Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal to Replace Soybean Meal in Rabbit Diets and its Influence on Production Parameters

Background and Objective: The increased cost of major protein concentrates has hindered the growth of animal production in the tropics. The study aimed to ascertain the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on growth response, carcass value and economic indices of growing rabbits. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight growing rabbits were randomly divided into four dietary groups (T 1 -T 4 ) of 12 animals each, with four rabbits making a replicate. Rabbits in each treatment were allocated to one of the diets having MOLM at 0, 10, 20 and 30% in a completely randomized design. Results: The MOLM was observed to be abundant in essential nutrients. Rabbits on T 4 diet had a significantly higher intake (89.84 g/day). Rabbits on T 3 and T 4 diets had the best ADWG and FCR. Cost benefit was influenced (p<0.05) with T 4 animals yielding a higher income of N6.85 per N1 invested. The ADWG (21.99 g/day), ADFI (90.19 g/day), FCR (4.06) and dressing percent (69.63%) were optimized at 35.96, 48.755, 32.71, 32.83 and 31.95% MOLM, respectively. Conclusion: It is, therefore, concluded that optimizing MOLM level in the diet of growing rabbits could be helpful in improving their productivity.