Influence of level of groundnut haulms and feeding system on performance of growing rabbits

Forty crossbred weaner rabbits were used in a factorial experiment involving three levels (15, 30 and 45%) of groundnut haulms(GHM) and two feeding systems (separate and mixed). Ratios of concentrate to groundnut haulms or groundnut haulmsmeal were: 1) 85% concentrate plus 15% GHM, 2) 70% concentrate plus 30% GHM and 3) 55% concentrate plus 45% GHM. For separate feeding system, concentrate and groundnut haulms were offered in separate feeders while for mixed feeding system, groundnut haulms meal was incorporated into the concentrate as complete diets. The control rabbits were placed on concentrate alone. Total feed offered was 100g/rabbit/day. Final weight, feed intake and total weight gain increased quadratically with increase in level of groundnut forage. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by level of groundnut forage. Feed cost and cost/kg gain decreased with increase in groundnut haulms level. Savings/kg gain increased with increase in level of groundnut haulms from ₦7.9 to ₦107.6. Feeding groundnut haulms separately or mixed increased daily feed intake of rabbits than sole concentrate. ADG was higher for separate feeding than mixed and sole concentrate. Feed cost was significantly higher for sole concentrate than separate and mixed feeding. Savings/kg gain was ₦450 - ₦300 for separate and mixed feeding compared with sole concentrate. Feed intake was higher for separate at 15 and 45% GHM, while for 30% GHM, mixed feeding had higher intake than separate system. ADG was higher for separate than mixed feeding for all levels of groundnut forage. Feed conversion ratio was similar for separate and mixed feeding system irrespective of groundnut haulms level. Feed cost was lower for separate feeding system at all GHM levels except for 30% GHM level where it was higher for mixed than separate feeding. Feed cost/kg gain was higher for mixed feeding at 15 and 45% GH and lowest for separate at 45% GHM. It is concluded that rabbits can be offered up to 45% GHM while, separate feeding was better than mixed feeding.