Response of rabbit bucks to diets containing Aidan (Tetrapleura tetraptera) as feed additive

Response of rabbits to diets containing Aidan pod powder was assessed. Forty-eight New Zealand White bucks, aged 42 ± 5 days, were used for the 56-day trial. Animals were shared into four groups of three replicates with four rabbits per replicate. Groups were randomly allotted to four treatments (T1 to T4) diets. T1 (control) had no Aidan. Aidan was included at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. All diets were formulated to provide 17 % crude protein and 2,700 (ME) kcal/kg of energy. Diets and water were given ad libitum. Animal weights, balanced across groups, were taken initially, then every 7 days. Performance, carcass, organ and economics of production indices were assessed. Final weight, total and daily weight gains, dressed weight and cost of feed increased (p<0.05) with increasing Aidan levels, while daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio decreased (p<0.05). Carcass and relative organ weights gave mixed results that mostly reflect final live and dressed weights. T3 had the highest weight gain, lowest feed intake, lowest cost of feed consumed and, best feed conversion ratio. Hence, 1.0 % inclusion of Aidan is recommended for better growth, weight gain and feed efficiency in rabbits. But, high inclusion levels should be with caution as such may deposit abdominal fat that could jeopardize the status of rabbit meat as a functional food. Keywords: Phytobiotic, Phytogenic, Natural additive, Aidan, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Growth promote