Effect of Tridax Procumbens on Growth Performance Parameters of Buck Rabbits

Abstract

The effects of Tridax procumbens on buck rabbits’ growth performance parameters were investigated. Forty-eight (48) buck New Zealand White rabbits of 16–18 weeks of age and weighing 1260-1305g were used in the study. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: T₁ (control), T₂, T₃ and T₄ contained (200g, 300g and 400g), of Tridax procumbens (T. procumbens)/kg of diet, respectively. The animals were pre-conditioned for I week after which animals were fed their experimental diets for 8 weeks. Animals on all dietary treatments had similar (P > 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI). However, animals on the positive control groups: T₂, T₃ and T₄ had significant (P < 0.05) better average daily gain (ADG) compared to the T₁ group of animals with the T₄ group showing the best ADG. Similarly, animals on the T₂, T₃ and T₄ dietary groups had significant (P < 0.05) better feed efficiency (FE) compared with the T₁ group with the T₄ group showing the best or most superior FE. It was concluded that dietary inclusion rate of 400g of T. procumbens/kg of diet best supports buck rabbit growth performance parameters.