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Effect of increasing levels of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to grass pellets on performance of grower rabbits

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Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of composite pellets of Megathyrsus maximus containing Leucaena leucocephala seed meal at the varying level and growth responses, as well as haematological and serum biochemical of rabbits, fed the pellets for 60 days. The treatment consists of M. maximus and L. leucocephala—100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40, respectively. Results revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in the proximate composition of the grass pellets with an increase in seed inclusion while there was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the NDF contents of the pellets. An increase in the tannin contents was recorded with an increase in seed inclusion to the grass pellets. Rabbits fed with 30 and 40% inclusions of seed in the grass pellets had similar weight gain while the lowest feed conversion ratio was recorded in rabbits fed grass with 30% seed inclusion. Packed cell volume, RBC and lymphocyte in rabbits were altered with feeding grass seed pellet (P < 0.05), although no particular pattern was followed. Total protein, globulin and urea contents were reduced in the rabbits as the contents of the seeds in the grass pellets increased. Albumin contents in pellets with 30% of seeds were higher in the rabbits fed the pellets above other treatments. It can be concluded that increasing the seed meal level up to 30% in grass pellets supported growth response without inflicting any side effects on the health indices of the rabbits.

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All data associated with this research were indicated and used in the manuscript submitted.

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Funding

The present research study was not funded by any special funding agencies. All expenses were paid for by all the researchers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pasture and Range Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B, Abeokuta, 2240, Nigeria

    V. O. A. Ojo, O. J. Idowu & B. M. Ogundapo

  2. Department of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Agriculture, P. M. B, Abeokuta, 2240, Nigeria

    O. O. Adelusi & A. O. Oso

  3. Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    O. O. Shittu

  4. Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

    F. A. Okeniyi

  5. Livestock Science and Sustainable Environment, Centre for Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    F. I. Dada

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  1. V. O. A. Ojo
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  2. O. O. Adelusi
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  3. O. J. Idowu
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  8. A. O. Oso
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study’s conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by V. O, O. A., O. I., O. S., F. O., B. O., F. D and A. O. The manuscript writing and review were contributed to by all authors.

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Correspondence to V. O. A. Ojo.

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This work was approved and carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

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Ojo, V.O.A., Adelusi, O.O., Idowu, O.J. et al. Effect of increasing levels of Leucaena leucocephala seeds to grass pellets on performance of grower rabbits. Trop Anim Health Prod 55, 221 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-023-03630-3

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