FFECT OF FERMENTED AFRICAN STAR APPLE (Chrysophyllum albidum) KERNEL MEAL ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS

Abstract

The effect of fermented African star apple kernel meal (FASAKM) as substitute for maize on performance of growing rabbits was investigated. A total of forty eight weaner rabbits (mixed breed, average weight, and 590 ) were randomly allocated to four experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 % FASAKM as substitute for dietary maize in a study that lasted for 12 weeks. The results showed that FASAKM influenced (P<0.05) average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, energy efficiency ratio and % mortality. Rabbits fed 0 % and 5 % FASAKM diets gained weight (16.24 g and 15.16 g) faster than those fed 10 % and 15 % FASAKM diets (11.42 g and 11.17 g). Feed conversion ratio was better for rabbits fed 0 % and 5 % FASAKM diets. It was concluded that FASAKM could be used up to 5 % to replace dietary maize in the diet of growing rabbits without compromising performance characteristics of the rabbits