Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed graded levels of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) leaf meal

This study aimed to determine the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of grower rabbits fed diets containing graded Bambusa vulgaris leaf meal (BVLM) levels. Thirty weighing an average 999 g were allocated in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) five treatments (BVLM 0%, which was control diet, BVLM 5%, 10%, 15% 20%) with six replicates. The adapted assigned for one week ten weeks. Feed intake, live weight changes feed conversion ratio performance parameters measured. Existing market prices items used appraise economically. A undertaken during 10th week. No mortality recorded study. Before termination feeding trial, 15 (3 from each treatment) selected randomly, taken off 24 hours humanely slaughtered. Carcass weights internal organs measured recorded. Results revealed that changes, intake similar all treatments. However, cost feed/kg gain decreased linearly increase inclusion level BVLM. results also showed could be utilized up rabbit without lowering dressing percentage. It concluded 20% diet reduce any adverse effects on organs. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(1): 6-14, June 2023