ABSTRACT

An 8-week study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Altemanthera sessilis on the performance of grower rabbits. Twenty (20) rabbits (chinchilla x New Zealand white) averaging 998g in weight were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). The rabbits were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments which were replicated twice. The 5 dietary treatments Ti, T2, T3, T4, and 'P5 had varying inclusion levels of Alternanthera sessilis in the order 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively. Parameters measured include: final body weight, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and haematological parameters. The results obtained showed that for all the growth parameters there were significant differences (P<0.05) among the treatment means. The initial and final haematological parameters showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the treatment groups except for initial red blood cell count which showed significant difference (P<0.05). Altemanthera sessilis can be used at 10% and 20% inclusion levels if it must be used as a substitute; otherwise the diet without Altemanthera sessilis had the best performance. ><0.05 ) among the treatment means. The initial and final haematological parameters showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the treatment groups except for initial red blood cell count which showed significant difference (P<0.05). Altemanthera sessilis can be used at 10% and 20% inclusion levels if it must be used as a substitute; otherwise the diet without Altemanthera sessilis had the best performance> Altemanthera sessilis can be used at 10% and 20% inclusion levels if it must be used as a substitute; otherwise the diet without Altemanthera sessilis had the best performance.