GROWTH RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO RUMEN LIQUOR–FERMENTED SUGAR BY-PRODUCT MEAL DIETS WITH MULTIGRAIN ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The global demand for animal protein necessitates the exploration of sustainable feed alternatives in livestock production. Rabbit farming is considered a promising avenue due to the high reproductive rate and their ability to thrive on diverse feedstuffs. This study investigated effect of rumen-liquor fermented solid waste product of sugar industry (FSWAPSI) supplemented with enzyme on the performance of rabbits. The experiment used 72 weaner rabbits assigned to a 3x2 factorial arrangement fitted into Completely Randomized Design and replicated four times with 3 rabbits each. Six diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and iso-caloric, supplementing FSWAPSI at 20, 30, and 40 % for weaners and 40, 50 and 60 % for growers, with enzyme supplementation at 0 and 200 ppm. Rumen liquor was used to inoculate SWAPSI and fermented before sun-drying. In the grower phase the result shows that higher level of the test ingredient was tolerated, 20 % FSWAPSI inclusion group showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in final weight (1426.70 g). Enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm significantly (P<0.05) depressed final weight (1240.60 g) as compared to the 0 ppm group (1398.90 g). There was significant (P<0.05) increase in average feed intake (52.61 g) and protein intake (9.5g) due to interactive effects of FSWAPSI and enzyme supplementation in the weaner phase. Conclusively, FSWAPSI can be safely incorporated up to 40 % for weaner rabbits and up to 60 % for grower rabbits. However, enzyme supplementation at 200 ppm proved unnecessary for grower rabbits as the fermentation itself effectively enhanced nutrient utilization