Effect of Using Raw or Processed Lablab Seed as Major Protein Source in Diets on the Economic of Feeding and Growth Performance of Rabbits

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine growth performance and economics benefit of feeding raw or processed lablab purpureus seeds to growing rabbits. The lablab seeds were either left raw, processed by decortication, toasting or boiling; and respectively incorporated into diets T2, T3, T4 and T5 to provide 75% of protein provided by full fat soyabean (FFSB) in the control diet (T1). Thirty, 5-weeks old mixed bred rabbits of 350-358g were used in a completely randomized design. Rabbits fed heat treated seed diets grew faster than those fed raw or decorticated seed diets. Rabbits fed the control diet were however heavier than those fed the heat treated lablab seed diets. More money was expended on rabbit fed either raw or decorticated lablab seed diets to gain 1kg live weight than those fed heat processed lablab diets. The control diets were outstanding in terms of gain per kilogram live weight. It was observed that feeding of raw or decorticated Lablab seed in diets to growing rabbits resulted to high cost of feeding, poor growth rate and subsequently death of rabbits fed the raw lablab seed diet. This suggests that Lablab seeds be processed possibly by cooking before use in monogastric diets.