EVALUATION OF GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF RABBITS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) POWDER

Abstract

Sixty four (7-8 weeks old) crossbred male and female rabbits weighing between 700 and 800g were used to determine the effect of inclusion of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on growth, economic benefits and reproductive performance of rabbits. The rabbits on sex basis were randomly allotted to diets containing four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) of turmeric powder as a supplement in a 2x4 factorial arrangement. Data were collected on growth performance and economic benefits. Reproductive, At 20 weeks old, 24 rabbits comprising of 8 bucks and 16 does along dietary treatment were used for reproductive performance evaluation in mating ratio of 1:2 per treatment. Data were collected on gestation length, litter size, birth weight and weaning weight. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA. Highest (p < 0.05) weight gain (700.71g) was obtained with rabbits fed diet containing 1.0% turmeric supplement. Daily feed intake was (p < 0.05) highest (113.76g) within rabbits on 1.5% turmeric supplement while the least (99.48g) was recorded with rabbits fed diets containing 0.5% inclusion. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) on feed conversion ratio of the rabbits.. Litter size was (p < 0.05) highest (5.25) with rabbit fed 1.0% turmeric inclusion while least (3.00) was recorded with 1.5% turmeric inclusion. Litter weight at kindling was also significantly (p < 0.05) highest (147.25g) with rabbits fed 1.0% turmeric inclusion. No significant (p>0.05) difference was recorded on gestation length, litter size at weaning and weaning weight. The study concluded that turmeric inclusion had no detrimental effect of growth performance of rabbits. However, 1.0% supplement appeared as economic inclusion level for weight gain, efficient feed utilization, optimum profit, economic benefit, litter size and litter weight at kindling in rabbit production enterprise.