Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of toasted Icicinia mani (Efik-isong) based diets on the performance of weaner rabbits. A total of 60 weaner rabbits were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups with three replicates per treatment, each containing five rabbits. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% levels of toasted Icicinia mani as a replacement for maize in the diets. The study lasted for 8 weeks, during which the growth performance parameters, nutrient digestibility, and economic analysis were assessed. Results showed that rabbits fed diets containing toasted Icicinia mani had significantly (P < 0.05) better average daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The rabbits on the 10% toasted Icicinia mani diet had the best overall performance in terms of weight gain and feed efficiency. Nutrient digestibility was also significantly improved in rabbits fed diets with toasted Icicinia mani inclusion. Economic analysis revealed that diets with toasted Icicinia mani inclusion were cost-effective compared to the control diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of toasted Icicinia mani in the diets of weaner rabbits improved their growth performance, feed efficiency, and nutrient digestibility. The optimal level of inclusion was found to be at 10%, providing the best balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. This study suggests that toasted Icicinia mani can be a potential alternative feed ingredient for formulating diets for weaner rabbits, offering a sustainable and economical option for rabbit production. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of incorporating toasted Icicinia mani in rabbit diets and to optimize its inclusion levels for maximum benefits.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTIONAnimal protein in most of the developing countries is not readily available to the populace due to the high cost of production faced by the livestock industry. This is largely due to the high cost of livestock feed. Feed contribute about 60% of the total cost of production. This is as a result of the unavailability and high cost of the conventional feedstuffs like maize and soybeans which is occasioned by the competition between man and livestock (Vander Zijpp 1997; Emenalon 2004). This made animal protein unaffordable by the masses in the developing nations and has given rise to many nutritional problems emanating from low consumption of animal protein.The world population is ever increasing. In the developing countries in particular, farmers are faced with the challenge of meeting the demand for food by the teeming population. According to Christopher et al 1997; Onimisi 2005, the ever increasing population in developing countries practically erodes increases in food production leaving no hope of ever having surplus grains to compound economically viable livestock feed.The long term growth of animal production in Nigeria is dependent on a better utilization of farm waste products which attract little or no monetary values (Terve, 1997). Therefore current research efforts in most developing countries are aimed at identifying potential feed sources that have little or no demand by humans that will be cheap and available for compounding livestock rations as it will remove the competition between man and livestock. Some of such potential feed materials that are been investigated include; by products from garri processing industry and wastes from Cattle ranches, abattoirs, and poultry houses (Alawa and Umunna 1993, Abudulmalik et al 1994).This research study is aimed at investigating a new potential feed material known as Icacinia mani, Efik-isong in Ibibio language. It is not used as feed by man. It is a tuber crop that grows wild and a good source of energy.1.1 OBJECTIVE OF STUDYTo determine the body weight performance of weaner rabbits fed diets in which dietary maize was partially replaced with toasted Efik-isong, Icacinia mani flour so processed. To determine the effect of the toasted Icacinia mani on haematolology and blood biochemistry of the weaner rabbit