Abstract:
This research examined the nutritive value of indigenous forbs as sole feed for rabbits in Port
Harcourt, Rivers State. Thirty-five farms in two Local Government Area were purposively
selected for the study. Samples of the forages were obtained for laboratory analyses. Data
collected were analyzed using One-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics and Duncan Multiple
Range Test in SPSS. Corchorus olitorius, Telfairia occidentalis, Ipomea batatas, Amaranthus
spps and Tridax procumbens were identified as rabbit feed by the farmers. DM, CP, EE, CF, ash
and NFE values ranged from 89–91.06%, 14.33–21.53%, 3.50–3.87%, 15.67–22.03%, 8.35–
11.36% and 38.59–42.24%, respectively. NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose in
percent DM ranged from 44.96–59.16, 28.79–47.61, 9.11–13.37, 11.55–16.71 and 19.21–34.24,
respectively. Methionine, lysine and tryptophan contents (mg/100g protein), ranged from 0.178–
0.389, 0.589–0.876 and 0.217–0.328, respectively. Also, trypsin inhibitors (mg/g) ranged from
1.76–4.89, while tannins, phytates, oxalates, saponins and alkaloid values in percent ranged from
0.0032–0.006, 0.436–0.689, 0.268–0.587, 0.354–0.561 and 0.546–0.659, respectively. There
were significant differences (p<0.001) among forbs for all parameters measured. All forbs were
rich in CP, EE, CF, ash, all fiber fractions, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron,
copper, zinc, selenium, lysine (T. occidentalis, I. batatas and Amaranthus spps only), but
deficient in NFE, calcium, manganese, phosphorus (only T. procumbens), iron (Amaranthus
spps), methionine, tryptophan, lysine (C. olitorius and T. procumbens) and low in all the antinutrients. Supplementation of all forbs with alternatives rich energy, calcium, manganese,
methionine and tryptophan, phosphorus (only T. procumbens), iron (only Amaranthus spps),
lysine (only C. olitorius and T. procumbens) could boost the feeding value of the forbs as sole
feed for rabbits. T. occidentalis is recommended as sole feed for high protein-demanding
physiological states such as pregnancy, lactation and fast growth. Further research on
acceptability, nutrient digestibility and performance of rabbits eating these forbs is required. |
