Effect of replacing maize with pride of barbados (Delonix regia) seed meal on growth performance, carcass, serum and haematological indices of rabbits

Thirty growing rabbits with mean body weight of 516.67g were used in a feeding trial that lasted for 56 days. The animals randomly distributed into five (5) dietary treatment groups consisting six (6) per group. Each group was replicated times individually housed rabbit replicate. treatments contained 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement levels Delonix regia seed meal (DRSM) maize completely randomized design experiment. parameters investigated during the study feed intake, gain, conversion ratio cost. At end trial, blood samples collected from through ear vein haematology serum biochemistry. Fifteen (15) at rate 3 stunned sacrificed determination carcass analysis. Samples visceral organs primal parts yield evaluation. Data obtained subjected to one-way analysis variance. inclusion DRSM diets did not significantly (p>0.05) influence daily gain animals. except forelegs all organ weights (p<0.05) affected by treatments. highest value (3.85%) 4 (75% DRSM). corresponding values 3.35, 3.39 3.40 respectively 1, 2 5 similar but lower than on higher 3.19% 3. Feeding show any significant variation both haematological biochemical components studied globulin. globulins (g/dl) 1.50, 3.0, 1.70, 3.30 1.75 2, 3, 5. All these within normal physiological ranges rabbits. Cost Kg cost live decreased increased substitution having least results suggest could replace (up 100%) without deleterious effect growth performance, carcass, biochemistry Therefore may be panacea high can recommended rrabbit farmers.