Impact of Toasted Cajanus cajan L. (Fabaceae) seeds and Arginine/Polyamine-enriched Meals on the Growth Metrics of Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Leporidae)

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to assess the growth performance of rabbits fed toasted pigeon pea seeds as a substitute to maize and soya bean meal with arginine supplementation diets.   Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the rabbit unit of IRAD Ekona-Cameroon, from February to March 2024. Methodology: Forty-eight mixed breed rabbits averaging 608.00 to 805.50g were allocated to eight experimental diets (n=6) whereby, the toasted pigeon pea seed meal (TPSM), substituted maize and soya bean meal at 0%, and 50% while increasing levels of L- Arginine (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 %) were added to the pigeon pea basal diet and the standard diet as a replacement of kaolin. Feed intake and weight gain were monitored.  At the end of the 8th week, five rabbits from each treatment were randomly selected and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for total protein analysis. During evisceration, the visceral organs and the cut parts were weighed. The cost/kg weight gain, cost differential and relative cost advantage were calculated. Results: Results revealed that there were no significant differences in the average daily feed intake, the average daily weight gain, average daily growth rate, and the average weekly feed conversion ratio. There was a significant difference (P< 0.05) in the value obtained for carcass among the treatments compared to the control (T1). T2 (50% TPSM+0% Arg) had the best cost/kg weight gain and cheaper cost in the diets to produce rabbits compared the other treatments, Conclusion: Toasted pigeon pea seed meal and arginine supplementation possess good dietary protein quality for optimal growth of rabbits and can be incorporated in the rabbit’s diets up to (50% TPSM+0.3% Arg) inclusion levels without any detrimental effects on the performance of rabbits. Treatment (T3) (50% TPSM+0.1% Arg) had the best performance and could be recommended.