Growth and Carcass Performance of Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Varying Levels of Sweet Potato Leaf Meal

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

Rabbits are efficient converters of plant materials into high-quality protein and have a fast growth rate and short gestation period. However, feed costs continue to constrain rabbit production profitability. Incorporating non-conventional feed ingredients such as sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) offers a practical way to reduce costs (Onyimonyi et al., 2019).

Sweet potato leaves are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them suitable as partial substitutes for conventional feed ingredients. Several studies have shown that sweet potato leaf meal enhances growth and carcass quality without negatively affecting performance when used at optimal levels (Olayemi et al., 2021).

This study evaluates the growth performance and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of sweet potato leaf meal.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing cost of feed ingredients like soybean meal has made rabbit production less profitable. Sweet potato leaves are readily available but underutilized due to lack of scientific data on safe inclusion levels. This study seeks to determine the effect of different levels of SPLM on rabbit growth and carcass yield.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Assess the growth performance of rabbits fed diets containing different levels of SPLM.

2. Evaluate carcass yield and organ characteristics of rabbits fed the diets.

3. Determine the cost-benefit implications of SPLM inclusion.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How does SPLM inclusion affect rabbit growth performance?

2. What are the effects of SPLM on carcass yield and organ weights?

3. Is SPLM inclusion economically viable for rabbit farmers?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings will promote the use of locally available feed resources for sustainable rabbit production. It will also help farmers minimize feed costs while maintaining animal performance (Esonu et al., 2020).

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on rabbits reared under controlled feeding trials with different SPLM inclusion levels. Limitations may include variability in leaf nutrient content due to environmental factors.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Sweet Potato Leaf Meal (SPLM): Dried and milled sweet potato leaves used as a feed ingredient.
Carcass Characteristics: The measurable physical traits of dressed animals, including weight and meat yield.
Growth Performance: The rate at which an animal gains weight over a specific feeding period.

References
Esonu, B. O., Opara, M. N., & Nworgu, F. C. (2020). Evaluation of unconventional feed ingredients in rabbit nutrition. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 47(2), 220–229.
Olayemi, W. A., Oladipo, A. A., & Adebayo, K. A. (2021). Effect of sweet potato leaf meal on the performance of growing rabbits. Journal of Animal Feed Science and Technology, 14(3), 166–174.
Onyimonyi, A. E., Okeke, G. C., & Ugwu, S. O. (2019). Utilization of sweet potato leaf meal in rabbit feeding. African Journal of Animal Science, 49(2), 104–112.