Growth, Carcass and Reproductive Characteristics of Male Rabbits (Bucks) Fed Raw and Boiled Pigeon Pea Seed (Cajanus cajan) Meal

Abstract

Thirty-six (36) 24 weeks old rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to three treatment diets. The treatments T₁ T₂ and T₃ which contained T₁ 0% control. T₂ 20% raw pigeon pea seed meal and T₃ 20% boiled pigeon seed meal and fed to the rabbits in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The mean body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between rabbits on the control T₁ 0% and T₃ 20% boiled pigeon pea seed meal, but, however, they differed significantly (p < 0.05) from rabbits on 20% raw seed meal. The dressed weight and dressed percentage did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the control and 20% boiled seed meal, however, they differed significantly p < from rabbits on the T₂ treatment diets (raw seed meal). Carcass length were similar between the treatment groups. The cut part and organ weights did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between treatment groups, however, higher values were observed in rabbits fed 20% boiled pigeon pea seed meal. The testis characteristics (testis weight, tunica albuginea weight, testis length width and volume did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05) between treatment groups, however, higher values were observed in rabbits fed 20% boiled pigeon pea seed meal. It is concluded that 20% boiled pigeon pea seed meal supported the carcass and testicular characteristics of rabbit bucks.