African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (18), pp. 2171-2173, 19 September 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Nutritive value of Stylosanthes guianensis and Lablab purpureus as sole feed for growing rabbits

Omole, A. J.¹, Adejuyigbe, A.², Ajayi, F. T.² and Fapohunda J.B.²

¹Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.

²Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, I.A.R. and T., Ibadan, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: omoleboye@yahoo.com.

Accepted 26 July, 2007

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of Stylosanthes guianensis and Lablab purpureus as sole feed for growing rabbit. Thirty-six cross-bred growing rabbits of mean weight 515 ± 2.3g were used for the study. The animals were randomly allotted to 3 different treatments. The animals in T₁ were fed S. guanensis only, while animals in T₂ and T₃ were fed solely on L. purpureus and sunflower leaf (control), respectively. Feed intake and weight gain were measured on daily and weekly basis respectively. The results showed that rabbits fed S. guanensis and L. purpureus compared favourably with those fed sunflower leaf in terms of feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The results also revealed that the nutrients digestibility (dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre) were also better in rabbit fed S. guanensis and L. purpureus. The dressing percent, lung weight, heart and kidney weight were not affected by the dietary treatment.

Keywords: Dressing percent, Lablab purpureus, rabbits, Stylosanthes guianensis, weight gain