Optimisation of Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) Inclusion Level in Chinchilla giganta Rabbit Weaner Diets for Enhanced Performance

Abstract The study sought to determine feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth performance of Chinchilla giganta rabbit weaners fed on Cowpeas-Based Diets and the subsequent economics of partially substituting soya beans with cowpeas as protein source. Thirty-six weaner rabbits (eighteen females and eighteen males) were used in a Completely Randomised Block Design where sex was the blocking factor. The diets comprised of 0% cowpeas (control), 25% cowpeas and 30% cowpeas. Average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significant across the three treatment diets (p>0.05). Average daily weight gains and percentage weight gains were significantly lower for diet three (p<0.05). Average daily weight gains were 13.91g, 11.89g and 11.22g for diet one, two and three respectively. Percentage weight gains were 142.4, 120.2 and 113.4 for diets one, two and three respectively. Average cost per kilogram weight gain was not significant across the three diets (p>0.05). Initial weights had effects on percentage weight gains (P<0.05). Gross margin analysis showed that the optimum inclusion level of cowpeas into rabbit weaner diets was 25%. Keywords; Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed intake, Weight gains, Economics of feeding diets