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Cassava root meal in diets for growing rabbits
M A Radwan1, G G Partridge, S J Allan
1Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Tropical Animal Health and Production
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Substituting barley meal with cassava root meal in growing rabbit diets did not affect growth rates or feed conversion. Cassava meal demonstrated higher digestible energy, with no adverse health effects observed at high inclusion levels.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Agricultural Science
- Feed Science
Background:
- Barley meal is a common energy source in rabbit diets.
- Cassava root meal offers a potential alternative energy source.
- Investigating the nutritional efficacy of cassava root meal is crucial for feed formulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of replacing barley meal with varying levels of cassava root meal in growing rabbit diets.
- To assess the impact on growth performance and diet digestibility.
- To determine the optimal inclusion level of cassava root meal for rabbit nutrition.
Main Methods:
- Four diets were formulated with 0, 165, 335, and 500 g/kg of cassava root meal replacing barley meal.
- A growth trial involved 48 rabbits (0.8 kg to 2.0 kg live weight).
- Digestibility was assessed using balance trials.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth rates (average 41.6 g/d) or dry matter food conversion ratios (2.27:1) were observed across treatments.
- Cassava meal exhibited approximately 1.6 MJ/kg DM higher digestible energy than barley meal.
- No adverse health effects were noted in rabbits fed up to 500 g/kg cassava root meal.
Conclusions:
- Cassava root meal can effectively replace barley meal in growing rabbit diets up to 500 g/kg without compromising performance.
- Cassava root meal possesses a higher digestible energy value compared to barley meal.
- Further research should address the variability in cassava root product composition for consistent feed formulation.