Effects of Feeding Noodle (Indomie) Waste on the Nutrient Digestibility and Cecal Parameters of Growing Rabbits
Abstract
In an 8-week feeding trial, the nutrient digestibility and cecal parameters of mixed breeds of rabbits fed with noodle waste in replacement of maize were evaluated. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3, and T4) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The indomie waste was incorporated in a conventional feed at an inclusion levels of 0%, 6%, 12%, and 18% respectively. At the end of the experiment, Nutrient digestibility and cecal parameters were assessed. The result from the study stipulated that the crude protein, dry matter, crude fat, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments. Increase in the inclusion levels of indomie waste led to increased digestibility in Dry matter, ash, and nitrogen free extract with rabbits in treatment 4 showing superior values in relative to other treatment groups. Also, rabbits fed diet 2 showed a significant increase in nutrient digestibility values (P < 0.05) in crude protein, crude fibre, and crude fat compared to those fed diets 1, 2 and 4 while crude fibre was better digested among rabbits in the control groups when compared to others. Furthermore, the cecal pH and NHwere significantly 3 (P<0.05) influenced by the test diet with the highest value of cecal pH recorded among rabbits in Treatment 4 and decreased values of NHwhen compared to other treatment groups. Rabbits fed 6% indomie waste shown better digestibility of nutrients 3 when compared to other inclusion levels, this level of inclusion is therefore recommended to rabbit owner.
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
The need for animal products will rise consistently in response to increasing world population which in turn is posing so much pressure on the livestock industry (Assan, 2018). To meet the growing demand for animal protein, mini livestock production has been identified as alternative animal production strategy that could bridge the gap. However, rabbit is the most common and accessible among other mini livestock class in Nigeria.
Increased rabbit production is a fast means of meeting the animal protein requirements of the Nigerian populace (Iyeghe-Erakpotobor et al., 2002). This is because of its high fecundity, high genetic potential, rapid growth rate and relatively low cost of production. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has short generation interval, high prolificacy, good mothering ability and easy management requirements, with ability to utilize waste and other non-conventional feed sources. The unique digestive physiology of rabbit has made it possible to use what other single stomach animals cannot utilize. For instance, rabbits can feed on a wide variety of grasses, herbs, leafy weeds, vegetables and household wastes or garbage. Besides, rabbit meat is high in protein content (about 22 %), low in fat (about 4 %) and cholesterol (about 5 %) which can contribute positively towards improving the good health of the populace (Aduku and Olukosi, 1990).
Sadly, the increase in rabbit production in Nigeria is challenged with series of problems ranging from high cost of feed, poor nutrient digestibility, diseases, poor management system and host of others (Asar et al., 2010). Therefore, conscious efforts need to be made to address such menace with the view of keeping pace between supply and demand of quality animal protein from rabbits (Makinde et al., 2014).
Conclusion
5.1 Conclusion Results from this study suggest that partial replacement of maize with noddle waste could lead to improvement in nutrient profiles of the rabbit diet and favorable modifications in cecal environment presumably, acidification of cecal contents and stabilization of ammonia nitrogen concentrations. These alterations should be considered as an advantage, as they improve the impact of the supplemented noddle waste on cecal fermentation pattern and rabbit metabolism. 5.2 Recommendation Rabbits fed partially replaced noddle waste at 6% inclusion showed better digestibility of nutrients when compared to other inclusion levels and should be adopted by rabbitry owners, as well as nutritionist. However, subsequent investigations is recommended to complement the result from the present study.