Utilization of Mango (Mangifera indica) Fruit Reject Pulp-Rice Offal Mix as a Maize Substitute in Grower Rabbit Diets
2025
Orayaga, K.T. | Kwaghfan, S.
This study investigated the effects of replacing maize with mango (Mangifera indica) fruit reject pulp-rice offal (MFRP-RO) mix on grower rabbits. Seventy-five rabbits (403.0 ±1.2g) were randomly assigned to five diets where MFRP-RO replaced 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% maize in a completely randomized design, with 15 rabbits per treatment group, and each rabbit representing a replicate. The 84-day feeding trial included a 7-day digestibility study. Dietary inclusion of MFRP-RO did not significantly affect final weight, weight gain, feed intake, protein intake, protein efficiency ratio, or feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). Apparent digestibility of ether extract and nitrogen-free extract was significantly influenced (P<0.05), but values remained high across treatment groups. Critically, the cost per kg diet decreased linearly with increasing MFRPRO inclusion. Rabbits fed a 40% maize-replaced diet (T5) had the highest profit, and the percent feed cost was influenced (P<0.05), with rabbits offered a diet containing 40% MFRP-RO replacement of maize having better profit and the lowest production cost (P<0.05). It was concluded that MFRP-RO can effectively replace up to 40% of maize in grower rabbits, reducing feed cost by 18.06% and significantly improving profitability without compromising growth performance. It was recommended that 40% of maize in rabbit diets be replaced by MFRP-RO.
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