Feeding Value of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) Meal for Growing Rabbits

Aim/background: A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the feeding value of tiger nut meal for growing rabbits. Methods: Ninety six Chinchilla and New Zealand crossbred rabbits of mixed sexes were randomly allotted to six treatment groups in a Completely Randomised Design experiment; each group was replicated twice with eight rabbits per replicate. Six diets were formulated such that diets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 contained 0, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40% tiger nut meal respectively. The crude protein content of the diets was between 17.74 and 18.33% while ether extract was between 4.89 and 14.44%. Growth performance parameters and carcass characteristics were determined appropriately. Results: Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, spleen and liver weight and nutrient retention showed significant differences (P 0.05) between dietary treatments. Feed intake, live weight and weight gain all increased with an increase dietary level of tiger nut meal up to 24% inclusion level beyond which depression occurred. The best feed conversion ratio was obtained for rabbits on the control and 16% dietary level of tiger nut meal. The highest protein retention was obtained for rabbits fed diets containing tiger nut from 0 – 16% level. The spleen and liver weight increased (P 0.05) with increasing level of tiger nut meal. Conclusion: The study concluded that 16% tiger nut meal can be included in diets meant for growing rabbit without compromising growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics.