Growth performance of rabbits on Mangifera indica tree fodder

Abstract

A research trial was conducted to assess the growth performance of rabbits on Mangifera indica tree leaves partially (25 %) replacing the Desmanthus virgatus green fodder. 20 New Zealand White rabbits of 7 weeks old were randomly divided into two groups with 10 rabbits in each. Group – I rabbits were kept as control, fed with concentrate (70 % DMI) and Desmanthus virgatus (30% DMI) and group-II animals were fed with concentrate (70 % DMI) and 22.5% Desmanthus virgatus green fodder and 7.5 % Mangifera indica tree fodder. The trial was conducted for three months. The parameters studied are daily feed intake, bi-weekly weight gain and FCR. The result revealed that there is no significant difference in bodyweight gain between the treatment groups. Hence, Mangifera indica tree fodder can be safely included without affecting growth performance in rabbits up to 7.5 % of the dry matter intake.