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Roselle powder (Hibiscus sabdariffa) improves performance and nutrients digestibility in weaner rabbits

¹Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Dept. of Wildlife and Ecotourism, Nigeria
²Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Dept. of Animal Science, Nigeria
³Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effect of graded levels of dried roselle powder (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner rabbits. In an eight-week feeding trial, sixteen Hyla breed of weaner rabbits were allotted to 4 dietary treatments, 4 replicates and one rabbit per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Dried roselle calyces meal was prepared and fed in graded levels of 0.0%, (control diet), 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% in g/100 g of the diets. Feed and water were given to the rabbits ad libitum. Performance metrics, including feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, were measured. Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, nitrogen free extract and ether were also determined. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that dietary inclusion of roselle powder had significant (p<0.05) effect on these parameters. Treatment 2 with 0.5% roselle supplementation recorded the highest final body weight (1539.50g) and body weight change (817.75 g) compared to other groups. Feed intake was highest in treatment 2 with 0.5% reselle supplementation (2623.00 g), while the control group (T1) with no roselle had the least (2147.25 g). Feed conversion ratio was most favorable in treatment 3 with 0.75% roselle powder supplementation (3.08) while the control group had the least favorable FCR of 4.34. Digestibility of nutrients was better for rabbits fed with control diet (0% roselle) and diet 2 (0.5% roselle) as they both have higher percentage of the nutrients digested in them. It was concluded that inclusion of roselle powder at 0.5% improved performance and digestibility of the weaner rabbits.

Keywords: Digestibility, Hyla rabbit, nutrients, performance, roselle

Contact Address: Adekoyejo Samuel Oyegunwa, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Dept. of Animal Science, Ijagun, Nigeria, e-mail: oyegunwaastasued.edu.ng