ABSTRACT

 Response of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meals (MOLM) as a replacement for soybean meal was investigated using 24 weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes. They were divided into four treatment groups of 6 rabbits and randomly assigned to 4 treatment diets containing 0%, 5%, l 0% and 15% levels of MOLM designated T,, Ty, T; and T, in a completely randomized design (CRD). T; serves as the control. Each treatment had three (3) replicates with two (2) rabbits per replicate. The experiment lasted for 56 days. Feed and water were given ad-libitum. Data were collected on feed intake, weight change which was used to calculate other growth characteristics. At the end of the experiment, three animals were selected from each treatment, slaughtered and were used to evaluate the carcass characteristics. The cost effectiveness of the diets was also evaluated. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in all the values obtained for final weight, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Loin, head, shoulder, legs and belly weights are affected significantly. The results indicate that MOLM could be incorporated in rabbits diets up to 15% inclusion levels without any deleterious effect on the performance of rabbits, hence diet 4 is recommended.