CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBITS FED Gomphrena celosioides BASED – DIETS

Abstract

This study evaluated the carcass characteristics of rabbits fed globe amaranth (Gomphrena celosioides) based – diets. Forty growing rabbits with average initial weight (1500±0.02g/rabbit) were randomly allotted to five treatments after equalizing for body weight and sex in a completely randomized design, with eight rabbits per treatment. Diets were designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with inclusion levels of Globe Amaranth Leaf Meal (GALM) at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 20 weeks after the initial two weeks adjustment period. At the end of the trial, six rabbits (3 bucks & 3 does) per treatment whose weight were equal or closed to the mean weight per treatment were selected, starved of feed but had access to drinking water for 12 hours, before the animals were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The live weight at slaughter was determined shortly before the rabbits were killed by exsanguination, followed by evisceration and determination of carcass cuts. Results showed no significant (p>0.05) effect of diets on the average dressed weight (1046.67-1216.67 g/rabbit), dressing percentage (57.09 – 64.60 %), visceral organs and gastro-intestinal tract morphometry. However, dietary treatments had significant (p<0.05) effect on the relative weight of loin (4.44-7.61%), back cut (6.27 – 7.72%) and thigh/hind limbs (13.78 – 16.48%). The dietary trend showed a positive effect on the carcass characteristics up to 15% GALM level. The study concluded that farmers can include globe amaranth leaf meal at levels not exceeding 15% in rabbit diets without compromising the carcass (meat quality) characteristics