Effect of Graded Levels of Toasted Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) Meal in Weaner Rabbit Diets

Abstract

Twelve rabbits were used to determine the effect of graded levels of toasted lima bean meal in weaner rabbit diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. There were four treatments in the experiment. Each was replicated thrice. Diet 1 (control) was lima bean-free while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 25%, 30% and 35% levels of toasted lima bean meal, respectively. The experiment spanned 56 days, during which data were collected from the animals. There were significant (P< 0.05) differences in the growth performance parameters except for feed-to-gain ratio. The highest mean feed intake (42.35g) was obtained with diet 1 (0%) and was significantly (P< 0.05) different from diet 4 (35%) toasted lima bean meal only (35.61g). The mean weight gain followed similar pattern. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in feed-to-gain ratios. The lowest ratio (2.34) was obtained with diet 2 (25%). Following are 2.36, 2.47 and 2.62 in diets 1, 3 and 4, respectively. Gross margin was highest (N1760.16) in diet 3. Next are N1757.35, N1744.38 and N1703.57 in diets 2, 1 and 4, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the values for cut-parts and organ weights. Considering the growth performance, carcass quality, organ weight and gross margin, it is concluded that toasted lima bean meal could be included up to 30% in weaner rabbits diet.