets were examined in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment that lasted for eight weeks. Millet offal replaced maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% inclusion levels for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Feeds and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment. Results showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on the live weight, slaughter weight, fasting loss, carcass weight, dressing percentage, thigh, shoulder, ribs, loin, limbs, eviscerated weight, neck and carcass length of rabbits fed the various experimental diets. In the same vein, only the lung showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among all the organs measured. On blood parameters, the White blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 50% and above-based millet offal diets. Other blood variables were not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the test diets. Serum metabolites result showed increase in serum protein and blood glucose, with corresponding decrease in total cholesterol at 50% and above millet offal inclusion. Feed cost (N/kg) and feed cost (N/kg) weight gain decreased with increase in millet offal inclusion with corresponding improvement in savings as evidenced in the cost differential analysis. Millet offal could therefore replace maize grain up to 100% in rabbit diet, and by extension help in better animal protein consumption of average income resource earner.