Utilization of unpeeled cassava (Manihot esculenta) root meal in diets of weaner rabbits

A ten-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the utilization of unpeeled cassava root meal (UCRM) using 64 weaner rabbits allotted into 4 dietary treatment groups of 16 weaner rabbits each. The dietary treatment group consisted of four rations containing 0 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg and 300 g/kg UCRM. The average final live weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected by the dietary treatments. Rabbits fed with 200 g/kg UCRM showed the highest (P < 0.05) feed intake. A low white blood cell (WBC) value of 7.30 × 103/mm3 was obtained in rabbits fed with 300 g/kg UCRM while an increased (P < 0.05) blood glucose value of 82.30 mg/dl was recorded in rabbits fed with 200 g/kg UCRM. The empty carcass weight, shrunk body weight, rack weight, loin weight, heart weight and gastrointestinal tract weight were affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. High rack and loin weights were recorded in rabbits that were fed with 200 g/kg UCRM. No mortality was recorded throughout the duration of the study. Therefore, 200 g/kg UCRM supported a better performance without any detrimental effect on growth, nutrient utilization and blood constituents.