BIBLIOGRAPHY COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013. GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith
Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Marlene B. Atinyao, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The study on growth performance of rabbit feed with galinsoga, watercress and
chayote leaves was conducted at the poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet on August to September 2012. This aimed to determine the effect of watercress,
galinsoga and chayote leaves on the gain in weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbit.
Fifteen 60 days old New Zealand rabbits were given the experimental rations for 45 days.
The rabbits were distributed to three dietary treatments with 5 replicates each,
following the Completely Randomized Design. The treatments are as follows:
(Galinsogaparviflora) galinsoga + commercial feeds, (Nasturtium officinate) watercress +
commercial feeds, and (Sechiumedule) chayote leaves + commercial feeds.
Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among treatment means
on final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, total feed consumption as fed and
as dry matter and feed conversion ratio. The average initial weight of rabbits at 60 days of
age was 0.784kg. Rabbits fed with watercress obtained the highest final weight of 1.780kg,
those given chayote leaves had a lower final weight of 1.392kg and those given galinsoga
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
had the lowest final weight of 1.164kg. In terms of average daily gain (ADG), rabbits fed
with watercress obtained an ADG of 0.021 followed by chayote leaves with a lower ADG
of 0.012 and galinsogawith lowest ADG of 0.008. FCR, DM basis watercress obtained the
highest feed conversion ratio of 3.554,those given chayote leaves had a lower feed
conversion ratio of 4.592 and galinsoga had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.227.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit are small mammals in the family leporidae of the order lagomorpha. Rabbit
are non-ruminant and herbivore animal that has a digestive tract uniquely suited to the
utilization of herbage hence they can be fed with different kinds of grasses or weeds and
other vegetable products. They can be raised with simple housing and management. As
with any animal enterprise, feed cost accounts for most of the production cost and this has
prompted many rabbit raisers to explore ways to reduce their feed expenses. One of the
common practices is to feed rabbits with grasses and vegetable refuse. Commercial feeds
are often given as feed supplements. Others feed rabbits with roughages in order to reduce
feed cost.
One of the common grasses fed to rabbits is galinsoga; however there is a need to
explore other feed resources. Among these include watercress and chayote leaves. The
result of this study may be used as a guide by rabbit raisers and may serve as a reference
material for other researches especially those who would further research about growth
performance of rabbits fed with galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves.
This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of rabbit fed with
galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves.
Specifically it aimed to:
1. Determine the effect of watercress, galinsoga, and chayote leaves on the gain in
weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbit.
The study was conducted at the Poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet,from August to September 2012.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The conventional feeds in rabbit production in our locality are concentrates in the
form of pellets and forage. Commercial feed usually accounts for about 70% of total cost
of rabbit production. A problem with local production of concentrates is the absence of
facilities to make pellets and rabbit do not want to be fed in the form of powder. Fine
particles can cause respiratory and digestive problems. One advantage of rabbit is that it is
herbivorous non-ruminant. Compared to the other monogastric animals, it can digest
nutrient in forage very efficiently. While rabbits are herbivorous, it is a common practice
to give them concentrate before they are provided with their regular roughage diet (Bennet,
1979).
Maddul (1999) explained that the digestive system of rabbits allows the utilization
of the forage based diet effectively despite its being a non-ruminant. Consequently, rabbits
are well suited to low energy fibrous feedstuffs and are less well-adopted to high energy
ingredients such as cereal grains. Thus feed such as fodders or fresh forage is typically the
basal ingredients of rabbit diet. For small-scale rabbit raising, feeding greens such as grass,
vegetable tops, carrots, and other succulent feeds may be feasible, but is not practical on a
commercial scale.
Escborn (1985) stated that rabbits are unique among small animals for food and
commerce because they produce highly nutritious, low fat, low cholesterol meat that is rich
in proteins and certain vitamins and minerals. Being herbivores, they do not compete with
humans for food and are easily adaptable to different environments. Investment and labors
are low and rabbits can be cared for by any family member. They are easy to transport and
are highly productive, with short gestation and lactating periods.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Galinsoga Leaves
Galinsoga, annual dicot species of the family asteraceae, is a common herb that is
often found in disturbed habitats and agriculture areas in many parts of the temperate and
subtropical regions of the world. Galinsogaparviflora is considered to be a common weed
in several crops of major importance, such as wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar beet,
tomato, pepper, potato, bean, onion, cabbage and others. It is frequently found in gardens
and uncultivated areas. Galinsogaparviflora competes strongly particularly with irrigated
crops of short height and it might also hinder crop harvest (Damalas, 2008)
As to nutritional content, Grubbenet al., (2004) stated that Galinsogaparviflora
contains 88.4g water, 653KJ energy, 3.2g protein.0.4g fat, 5.2g carbohydrates and 1.1g
fiber for every 100g of its edible portion.
Watercress
Nasturtium officinate (watercress) is a perennial plant belonging to cruciferae
family which thrives in clear, cold water and is found in ditches and streams everywhere,
Watercress is cultivated for its leaves, which are principally used as green or garnishing.
The shelf life of watercress is short when it is taken out from its cultivated environment,
being semi aquatic in nature. However a recent scientific technique of packaging has
resulted in extending its life thus ensures its national availability (VPTM, 1990).
Watercress contains 11kcal energy, 1.29g carbohydrates, 2.30g protein, 0.10g fat
and 0.5g dietary fiber (VPTM, 1990).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Chayote Leaves
Chayote leaves (Sechiumedule) have high protein and vitamin content. The calorie
and carbohydrate content is also high, chiefly in young stems and seeds. The micronutrients
and macronutrients contents by the fruit are adequate. The fruit and particularly the seeds
are rich in amino acids such as aspartic acids, glutamicacids, alanine, arginine, cyctine,
phenyalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucineneand methionine (Cruz-Leon, 1986).
Chayote is a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, panthothenic acid, magnesium and
potassium. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin c, vitamin k, folate, zinc,
copper and manganese. It contains25.1 calories, 1.1g protein, 10.2mg vitamin C, 6.0g
carbohydrates, and 0.2g fats (Cruz-Leon,1986).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials that were used in the experiment were the following: 15 rabbits at
two months old, cages, hutches, weighing scale, crocks for drinking water and record book.
Preparation of Rabbit Cages
Two weeks before the start of the study, the experimental cages including the
feeding and watering trough were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The rabbits will be
purchased from one of the rabbit raisers in the locality.
The treatments are as follows:
T1-25g commercials feed + galinsoga
T2-25g commercial feed + watercress
T3-25g commercial feed + Chayote leave
Feeding Management
Fifteen rabbits were used in the experiment. They were fed with 25g of commercial
feeds and any of the three forages: galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves. Depending
on the treatment the concentrate and the forage was placed in separate feeding trough. The
roughage was harvested every other day from several sources. Galinsoga and watercress
were collected from Natubleng, Buguias, Benguetwhile chayote leaves was harvested from
La Trinidad, Benguet. The commercial rabbit pellets were bought from La Trinidad,
Benguet. The galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves were air dried for one hour. The
duration of the feeding trial was 45 days. Feeding was done twice a day, once in the
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
morning at 7:00 o`clock and another in the afternoon at 4:00 o`clock. Water was
alwaysavailable for consumption and cleaning purposes. Cleaning of the rabbit cages most
especially the underside was done every morning before feeding time.
Data to be Gathered
1.Initial weight (kg). This is the individual weight of the rabbits at 2months of age
the start of the feeding trial.
2.Final weight (kg).This was obtained by weighing the rabbit individually at the
end of the study.
3. Number of experimental days. The 45 days of the feeding trial.
4. Amount of feed left over (g). Daily amount of feed not consumed by the rabbits
and recorded for each replicate.
5. Amount of feed offered (kg). The amount of daily feed offered that was recorded
for each replicate.
6. Dry matter of feed offered (%). This was determined by weighing the sample
after oven drying to constant weight.
Data to be Computed
1. Total gain in weight (kg). This is the difference between the final and initial
weight.
2. Average daily gain (kg). This was obtained by dividing the total gain in weight
by the number of the experimental days.
Average daily gain=Total gain in weight______
Duration of the experiment
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This was obtained by using the formula:
Total feed consumption = Total feed offered - Total feed left over.
4. % DM of feedstuff. This was determined using the formula:
DM weight of sample_x 100
Fresh weight of sample
5. Dry matter intake (g). This was determined using the formula:
Feed consumed x % DM
6. Feed conversion ratio. It will be computed as:
Feed conversion ratio= Total feed consumption
Total gain in weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All the data was subjected to Analysis of Variance for a Completely Randomized
Design (CRD). Treatment means were compared using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test
(DMRT).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Initial and Final Weight of Rabbits
Table 1 shows the initial and final weight of rabbit in the three treatments. Statistical
analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in the weight of rabbits. This
indicates that the rabbits have almost the same weight at the start of the study. This is
attributed to the fact that the rabbit were in the same strain and agesweremanaged similarly
prior to the start of the study. The mean initial weight of the rabbit was 0.784kg.
Statistical analysis revealed that the final weight of rabbits given different dietary
treatments did not differ significantly. The experimental rabbits started with the same initial
weight but with different weight at the end of the feeding trial. Rabbits given watercress
obtained the highest final weight of 1.780kg, followed by rabbits receiving chayote leaves
with the mean final weight of 1.392kg,rabbits fed with galinsoga had the lowest final
weight of 1.164kg. The overall mean final weight of the rabbit was 1.445kg.
Table 1. Initial (at 60 days old) and final weight (at 105 days) of the rabbits
TREATMENT
BODY WEIGHTS (kg)
INITIAL
FINAL
Galinsoga
0.772
1.164a
Watercress
0.784
1.780b
Chayote leaves
0.796
1.392c
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Total Gain in Weight
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 2shows the mean total gain in weight and mean average daily gain (ADG) in
weight of rabbits under the three treatments. Rabbits receiving watercress had a total gain
in weight of 0.996kg. Those given with chayote leaves had 0.596kg. Lastly the total gain
in weight of rabbits that received galinsoga had 0.392kg.
In terms of average daily gain (ADG) in weight, rabbits with watercress feeds
gained 0.022kg per day. Those provided with chayote leaves had a mean of 0.013kg,
followed by galinsoga had a mean of 0.008kg. Statistical analysis revealed that differences
among treatment means were highly significant in both total gain in weight and average
daily gain in weight.
Rabbits fed with watercress had better growth performance. It appears that the
rabbits were able to utilize the nutrients present in the watercress well leading to a high
gain in weight and ADG in weight. Rabbits fed with galinsogahadlower total gain in weight
of 0.39kgandan ADG of 0.008kg. Rabbits fed with galinsoga had a lesser feed consumption
and this is the most probable reasons of lower weight of the animal.
Table 2.Gain in weight of rabbits from 60 to 105 days of age
TREATMENT
TOTAL GAIN (kg) AVERAGE DAILY GAIN (kg)
Galinsoga
0.390c
0.008c
Watercress
0.996a
0.021a
Chayote leaves
0.569b
0.012b
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Feed Consumption
Table 3show the mean daily intake of commercial feeds and forage (as fed and DM
basis) of the experimental rabbits. The experimental rabbits were fed with a commercial
feedswith a dry matter content of 94% and a fresh forage namely galinsoga, with a DM
content of 23.85%, watercress with a DM content of 5.46% and chayote leaves with a
DM of 14.22%. The forage was submitted for crude protein analysis using the Micro
kjeldahl technique. Watercress obtained the highestcrude protein of 32.68% then followed
by chayote leaves with a crude protein of 20.98% and lastly galinsogawith a crude protein
of 20.16%.
Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference observed in feed
consumption, as fed and DM basis.
Rabbits fed with watercress had the greatest feed consumption, as fed basis, of
24.028kg, followed by rabbits given chayote leaves with a total feed consumption of
23.714kg andrabbitsgivengalinsoga with a total feed consumption of 22.446kg.
DM basis fed with watercress has the greatest feed consumption of 13.134kg
followed by rabbits given chayote leaves with a total DM of 3.370 and lastly those rabbits
given galinsoga had a total DM of 5.376.
Table 3 shows that rabbits fed with watercress had the highest fed consumption and
DM basis followed by chayote leaves while those fed with galinsoga had the lowest feed
consumption and DM basis. The table 1 also shows the same where rabbits given
watercress had the highest gain in weight followed by chayote leaves and those rabbits
given galinsoga had the lowest gain in weight.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 3. Feed consumption of rabbits given different forages
TREATMENT
FED INTAKE
DM INTAKE
CF FORAGE
CF FORAGE
Galinsoga
2.250
22.446c
2.132 5.376b
Watercress
2.250
24.028a
2.132 13.134a
Chayote leaves
2.250 23.714b
2.132 3.370c
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 4 shows the feed conversion ratio of the rabbits fed with the different forages
namely watercress, chayote leaves and galinsoga.
Feed conversion ratio, dry matter basis is a measure of the efficiency of converting
feed input into productive output. It represents the feed consumed per unit of body gain.
Higher numerical values are indication of poor feed efficiency since it means more feed is
needed to every unit gain on the other hand, lower feed conversion ratio signifies better
feed efficiency.
Statistical analysis showed that there were highly significant differences in the feed
conversion ratio (FCR) between treatment means. BetterFCR of 3.354 was obtained from
rabbits fed with watercress, 4.592 derived from the rabbits fed with chayote and lastly
6.435 derived from the rabbits fed with galinsoga.
Results indicated that rabbits given watercress consumed 1.238 less dry matter to
produce a kilogram gain in weight compared with chayote and 3.081 less dry matter than
those given galinsoga.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of rabbits given forages,DM basis
TREATMENT
MEAN
Galinsoga
6.227
Watercress
3.554
Chayote leaves
4.592
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Mortality and Morbidity
During the entire duration of the study, there were no instances of mortality or
morbidity among the rabbits, an indication of good care and management.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study on growth performance of rabbit feed with galinsoga, watercress and
chayote leaves was conducted at the poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet on August to September 2012. This aimed to determine the effect of
watercress,galinsoga and chayote leaves on the gain in weight and feed conversion ratio of
rabbit. Fifteen 60 days old New Zealand rabbits were given the experimental rations for 45
days.
The rabbits were distributed to three dietarytreatments with 5 replicates each,
following the Completely Randomized Design. The treatments are as follows:
(Galinsogaparviflora)galinsoga + commercial feeds, (Nasturtium officinate) watercress +
commercial feeds, and (Sechiumedule) chayote leaves + commercial feeds.
Statistical analysis revealed that highly significant differences were obtained
among treatment means on final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, total feed
consumption as fed, as dry matter and feed conversion ratio. The average initial weight of
rabbits at 60 days of age was 0.784kg. Rabbits fed with watercress obtained the highest
final weight of 1.780kg, those given chayote leaves had a lower final weight of 1.392kg
and those given galinsogahad the lowest final weight of 1.164kg. In terms of total gain in
weight, rabbits fed with watercress obtained 0.996kg followed by chayote leaves had a
lower total gain in weight of 0.569kg and galinsoga had the lowest total gain in weight of
0.390kg. Following the trend in total gain in weight, rabbits given watercress have the
highest average gain in weight of 0.021kg, followed by chayote leaves had a lower average
gain in weight of 0.012kg and those given withgalinsoga had the lowestaverage gain in
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
weight of 0.008kg. Highly significant differences were observed in the Feed consumption,
both as fed and as dry matter basis and on the feed conversion ratio of rabbits. Feed
consumption, dry matter of rabbits given watercress was 13.134kg, which was higher than
the feed consumption. FCR, DM basis watercress obtained the highest feed conversion
ratio of 3.554,those given chayote leaves had a lower feed conversion ratio of 4.592 and
galinsoga had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.227
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore concluded that watercress was the
best among the three forages based on the growth performance of rabbits as evidenced by
higher value ongain in weight and feed conversion ratio followed by Chayote leaves, then
galinsoga based on their effect in the growth performance of rabbits in terms of gain in
weight and feed conversion ratio.
Recommendation
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that watercress and
chayote leaves be used as feed for rabbits.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
LITERATURE CITED
CRUZ-LEON, C. A. 1986. Chayote o cruzasintergenericas?Hallazgo y caracteristicas.
RevGeogr. Agric., 9-10:100-106.
BENNET, B. 1979.Rising Rabbit Successfully.Williamson Publication Co. Charlotte.
P. 79.
DAMALAS, C. A. 2008. Distribution Biology and Agricultural Importance of
GalinsogaParviflora (Astracae). Weed Biology and Management. Pp. 147-153.
ESCBORN, E. 1985. A Compendium of Rabbit Production: Appropriate Condition in
developing Countries.DeutscheGesselsChafttechnischeZusammenarbiet.(GRTZ)
GmbH Dag-HammarskJold Wag D6263 ESCBORN federal Republic of the
Germany. Pp. 127-127.
GRUBBEN, G.H, O. A DENTON, C.M. MESSIAEN and R.R. SCHIPPERS. 2004. Plant
Resources
of
Tropical
Africa,
Volume
2:
Vegetables.
PROTH
Foundation/Backhuys Publisher/CP. Wagenengen.Nethrlands.P. 96.
MADDUL, S. B. 1999. Lecture Manual on Rabbit Production. BSU, La Trinidad Benguet.
Pp 31-33.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION TRAINING MANUAL. 1990. Asian Vegetable Research
and Development Center P.O. Box 205, Taipel 10099. Pp. 15-17.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013. GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith
Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Marlene B. Atinyao, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The study on growth performance of rabbit feed with galinsoga, watercress and
chayote leaves was conducted at the poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet on August to September 2012. This aimed to determine the effect of watercress,
galinsoga and chayote leaves on the gain in weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbit.
Fifteen 60 days old New Zealand rabbits were given the experimental rations for 45 days.
The rabbits were distributed to three dietary treatments with 5 replicates each,
following the Completely Randomized Design. The treatments are as follows:
(Galinsogaparviflora) galinsoga + commercial feeds, (Nasturtium officinate) watercress +
commercial feeds, and (Sechiumedule) chayote leaves + commercial feeds.
Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among treatment means
on final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, total feed consumption as fed and
as dry matter and feed conversion ratio. The average initial weight of rabbits at 60 days of
age was 0.784kg. Rabbits fed with watercress obtained the highest final weight of 1.780kg,
those given chayote leaves had a lower final weight of 1.392kg and those given galinsoga
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
had the lowest final weight of 1.164kg. In terms of average daily gain (ADG), rabbits fed
with watercress obtained an ADG of 0.021 followed by chayote leaves with a lower ADG
of 0.012 and galinsogawith lowest ADG of 0.008. FCR, DM basis watercress obtained the
highest feed conversion ratio of 3.554,those given chayote leaves had a lower feed
conversion ratio of 4.592 and galinsoga had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.227.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit are small mammals in the family leporidae of the order lagomorpha. Rabbit
are non-ruminant and herbivore animal that has a digestive tract uniquely suited to the
utilization of herbage hence they can be fed with different kinds of grasses or weeds and
other vegetable products. They can be raised with simple housing and management. As
with any animal enterprise, feed cost accounts for most of the production cost and this has
prompted many rabbit raisers to explore ways to reduce their feed expenses. One of the
common practices is to feed rabbits with grasses and vegetable refuse. Commercial feeds
are often given as feed supplements. Others feed rabbits with roughages in order to reduce
feed cost.
One of the common grasses fed to rabbits is galinsoga; however there is a need to
explore other feed resources. Among these include watercress and chayote leaves. The
result of this study may be used as a guide by rabbit raisers and may serve as a reference
material for other researches especially those who would further research about growth
performance of rabbits fed with galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves.
This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of rabbit fed with
galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves.
Specifically it aimed to:
1. Determine the effect of watercress, galinsoga, and chayote leaves on the gain in
weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbit.
The study was conducted at the Poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet,from August to September 2012.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The conventional feeds in rabbit production in our locality are concentrates in the
form of pellets and forage. Commercial feed usually accounts for about 70% of total cost
of rabbit production. A problem with local production of concentrates is the absence of
facilities to make pellets and rabbit do not want to be fed in the form of powder. Fine
particles can cause respiratory and digestive problems. One advantage of rabbit is that it is
herbivorous non-ruminant. Compared to the other monogastric animals, it can digest
nutrient in forage very efficiently. While rabbits are herbivorous, it is a common practice
to give them concentrate before they are provided with their regular roughage diet (Bennet,
1979).
Maddul (1999) explained that the digestive system of rabbits allows the utilization
of the forage based diet effectively despite its being a non-ruminant. Consequently, rabbits
are well suited to low energy fibrous feedstuffs and are less well-adopted to high energy
ingredients such as cereal grains. Thus feed such as fodders or fresh forage is typically the
basal ingredients of rabbit diet. For small-scale rabbit raising, feeding greens such as grass,
vegetable tops, carrots, and other succulent feeds may be feasible, but is not practical on a
commercial scale.
Escborn (1985) stated that rabbits are unique among small animals for food and
commerce because they produce highly nutritious, low fat, low cholesterol meat that is rich
in proteins and certain vitamins and minerals. Being herbivores, they do not compete with
humans for food and are easily adaptable to different environments. Investment and labors
are low and rabbits can be cared for by any family member. They are easy to transport and
are highly productive, with short gestation and lactating periods.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Galinsoga Leaves
Galinsoga, annual dicot species of the family asteraceae, is a common herb that is
often found in disturbed habitats and agriculture areas in many parts of the temperate and
subtropical regions of the world. Galinsogaparviflora is considered to be a common weed
in several crops of major importance, such as wheat, corn, cotton, tobacco, sugar beet,
tomato, pepper, potato, bean, onion, cabbage and others. It is frequently found in gardens
and uncultivated areas. Galinsogaparviflora competes strongly particularly with irrigated
crops of short height and it might also hinder crop harvest (Damalas, 2008)
As to nutritional content, Grubbenet al., (2004) stated that Galinsogaparviflora
contains 88.4g water, 653KJ energy, 3.2g protein.0.4g fat, 5.2g carbohydrates and 1.1g
fiber for every 100g of its edible portion.
Watercress
Nasturtium officinate (watercress) is a perennial plant belonging to cruciferae
family which thrives in clear, cold water and is found in ditches and streams everywhere,
Watercress is cultivated for its leaves, which are principally used as green or garnishing.
The shelf life of watercress is short when it is taken out from its cultivated environment,
being semi aquatic in nature. However a recent scientific technique of packaging has
resulted in extending its life thus ensures its national availability (VPTM, 1990).
Watercress contains 11kcal energy, 1.29g carbohydrates, 2.30g protein, 0.10g fat
and 0.5g dietary fiber (VPTM, 1990).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Chayote Leaves
Chayote leaves (Sechiumedule) have high protein and vitamin content. The calorie
and carbohydrate content is also high, chiefly in young stems and seeds. The micronutrients
and macronutrients contents by the fruit are adequate. The fruit and particularly the seeds
are rich in amino acids such as aspartic acids, glutamicacids, alanine, arginine, cyctine,
phenyalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucineneand methionine (Cruz-Leon, 1986).
Chayote is a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, panthothenic acid, magnesium and
potassium. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin c, vitamin k, folate, zinc,
copper and manganese. It contains25.1 calories, 1.1g protein, 10.2mg vitamin C, 6.0g
carbohydrates, and 0.2g fats (Cruz-Leon,1986).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials that were used in the experiment were the following: 15 rabbits at
two months old, cages, hutches, weighing scale, crocks for drinking water and record book.
Preparation of Rabbit Cages
Two weeks before the start of the study, the experimental cages including the
feeding and watering trough were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The rabbits will be
purchased from one of the rabbit raisers in the locality.
The treatments are as follows:
T1-25g commercials feed + galinsoga
T2-25g commercial feed + watercress
T3-25g commercial feed + Chayote leave
Feeding Management
Fifteen rabbits were used in the experiment. They were fed with 25g of commercial
feeds and any of the three forages: galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves. Depending
on the treatment the concentrate and the forage was placed in separate feeding trough. The
roughage was harvested every other day from several sources. Galinsoga and watercress
were collected from Natubleng, Buguias, Benguetwhile chayote leaves was harvested from
La Trinidad, Benguet. The commercial rabbit pellets were bought from La Trinidad,
Benguet. The galinsoga, watercress, and chayote leaves were air dried for one hour. The
duration of the feeding trial was 45 days. Feeding was done twice a day, once in the
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
morning at 7:00 o`clock and another in the afternoon at 4:00 o`clock. Water was
alwaysavailable for consumption and cleaning purposes. Cleaning of the rabbit cages most
especially the underside was done every morning before feeding time.
Data to be Gathered
1.Initial weight (kg). This is the individual weight of the rabbits at 2months of age
the start of the feeding trial.
2.Final weight (kg).This was obtained by weighing the rabbit individually at the
end of the study.
3. Number of experimental days. The 45 days of the feeding trial.
4. Amount of feed left over (g). Daily amount of feed not consumed by the rabbits
and recorded for each replicate.
5. Amount of feed offered (kg). The amount of daily feed offered that was recorded
for each replicate.
6. Dry matter of feed offered (%). This was determined by weighing the sample
after oven drying to constant weight.
Data to be Computed
1. Total gain in weight (kg). This is the difference between the final and initial
weight.
2. Average daily gain (kg). This was obtained by dividing the total gain in weight
by the number of the experimental days.
Average daily gain=Total gain in weight______
Duration of the experiment
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This was obtained by using the formula:
Total feed consumption = Total feed offered - Total feed left over.
4. % DM of feedstuff. This was determined using the formula:
DM weight of sample_x 100
Fresh weight of sample
5. Dry matter intake (g). This was determined using the formula:
Feed consumed x % DM
6. Feed conversion ratio. It will be computed as:
Feed conversion ratio= Total feed consumption
Total gain in weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All the data was subjected to Analysis of Variance for a Completely Randomized
Design (CRD). Treatment means were compared using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test
(DMRT).
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Initial and Final Weight of Rabbits
Table 1 shows the initial and final weight of rabbit in the three treatments. Statistical
analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in the weight of rabbits. This
indicates that the rabbits have almost the same weight at the start of the study. This is
attributed to the fact that the rabbit were in the same strain and agesweremanaged similarly
prior to the start of the study. The mean initial weight of the rabbit was 0.784kg.
Statistical analysis revealed that the final weight of rabbits given different dietary
treatments did not differ significantly. The experimental rabbits started with the same initial
weight but with different weight at the end of the feeding trial. Rabbits given watercress
obtained the highest final weight of 1.780kg, followed by rabbits receiving chayote leaves
with the mean final weight of 1.392kg,rabbits fed with galinsoga had the lowest final
weight of 1.164kg. The overall mean final weight of the rabbit was 1.445kg.
Table 1. Initial (at 60 days old) and final weight (at 105 days) of the rabbits
TREATMENT
BODY WEIGHTS (kg)
INITIAL
FINAL
Galinsoga
0.772
1.164a
Watercress
0.784
1.780b
Chayote leaves
0.796
1.392c
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Total Gain in Weight
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 2shows the mean total gain in weight and mean average daily gain (ADG) in
weight of rabbits under the three treatments. Rabbits receiving watercress had a total gain
in weight of 0.996kg. Those given with chayote leaves had 0.596kg. Lastly the total gain
in weight of rabbits that received galinsoga had 0.392kg.
In terms of average daily gain (ADG) in weight, rabbits with watercress feeds
gained 0.022kg per day. Those provided with chayote leaves had a mean of 0.013kg,
followed by galinsoga had a mean of 0.008kg. Statistical analysis revealed that differences
among treatment means were highly significant in both total gain in weight and average
daily gain in weight.
Rabbits fed with watercress had better growth performance. It appears that the
rabbits were able to utilize the nutrients present in the watercress well leading to a high
gain in weight and ADG in weight. Rabbits fed with galinsogahadlower total gain in weight
of 0.39kgandan ADG of 0.008kg. Rabbits fed with galinsoga had a lesser feed consumption
and this is the most probable reasons of lower weight of the animal.
Table 2.Gain in weight of rabbits from 60 to 105 days of age
TREATMENT
TOTAL GAIN (kg) AVERAGE DAILY GAIN (kg)
Galinsoga
0.390c
0.008c
Watercress
0.996a
0.021a
Chayote leaves
0.569b
0.012b
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Feed Consumption
Table 3show the mean daily intake of commercial feeds and forage (as fed and DM
basis) of the experimental rabbits. The experimental rabbits were fed with a commercial
feedswith a dry matter content of 94% and a fresh forage namely galinsoga, with a DM
content of 23.85%, watercress with a DM content of 5.46% and chayote leaves with a
DM of 14.22%. The forage was submitted for crude protein analysis using the Micro
kjeldahl technique. Watercress obtained the highestcrude protein of 32.68% then followed
by chayote leaves with a crude protein of 20.98% and lastly galinsogawith a crude protein
of 20.16%.
Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference observed in feed
consumption, as fed and DM basis.
Rabbits fed with watercress had the greatest feed consumption, as fed basis, of
24.028kg, followed by rabbits given chayote leaves with a total feed consumption of
23.714kg andrabbitsgivengalinsoga with a total feed consumption of 22.446kg.
DM basis fed with watercress has the greatest feed consumption of 13.134kg
followed by rabbits given chayote leaves with a total DM of 3.370 and lastly those rabbits
given galinsoga had a total DM of 5.376.
Table 3 shows that rabbits fed with watercress had the highest fed consumption and
DM basis followed by chayote leaves while those fed with galinsoga had the lowest feed
consumption and DM basis. The table 1 also shows the same where rabbits given
watercress had the highest gain in weight followed by chayote leaves and those rabbits
given galinsoga had the lowest gain in weight.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 3. Feed consumption of rabbits given different forages
TREATMENT
FED INTAKE
DM INTAKE
CF FORAGE
CF FORAGE
Galinsoga
2.250
22.446c
2.132 5.376b
Watercress
2.250
24.028a
2.132 13.134a
Chayote leaves
2.250 23.714b
2.132 3.370c
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 4 shows the feed conversion ratio of the rabbits fed with the different forages
namely watercress, chayote leaves and galinsoga.
Feed conversion ratio, dry matter basis is a measure of the efficiency of converting
feed input into productive output. It represents the feed consumed per unit of body gain.
Higher numerical values are indication of poor feed efficiency since it means more feed is
needed to every unit gain on the other hand, lower feed conversion ratio signifies better
feed efficiency.
Statistical analysis showed that there were highly significant differences in the feed
conversion ratio (FCR) between treatment means. BetterFCR of 3.354 was obtained from
rabbits fed with watercress, 4.592 derived from the rabbits fed with chayote and lastly
6.435 derived from the rabbits fed with galinsoga.
Results indicated that rabbits given watercress consumed 1.238 less dry matter to
produce a kilogram gain in weight compared with chayote and 3.081 less dry matter than
those given galinsoga.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of rabbits given forages,DM basis
TREATMENT
MEAN
Galinsoga
6.227
Watercress
3.554
Chayote leaves
4.592
Means with the same superscript are not significantly different at 5%.
Mortality and Morbidity
During the entire duration of the study, there were no instances of mortality or
morbidity among the rabbits, an indication of good care and management.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study on growth performance of rabbit feed with galinsoga, watercress and
chayote leaves was conducted at the poultry Experimental House, Balili, La Trinidad,
Benguet on August to September 2012. This aimed to determine the effect of
watercress,galinsoga and chayote leaves on the gain in weight and feed conversion ratio of
rabbit. Fifteen 60 days old New Zealand rabbits were given the experimental rations for 45
days.
The rabbits were distributed to three dietarytreatments with 5 replicates each,
following the Completely Randomized Design. The treatments are as follows:
(Galinsogaparviflora)galinsoga + commercial feeds, (Nasturtium officinate) watercress +
commercial feeds, and (Sechiumedule) chayote leaves + commercial feeds.
Statistical analysis revealed that highly significant differences were obtained
among treatment means on final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, total feed
consumption as fed, as dry matter and feed conversion ratio. The average initial weight of
rabbits at 60 days of age was 0.784kg. Rabbits fed with watercress obtained the highest
final weight of 1.780kg, those given chayote leaves had a lower final weight of 1.392kg
and those given galinsogahad the lowest final weight of 1.164kg. In terms of total gain in
weight, rabbits fed with watercress obtained 0.996kg followed by chayote leaves had a
lower total gain in weight of 0.569kg and galinsoga had the lowest total gain in weight of
0.390kg. Following the trend in total gain in weight, rabbits given watercress have the
highest average gain in weight of 0.021kg, followed by chayote leaves had a lower average
gain in weight of 0.012kg and those given withgalinsoga had the lowestaverage gain in
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
weight of 0.008kg. Highly significant differences were observed in the Feed consumption,
both as fed and as dry matter basis and on the feed conversion ratio of rabbits. Feed
consumption, dry matter of rabbits given watercress was 13.134kg, which was higher than
the feed consumption. FCR, DM basis watercress obtained the highest feed conversion
ratio of 3.554,those given chayote leaves had a lower feed conversion ratio of 4.592 and
galinsoga had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.227
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore concluded that watercress was the
best among the three forages based on the growth performance of rabbits as evidenced by
higher value ongain in weight and feed conversion ratio followed by Chayote leaves, then
galinsoga based on their effect in the growth performance of rabbits in terms of gain in
weight and feed conversion ratio.
Recommendation
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that watercress and
chayote leaves be used as feed for rabbits.
GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013
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GrowthPerformanceof Rabbits Fedwith Galinsoga, Watercress and Chayote Leaves
COPAS, MARIVIE W. APRIL 2013