Nigerian J. Anim. Sci.

2019, 21 (3): 325-333

Growth response, nutrient digestibility and carcass analysis of weaned

rabbit fed graded levels of toasted sunflower (Helianthus annus) based
diets
*Adetola, O.O., Adewumi, M.O., Oyedare, K.S., Adetayo, T.O. and Ayoola, A.M.A
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Federal College of Animal Health and
Production Technology, P.M.B 5029, Moor Plantation Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
*
Corresponding author: olufunmilayo.adetola@fcahpit.edu.ng Phone number: +2348058007725

Target audience: Animal Scientist, Nutritionist, Researcher, Rabbit farmers.

Abstract
Graded levels of toasted Sunflower seed meal on growth response, nutrient digestibility and carcass yield
of six weeks old weaned rabbits were investigated for 56 days with thirty-six (36) unsexed mixed breed
rabbits of average weight 0.50kg. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four treatments with nine (9)
rabbits per treatment and replicated thrice in a Completely Randomized Design. Four diets were
formulated containing TSSM at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% as Diet 1(control), 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
Parameters measured include feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility
while a rabbit/ replicate were selected and severe for carcass evaluation. Results obtained showed no
significant (P>0.05) difference in all growth parameters measured. Nutrient Digestibility of diet showed
significant (P<0.05) differences in crude protein, ash content and nitrogen free extract across the dietary
treatments. The crude protein (59.62-86.91%), ash (36.76-73.87%), nitrogen free extract (81.48-96.18%)
values obtained ranged significantly across the dietary treatments with rabbits on D 3 recording the highest
values. Carcass and organ weight showed significant (P<0.05) difference in skin, liver, heart and lungs
among all parameters evaluated. Conclusively, inclusions of TSSM at 50% in rabbit’s diet presented a
better result on growth, digestibility and carcass yield.
Keywords: Sunflower seed meal, Weaner rabbit, Digestibility, Performance, Muscle cuts.

Description of Problem 10% by most poultry species (2). Rabbits have

Animal protein is very essential for the high growth rate, very high prolificacy and
growth, development and maintenance of fecundity levels, quicker return on investment,
human life as it contains all the essential amino short gestation period with high quality and
acids needed for this purpose. Unfortunately, nutritious meat, and as well as simple
poultry and pigs require food sources that are management techniques (3). Advocacy has
in direct competition with man, unlike rabbits been made by (4) for the development of
that can be raised on forages and feed alternative feeding materials that would be
materials that freely abound in the tropics (1). relatively cheaper when compared with
Rabbits have been recognized to play an commercial feeds or conventional feedstuffs.
important role in the supply of animal protein (5) noted that apart from the fact that these are
especially in the rural and peri-urban areas. keenly competed for by humans, they are
They are fast converters of feed to meat and being imported into the country resulting in a
can utilize up to 30% crude fibre as against situation that degenerate into a continuous rise
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in the cost of feed for human and animal vitamin E which is alpha-tocopherol in its
feeding. Non-conventional feed ingredient biologically active form (9). Several authors
could be processed into a high quality feedstuff have reported the use of sunflowers seeds in
that can favourably supplement. Sunflower is livestock diets. Sunflower seed meal has been
grown in many semi-arid regions of the world. incorporated in rations of poultry (10), rabbits
It is tolerant to both low and high temperature (11) and swine (7). Hence, this study was
(6). Sunflower is one of the most important oil conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding
crops of major economic importance and ranks graded levels of toasted sunflower seed meal
second to soybean among all oil seeds globally on growth response, digestibility and carcass
as a source of vegetable oil. The major nutrient yield of growing rabbits.
in sunflower seeds include protein, thiamine,
vitamin E, iron, phosphorus, potassium, Materials and Method
calcium and essential fatty acids such as Experimental site
linoleic and oleic acid (7). According to (8) The experiment was carried out in the
full-fat sunflower seed has 17% crude protein, Rabbitry unit of the Institute of Agricultural
26.1% crude fat, 29.1% crude fibre, 3.1% ash, Research & Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan,
18.8% nitrogen free extract, 0.17% calcium Oyo state which lies between 7.38o N and
and 0.53% phosphorus. Sunflower seeds are 3.84oE in the humid zone of the rain forest belt
the best natural and whole food source of of South Western Nigeria.

Table 1: Gross Composition of Experimental Diet (%)

Ingredients D1 (0%) D2 (25%) D3 (50%) D4 (75%)
Maize 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00
Rice bran 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00
Soyabean meal 19.30 14.47 9.65 4.83
TSSM 0.00 4.83 9.65 14.48
Wheat offal 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00
Bone meal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total 100 100 100 100
Calculated analysis
M.E (kcal/kg) 2609.34 2492.45 2375.81 2258.92
Crude protein (%) 17.38 16.28 15.19 14.10
Crude fibre (%) 5.68 5.76 5.84 5.93
Calcium 1.50 1.41 1.31 1.21
Phosphorus 1.02 0.99 0.96 0.93
Ash 3.14 2.88 2.62 2.36
M.E- Metabolizable Energy TSSM –Toasted Sunflower Seed Meal

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Sourcing and Processing of Test Ingredient with an average weight of 450-500g were used
The Sunflower seed used for this for this study for a period of 56 days. The
experiment was obtained from National rabbits were acclimatized for two weeks in
Association of Sunflower Seed Farmers, order to get accustomed to the feed and
Abuja. The sunflower seed was toasted in confinement. During this period, prophylactic
order to reduce the anti-nutritional factor and treatments were administered to the rabbits in
make the nutrients available to the animals order to stabilize them before the study
according to the procedure of (12). A wide commenced. The rabbits were equalized in
aluminum frying pan pre-heated to about 900c weight before they were assigned to the
after which the seed was poured and constantly various diets. Feed and water were supplied
stirred using a wooden spoon to prevent twice per day on daily basis, forages were
burning purposely to enhance even distribution served in the morning and concentrate in the
of heat. The toasting lasted for 5 minutes after evening. Routine medication were
which the seed was allowed to cool and then administered as at when due. The experimental
milled using a milling machine before rabbits were housed in a wooden hutch with a
incorporated into the diet. wire mesh floor (so that feaces and urine can
drop) and window for ventilation. The hutches
Experimental animals and management and its surroundings were cleaned twice per
A total of thirty- six (36) unsexed weaned week. The experimental animals were
mixed breed rabbit aged between 5-6 weeks managed well for optimum performance.

Table 2: Proximate composition of Experimental Diet

Parameters TSSM D1 (0%) D2 (25%) D3 (50%) D4 (75%)
Dry Matter 95.10 89.90 91.10 90.80 92.00
Crude Protein 21.35 15.40 15.05 13.64 10.15
Crude Fibre 08.20 3.80 5.90 6.00 6.60
Ash 06.20 6.20 8.40 4.30 6.00
Ether extract 39.50 13.80 27.90 27.90 33.00
NFE 25.45 50.7 48.15 49.36 51.95
TSSM- Toasted Sunflower Seed Meal NFE- Nitrogen Free Extract

Table 3: Growth Response of Growing Rabbits Fed Toasted Sunflower Seed Meal
TSSM inclusion
PARAMETERS D1 (0%) D2 (25%) D3 (50%) D4 (75%) SEM±
Initial weight (g) 495.33 497.67 500.00 496.67 2.86
Final weight (g) 1517.20 1628.30 1871.70 1526.70 66.43
Weight gain (g) 1021.90 1130.70 1371.70 1030.00 66.66
ADWG(g/rabbit/day) 18.25 20.19 24.50 18.39 1.19
Feed intake (g/day) 5431.60 6181.50 5057.70 4872.9 304.84
ADFI (g/rabbit/day) 96.99 110.38 90.32 87.02 5.44
FCR 5.32 5.44 3.92 4.79 0.44
ADWG: Average Daily Weight Gain, ADFI: Average Daily Feed Intake, FCR: Feed Conversion Ratio,
TSSM: Toasted Sunflower Seed Meal, SEM: Standard Error of Mean.

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Experimental diets and design Feed intake (g)

Four diets were formulated such that Weight gain (g)
toasted sunflower seed meal was incorporated
into the experimental diets at varying levels of Digestibility Trials
0, 25, 50 and 75% inclusion to connote D1 Seven (7) days to the end of the feeding
(control), D2, D3 and D4 respectively in trial, three rabbits per treatment were
Completely Randomized Design. The rabbits transferred to a metabolic cage, acclimatized
were randomly allotted into dietary treatments for two days before collection of sample and
and each treatment was replicated three times fed known amount of feed. Feacal samples
with a total of nine (9) rabbits per treatment. were collected, oven dried and weighed. Urine
samples were also collected into a universal
Data Collection bottle with drop of conc. HCL in order to trap
Growth performance the ammonia. After that, the feacal and feed
The rabbits were weighed individually at samples were analyzed for proximate
the beginning of the experiment and composition according to the standard
subsequently on a weekly basis using a 10kg procedure of (14). Nutrients weight in diets
sensitive weighing scale (Camry brand) prior and feaces were calculated using the weights
to feeding in the morning. The initial live of diets consumed and feacal samples collected
weight was subtracted from the final live and their determined composition from which
weight to determine the weight gained by each apparent digestibility coefficient were
animal. Feeds offered and remnants were calculated as stated by (15).
weighed on a daily basis to determine the
actual feed intake per animal. Feed conversion Carcass Analysis
ratio (FCR) was calculated from feed intake At the end of feeding trial, one rabbit per
and weight gain values. Weight gain = Final replicate was randomly selected making three
weight (g) - Initial weight (g), Feed intake = rabbits per treatment were starved overnight,
Feed offered- Feed refusal (g) as described by weighed, stunned and slaughtered by severing
(13). the jugular vein and soft tissues of the neck
Feed Conversion ratio (FCR) = and then flayed and dressed. The weight of the
carcasses and organs were recorded.

Table 4: Nutrient Digestibility of Growing Rabbits fed Sunflower Seed Meal

TSSM Inclusion
PARAMETERS (%) D1 (0%) D2 (25%) D3 (50%) D4 (75%) SEM±
Dry Matter 75.79 79.20 82.98 70.12 2.52
Crude Protein 64.53b 84.19a 86.91a 59.62b 4.24
Crude Fiber 87.89 84.31 89.43 86.56 1.43
Ether Extract 60.35 65.59 76.46 60.45 3.74
Ash 44.93ab 67.57a 73.87a 36.76b 6.03
N. F. E 81.48 b 88.93 a 96.18 a 91.44 a 1.87
a,b
means along the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05).
N.F.E: Nitrogen Free Extract, TSSM: Toasted Sunflower Seed Meal, SEM: Standard Error of Mean.

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Table 5: Carcass and organs weight of rabbits fed toasted sunflower seed meal
Live weight (g) 1773.30 1766.70 1833.30 1710.00 68.48
Slaughter weight (%) 96.67 96.55 95.17 95.97 0.71
De-skinned 86.21 88.91 85.83 84.82 0.98
Skin weight 10.85a 8.52b 9.92ab 9.01ab 0.36
Eviscerated weight 62.24 47.25 64.72 63.45 4.91
Dressed weight 77.74 51.41 80.92 76.81 6.61
Hind limb 40.83 35.43 36.43 36.17 1.22
Loin 20.23 22.28 21.51 34.61 3.36
Fore limb 17.81 15.43 15.14 17.22 0.74
Back 16.63 13.37 15.67 16.68 0.82
Head 14.66 9.30 13.79 14.15 1.24
Neck 4.12 1.91 2.72 2.83 0.36
Organ weight
GIT 29.56 18.73 24.40 26.75 2.76
Liver 6.41ab 5.49b 5.49b 7.57a 0.32
Heart 0.54 b 0.45 b 0.49 b 0.68a 0.03
Lung 1.36 a 0.84 b 0.98 b 1.04ab 0.07
Kidney 1.29 1.30 1.12 1.24 0.04
Spleen 0.12 0.15 0.24 0.12 0.03
a, b
means along the same role with different superscript are significantly difference (P < 0.05)

Statistical Analysis The value obtained for Ether extract ranged

All data collected were subjected to one- from 13.60 – 17.50% which increases as the
way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the inclusion levels of TSSM increases. Presented
significant means among variables were on Table III is the result of the growth
separated using Duncan's Multiple Range test response of rabbit fed experimental diets.
(16). There were no significant (P>0.05) difference
in all parameters evaluated across the
Result treatments. However, differences were
The proximate composition of Toasted observed in the numeric value obtained for
Sunflower seed meal and experimental diets final weight in which at D3 (50% TSSM)
fed to rabbits as presented on Table II showed recorded the highest value (1871.70g) as
the crude protein of toasted sunflower seed to compared to control and other diets. Similarly,
be (21.35%), crude fibre (8.20%), ether extract for feed intake, rabbits on D3 had a better
(39.50%) and high dry matter content consumption rate with increased weight gain.
(95.10%). The dry matter content of the diet This is evident in the feed conversion ratio
ranged from 89.90-92.00% with D4 (75% (FCR), as rabbits on the same diet efficiently
TSSM) having the highest and D1 (0% control) converted feed consumed to muscle. The
the least value. The crude protein content nutrient digestibility of the diets as shown on
ranged from 10.15-15.40 and was an inverse of Table IV presented a significant (P<0.05)
the dry matter values across the treatments. differences in the Crude protein, Ash Content
The crude fiber values increased as the level of and Nitrogen Free Extract among all
inclusion of TSSM increases. The Ash content parameters evaluated. For crude protein
in the diet range 4.30-8.40% with the least on digestibility, highest significant (P<0.05)
50% and highest on 25% TSSM respectively. values were obtained on D2 (84.19) and D3
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(86.91) while least values on D1 (64.53) and D4 that the diets had high dry matter (DM)
(59.62) but for Ash content, D2 (67.57) and D3 contents that ranged from 89.90% in D1 to
(73.87) had the highest (P< 0.05) values 92.00% in D4. This indicated that the diets can
followed by D1 (44.93) and D4 (36.76) had the be stored for longer period of time without
least. Nitrogen Free Extract values ranges from spoilage. These values recorded for DM differs
(81.48 – 96.18) with the highest (P<0.05) slightly from the ranges of 95.29%-96.13%
values on D2, D3 and D4 respectively and D1 DM reported by (13). The crude protein
having the least. Presented on Table V is the content ranges from D4 (10.15) - D1 (15.40)
carcass and organ weight of growing rabbits which reduces as the inclusion level of TSSM
fed toasted Sunflower Seed Meal. Significant increases but fell within the ranges of 9.0 -
(P<0.05) differences were obtained in skin 29.7% as reported by (21) for growing rabbits
weight as well as some organ weight such as in the tropical environment. Although the
liver, heart and lung among parameters values are slightly lower than the report of
evaluated. Highest significant (P<0.05) value (13). The diets had low crude fibre content
for skin was recorded on D1 followed by D3 which is quite lower than the ranges of 8.73-
and D4 while D2 had the least . Both liver and 10.34% reported by the same author, 4.54-
heart showed highest (P< 0.05) values in D4 12.70% by (22) and 10-20% recommended for
and the least were in the other treatments but optimum performance of rabbits by (23) but
for lungs, D1 recorded the highest (P< 0.05) had higher value for ether extract 33.00% (D4)
value followed by D4 and the lowest values on as compared to 13.80% (D1) but contradicts the
D2 and D3 respectively. ranges of 5.09-8.82% reported by (13). This
difference can be attributed to the fact that the
Discussion seed has high oil content and the method of
Sunflower seeds are rich sources of processing. The Ash content ranges from
protein, minerals such as calcium and 4.30% - 8.40% which is lower than the ranges
phosphorus (17). The proximate value of of 7.54-9.02% reported by (13) and 3.10-
toasted sunflower seed in this study is contrary 15.70% reported by (22) when rabbits are fed
to the values reported by the (18) and (19). with wild sunflower inclusion in their diet. The
However, (20) found that chemical high content of NFE in the experimental diets
composition of decorticated sunflower meal as is an indication that the seed has higher energy
41.6% CP, 14.7% EE, 8.9% CF and 7.1% content because NFE consists of mainly sugars
crude Ash while (13) reported 90.00% DM, and starch among other components. The range
23.50% CP, 22.10% CF, 44.00% CFat and of values for Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) fell
4.70% Ash for raw seed and 98.40% DM, within the range reported by (22). The level of
29.10% CP, 30.74% CF, 39.00% CFat and insignificancy in growth response of rabbits in
10.50% Ash for roasted seed respectively this present study agreed with the findings of
which differs from the report of this study. (24) who also reported no significant
Variations in chemical composition of difference in rabbits fed with Mango Fruit
sunflower mean might be attributed to Reject Meal but the values obtained for final
location, micro and macro environmental and weight gain were higher than 1431.25g -
factors or to the different processing methods, 1718.75g and 13.93g- 17.95g recorded by the
which determine the composition of this same author and also higher than that reported
ingredient used as feedstuff. The proximate by (25). However, this is contrary to the
composition of the experimental diets showed findings of (13) who reported significant (P<
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0.05) difference in performance of rabbits fed content as observed in the study is in

roasted sunflower seed meal. Although, the agreement with the values reported by (13).
values recorded for final weight, weight gain, Ether extract digestibility and Nitrogen free
feed intake and FCR are significant but they extract does not follow any trend but highest
are lower than the values reported in this study. values were obtained on 25% and 50%
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is an important inclusion of TSSM respectively.
index of performance, which is a direct The insignificancy in the carcass
indication of how best feed offered to animals parameters evaluated in the study disagreed
was utilized for meat production. As reported with the findings of (13) and (22) but in line
by (13), rabbits on 30% inclusion of sunflower with the finding of (29) and (17). Significant
seed meal gained more weight and perform differences were recorded in some of the
better than other treatments but in this study, organs such as liver, heart and lungs. This
50% inclusion of TSSM present the best result contradict the report of (30) and (31) who fed
in terms of weight gain, feed intake and FCR. cassava tuber meals and 20% sunflower seed
The FCR ranges from 3.92- 5.44g across the meal to rabbits. It is a common practice in
treatments and is higher than 2.79-4.38g feeding trials to use weights of some internal
reported by (13) but lower than 6.91 –7.30g organs like liver and kidneys as indicators of
reported by (26). The differences observed in toxicity. (13) reported that if there is any toxic
the feed conversion ratio (FCR) may be elements in the feed, abnormalities in weights
attributed to the composition of the diet. As of liver and kidney would be observed.
shown in the digestibility study, the
mechanisms directing the growth responses Conclusions and Applications
observed in the rabbits appear to be related to Based on the results of this study, it can
nutrient digestibility. The dry matter be concluded that:
digestibility values (70.12- 82.98%) obtained 1. Toasted sunflower seed meal is a
in this study is higher than (60.13-81.68%) potential source of protein and contains
reported by (13) but contrary to the values valuable nutrient that can be utilized in
(61.16-87.03%) reported by (27) who fed diets of weaned rabbit and can be used to
rabbits with diets containing varying levels of partially replace Soybean meal (SBM).
groundnut haulms and cowpea shell. Moreso, 2. Inclusion of Toasted Sunflower seed meal
the DM values is similar to the range of 62.35- at 50% in the diet of weaned rabbits has
82.03% observed by (28) and much lower than no adverse effect on their growth
the report of 88.07-90.06% by (22) who fed response and it is effective for proper
rabbit with wild Sunflower inclusion. Crude nutrient intake and digestibility.
protein digestibility value observed in this 3. In view of optimum performance and
study is between 59.62- 86.91% which fell nutrient digestibility, supplementing
within the range of 76.32-84.36% reported by Toasted Sunflower seed meal in the diets
(13) but higher than the range of 55.34-74.83% of weaned rabbit at 50% inclusion levels
by (22). Although, this result is contrary to the is hereby recommended for rabbit
values (42.21- 62.23%) reported by (28). The farmers.
crude fibre digestibility value ranges from
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