Subtitutional Value Of Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena Celostoides) For Concentrate In Weaner Rabbits' Diet

ABSTRACT

Protein is an essential nutrient in the diet of all living organisms. They are needed for various metabolic activities in the body. An average Nigerian consumes only about a quarter of his minimum daily animal protein requirement (Ironkwe, 2004). in a developing country like Nigeria, this has been attributed to inadequate supply of animal protein sources and as such animal Protein consumption is below average. This could also be attributed to the low level of animal production arising from over concentration on few species of animal (poultry) and the high cost of conventional feedstuffs (Akinmutimi et al., 2002). This has made feed cost to constitute about 70% total cost of production (Ezea, 2004). This problem has been the prime stimulants for the continuous search for alternative feedstuffs that can meet the nutritional requirements of micro-livestock, reduce the cost of feed and animal production (Olorede and Longe, 2000). Such a feedstuff should be one that has very low human food preference and of low industrial usage (Olorede and Longe, 2000). Rabbit production could bridge the supply-demand jrotei