BIBLIOGRAPHY QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012. Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with
Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Sonwright B. Maddul, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project,
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet to determine growth performance of rabbits fed with
galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong; to determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by
rabbits; determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight of
rabbits; and to determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum and
kangkong.
The different treatments were T1 (Galinsoga), T2 (Talinum) and T3 (Kangkong).
Basing on the result of the study kangkong and galinsoga are better than talinum in
terms of gain in weight and feed conversion ratio.
With the result of the study, kangkong and galinsoga is recommended as basal diet
to rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit production is becoming popular because of its importance to most Filipinos.
It provides meat which is a good source of protein and has a lower fat content compared to
pork and beef. Therefore it is very important especially to children who are malnourished.
The skin is also processed into pelt which are trimmed after tanning, cut and sold
into novelty articles like bags, shoes etc. They are also sown together for coats, blankets
and upholstery. Rabbit manure can also be utilized as fertilizer.
According to Maddul (2002) rabbit manure has 2.45% nitrogen and 1.3 %
phosphoric acid which are relatively higher than those other animal manures. Their potash
content of 0.6 % is comparable with those of other animals except goat and sheep.
Furthermore, he stated that rabbit manure is not hot during decomposition. Thus, it
is only animal manure that does not burn plants. It was calculated that 15 does, two bucks
and their litters will produce approximately one ton of rabbit manure in one year therefore,
rabbit manure is an excellent fertilizer for vegetables.
Since almost all the parts of the rabbit including its waste products are useful and
important to human beings, rabbit production provides an excellent source of income.
However, there are some factors that affect rabbit production and adaptability. These
factors include lack of capital, stock availability, stock adaptability to local conditions, care
and management and high cost of feeds which is true not only for rabbits but also for other
animals.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
The high cost of feeds has prompted many small farm rabbit raisers to
variouspractices to reduce their feed expenses. The usual practice of rabbit raisers is to use
commercial feeds like swine grower ration which accounts for a large percentage of total
production cost. Rabbits are not difficult to provide feed, they can consume roughages, but
these feeds are normally seasonal. In order to sustain growth rate throughout the year
alternative resources of feeds must be sought particularly during dry season.
One way to minimize feed cost is introducing feedstuffs which are locally found
forages like galinsoga, talinum, kangkong and malunggay.
Result of this study could contribute knowledge to students especially to animal
science and veterinary students. It will also serve as additional information on feeds and
feeding and animal nutrition. It will also help farmers or backyard raisers on what leaves
are to be fed to their rabbits that may contain high nutritive value that is available in the
locality and to be able to help reduce the high cost of feeds.
In addition, it can help vegetable farmers because they can utilize the galinsoga
weeds which compete on growing crops as feeds to their rabbits as long as it did not absorb
chemicals and also to utilize the leaves ofmalunggay, talinum and kangkong.
The general objective of the study is to determine the preference and growth
performance of rabbits fed with galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong.
Specifically this study aimed to:
1. determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by rabbits;
2. determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight
of rabbits; and
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
3. determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum and
kangkong.
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project at
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from November to December 2011.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In agriculture, fodder or animal feeds is any feedstuff that is used specifically to
feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, chickens, rabbits and pigs.
It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and pellet feeds oils and mixed rations, and also
sprouted grains and legumes. Most animal feeds are coming from plants like fodder tree
leaves such as malunggay. Herbs are also being given to animals as feeds. It is a garden
plant that are grown and harvested for culinary, aromatic and medicinal uses.
Ando et al., (2001) reported that when dried herbs were fed to lactating cows, the
characteristic smell of cow milk was suppressed due to the transmission of components
peculiar to such herbs into cows. Their study demonstrated that milk flavor could be
controlled by the use of herbs as a feed supplement for dairy cows. Moreover, herb feeding
to cattle is possible beneficial for the welfare of the animals and decrease stress for them.
Utilization of Galinsoga Leaves
Galinsoga parviflora is an annual dicot species of the family Asteraceae, is a
common herb that is often found in disturbed habitats and agricultural areas in many parts
of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Galinsoga parviflora 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
frequentlyfoundingardensand uncultivated areas. Galinsoga parviflora competes strongly,
particularly with irrigated crops of short height, and it might also hinder crop harvest
(Damalas, 2008).
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Grubben et al., (2004) stated that Galinsoga parviflora contains 88.4 g water, 653
KJ energy, 3.2g protein, 0.4g fat, 5.2g carbohydrates, and 1.1g fiber for every 100 g of its
edible portion.
According to Ayeni (2000) farmers in Africa believe that Galinsoga plant enhances
milk production when fed to dairy cattle.
Utilization of Talinum Leaves
Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is a non-conventional vegetable crop of the
Portulacea family which originated from tropical Africa and is widely grown in West
Africa, Asia, and South America (Schippers, 2000 as cited by Enete and Ukon, 2010).
The plant contains cardioglycosides, flavonoids and polyphenols. The moisture
content of the plant is 90.8%. It contains 2.4, 0.4, 4.4 g kg-1 of proteins, total fats and total
carbohydrate, respectively (Fasuyi, 2006).
T. triangulare is edible and has nutritive value (Folarin et al., 2001). There are
claims that the plant also possesses medicinal value. It has been credited with curing of
internal heat, measles and some sexually transmitted diseases. It has prooxidant activity
(Iwalewa et al., 2005) and anti-inflammatory effect (Oluwole, 2003).
Ekpo et al., (2007) found out on their study on the Biochemical Effects of Talinum
triangulare in Rat that the extract of T. triangulare possesses hemolytic and
hyperglycemic effects, suggesting that it may not be safe for a diabetic patient to consume
the plant without medical supervision.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Saidu and Sideobi (2009) found out on their study that among the four leafy
vegetables, talinum ,vernoma, moringa and telfeira, Talinum triangulare has the highest
moisture content which might be due to large number of cell saps they possess, vernoma
had the highest ash and lipid content (2.5 and 0.70% respectively), moringa had the highest
amount of protein (29%). It is the richest source of sodium. The result obtained indicates
that the four leafy vegetables are cheap and readily available as source of nutrients.
Irvine (2001) reported that in Africa, Talinum triagulare is given to fowls to
stimulate egg laying.
According to Iheukwumere (2008), the average litter sizes at birth weaning weight
were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 and 60:40 (concentrate and Talinum triangulare)
combinations but, they differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate
and forage combinations. However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20
diet combinations. In terms of average litter weight gain the combination of 60%
concentrate + 40%Talinum triangulare attained the highest followed by 80:20 concentrate
and Talinum triangulare. He therefore concluded that even though 40:60 concentrate and
forage combination diets were similar in all traits determined, however, 60:40
combinations diets showed higher values on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and
mortality.
Utilization of Kangkong Leaves
Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is a vegetable that is consumed by people and
animals; it has a short growth period, is resistant to common insect pests and can be
cultivated either in dry or flooded soils. Moreover, it has been found that water spinach
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
has a high potential to convert nitrogen from bio digester effluent into edible biomass with
high protein content (Sophea and Preston 2001).
Ipomoea aquatica, a commonly grown green leafy vegetable is a rich source of
vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers, carotenes and flavonoids with many health benefits
(Prasad et al., 2008). Water spinach has the potential to play an important role for farmers
and animas in rural areas, because it is easy to plant and has a very high yield of biomass,
which is rich in protein. The crude protein content in the leaves and stems can be as high
as 32 and 18 % in dry basis, respectively (Luyen and Preston 2004).
Samkol et al., (2006) reported that in their study conducted at Phnom Phen,
Cambodia aim the effect of increasing of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) on intake
growth and digestibility coefficient of rabbits, that a fresh water spinach as the sole of
rabbits can support acceptable growth rate of 14 to 20 g/day with dry matter feed
convention between 3.83 and 5.18. In addition, they stated that increasing the offer level
of water spinach from 8% to 18% of live weight (DM basis) increased the proportion of
leaf consumed, the intake of crude protein and the digestibility of the DM and the crude
protein. However, live weight gain was depressed with increasing offer level apparently
because of a decrease in the crude fiber content of the diet, as with, increasing offer level
the rabbits selected “low fiber” leaves rather than “high fiber” stems.
According to Phiny and Kaensombath (2006), supplementing fresh water spinach
with rice bran appeared no benefit in terms of rate of growth and feed consumption in
growing rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Providing supplements rich in fibre improved rabbits growth rate in basal water
spinach diets (Hue and Preston, 2006; Gang et al., 2006)
According to Tam et al., (2006), rate of live weight gain increases when leaves of
cauliflower, cabbage and chinese cabbage were offered in addition to the basal diet of water
spinach. Further they stated that a supplement of paddy rice stimulated feed intake and
growth rate of rabbits fed with cabbage + water spinach, cauliflower + water spinach,
chinese cabbage + water spinach, water spinach alone and all the vegetable wastes with
paddy rice diets.
According to Nguyen Van and Nguyen Thi (2008), reported that the daily gain was
significantly higher in the water spinach diet that is 17.7 g/day than the sweet potato vine
(SP), water spinach + mom grass (WS+M), water spinach + Cuc (wedelia spp.), sweet
potato vine + mom grass (SP+M), and sweet potato vine +Cuc (SP+C) which is 15.8, 15.0,
15.2, 14.2, and 14.4 respectively. Furthermore they observed that daily gain is the same
with feed conversion ratio (DM basis), water spinach had the lowest that is 3.35 which is
an indication of good efficiency while the other diet in the same order are 3.91, 4.34, 4.19,
4.5 and 4.39. they observed that feed conversion ratio of the two sigle forage diets( water
spinach and sweet potato vine) were significantly difference (P<0.05) lower than the other
diets involving two forages. However, they found out sweet potato + mom grass and sweet
potato + Cuc diets have the higher financial benefits.
Kim Dong et al., (2008) found out that final live weight and daily gain of rabbit is
higher when fed 50% and 75% water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para
grass alone and 25% water spinach leaves. Furthermore, they stated that feed conversion
ratio was poorest for animals fed with Para grass alone and improved (P<0.01) with
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
inclusion level of water spinach and increasing levels of water spinach leaves in the diets
of growing crossbreed rabbits, increase feed utilization and growth rate. Therefore, it was
concluded that levels from 50% to 75% of water spinach leaves supplemented to para grass
diets give higher economic benefits for small farmers.
Utilization of Malunggay Leaves
According to Pati (2006), based on analysis on a per 100 grams leaves of
malunggay, it contain 75% of moisture, 92% calorie, 6.7g protein, 1.7g fat, 13.4g
Carbohydrates, 0.9g fiber, 2.3g minerals.
Based on the result of the study conducted in Tanzania on the effect of Moringa
oleifera leaf meal as substitute for sunflower seed meal on performance of laying hens, the
laying percentage is decreasing slightly with an increase of Moringa oleifera proportion in
the diet while in terms of egg weight, birds fed with diet containing 5% Moringa oleifera
leaf meal is the highest and the birds fed with diet containing 20% MOLM in the diet is the
lowest (Kakengi et al., 2007).
The result of the study showed that multi-nutrients blocks had a high value of
protein which is 37.4% compared to Moringa oleifera which is 26.37%. Moringa oleifera
was richer in cellulose (19.16%) than multi-nutrients (4.76%). No significant difference
(P>0.05) was observed between weights of the females before birth. The weight of the
young group supplemented with multi-nutrients blocks was statistically higher (P>0.05)
than those of the other groups. (Tedonkeng et al., 2005).
According to Murro et al., (2003) in their study on Moringa oleifera leaf meal can
replace cottonseed cake in the concentrate mix fed with Rhodes grass (Chlorisgayana) hay
for growing sheep, reported that the dry matter digestibility and live weight gain
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
were higher, but feed conversion rations were poor when Moringa oleifera leaf meal
replaced all the cotton seed cake. Based on the result of the study, it was concluded that
Moringa oliefera leaf meal could serve as an alternative protein source to cottonseed cake
in sheep rations based on maize bran and Rhodes grass hay.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials that were used in the experiment were the following: 24 rabbits
(Chinchilla and New Zealand White) at 4 months old, hutches, weighing scale, cages,
crocks for drinking water, record book and different forages tested.
Methods
The study involved two experiments:
1. Palatability trial in which leaves (galinsoga, kangkong, malunggay, and talinum)
was offered separately to experimental rabbits in order to determine the top three leaves
which are preferred most by the rabbits in terms of intake.
2. Feeding trial in which at least three feedstuffs from those tested for palatability
were further evaluated for growth performance of rabbits. The feeding trial lasted for 28
days using the 12 male rabbits offered previously with the selected feedstuffs.
Experiment 1. Palatability Trial
Twenty four rabbits were used in the experiment. Four different leaves including
the stalk and petiole were offered fresh separately to each experimental rabbits to determine
which plant part rabbit’s preferred most. The four feedstuffs were harvested every other
day from several sources: talinum, kangkong and malunggay from Tayug, Pangasinan and
Galinsoga were harvested from La Trinidad, Benguet. Kangkong and Talinum were
subjected for air drying while malunggay were offered fresh. As much as possible the
feedstuffs were taken from the same variety of plants to minimize source ofvariation.
About 300 g of each feedstuff were offered per day following the Completely
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Randomized Design of an experiment. There were six replication with one rabbit serving
as a replicate.
The following treatments are as follows:
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
T2=Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
T3=Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T4=Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
Experiment 2. Feeding Trial
From the result of the palatability the top three feedstuffs in terms of high
acceptance level were selected for performance evaluation. The three feedstuffs served as
treatments such as galinsoga, talinum and kangkong that were replicated four times. The
feedstuffs used for dietary treatments are shown in Figures 1-3.
Figure 1. Diet 1 (Galinsoga parviflora)
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
13
Figure 2. Diet 2 (Talinum triangulare)
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Figure 3. Diet 3 (Ipomoea aquatica)
The Completely Randomized Design of an experiment was used. A total of 12 male
experimental rabbits are involved using the same animals that consumed the selected
feedstuffs in the previous experiment.
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
T2= Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T3= Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
To lessen variation, the test foliage was obtained from the same source or origin.
Body weight was measured at the start of the experiment and at the end of the experiment.
Weekly weight was also measured.
Figures 4 and 5 represent the experimental rabbits consuming the feedstuffs. Each
rabbit was fed twice a day with 300g of feedstuffs at 7: 30 am and 4: 30 pm. Water was
available at all time in an earthen jar.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Data Gathering and Analysis
The following data were gathered:
1.
Initial weight (kg). This was the individual weight of the rabbits at the
start of the feeding trial.
2.
Weekly weight (kg). The body weight of the experimental rabbits was
measured on a weekly basis.
3.
Final weight (kg). This was the body weight of the rabbits taken at the end
of the feeding trial.
Figure 4. Rabbits fed with galinsoga
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Figure 5. Rabbits fed with kangkong
4.
Amount of feed offered (kg). The amount of daily feed offered was
recorded for each replicate.
5.
Amount of feed left over (g). Daily amount of feed not consumed by the
rabbits will be recorded for each replicate.
From the data gathered the following parameters were computed.
1.
Total gain in weight (kg).
This was the difference between the final and
the initial weight.
2.
Average daily gain (kg).
It was computed as:
Average Daily Gain= Total Gain in Weight
Duration of the Experiment
3.
Weekly gain in weight (kg). It was computed as:
Total Weekly Gain in Weight= Weekly Weight –Initial Weight
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
4.
Total feed consumption (kg). This was obtained by using the formula:
Total feed Consumption= Total Feed Offered – Total Feed Left over
5.
Feed conversion ratio.
It was computed as:
Feed Conversion Ratio = Total Feed Consumption
Total Gain in Weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All the data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for a Completely
Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used
to compare treatment means.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weight of the Experimental Rabbits
The average initial,weekly weight and final weight of the rabbits in the different
treatments during the start and at the end of the study is shown in Figure 6.
Initial and final weight of the experimental animals was taken when they were
approximately 4 months old and 5 months old of age, respectively.The body weight of the
experimental rabbits was measured on a weekly basis.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among treatments in the
mean initial weight. This conforms to the requirement of the experimental design that
experimental units should be similar in properties such as initial weight.
Rabbits fed with galinsoga, had the mean initial weight of 1.71 kg. Rabbits fed with
talinum had the mean initial weight of 1.75 kg and those fed with kangkong registered the
mean initial weight of 1.74 kg.
While the experimental rabbits started with the same initial weight, the animals
finished the feeding trial with different final weight. Rabbits given kangkong, obtained the
highest final weight of 2.18 kg followed by rabbits receiving galinsoga with the mean
final weight of 1.96 kg. Rabbits fed with talinum had the lowest final weight of 1.55 kg.
Figure 6 also shows the increase in body weight of the experimental rabbits weekly.
The initial weight of the rabbits are almost similar from each other however, at the end of
the experiment they have different final weight. It could be seen in the figure that rabbits
fed with kangkong attained the highest final weight also it was observed to have the
highest increasing weekly gain in weight followed by the rabbits fed with
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
2.2
2.18
2.1
2.05
2
T
1.95
1.94
GH 1.9
EI
1.86
W
1.83
Y
1.81
1.8
GALINSOGA
1.75
OD
1.74
TALINUM
1.74
B 1.7
1.71
1.69
KANGKONG
1.64
1.6
1.58
1.55
1.5
INITIAL
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEIGHT
Figure 6. Mean body weight of the experimental rabbits
galinsoga. Rabbits fed with Talinum have the least wherein the entire weekly weight of the
animals’ decreases. This result may be affected by the tannin and saponin content of which
can harm the animal. (Aja et al., 2010). Another possible reason is that talinum absorbs
all types of metals where it is planted including arsenic (Aligui, 2010).
Statistical analysis shows differences among treatment means were not significant
in the first, second, and third week of the mean weekly weight while it revealed a highly
significant difference in the fourth week or the mean final weight. Further, DMRT analysis
revealed no significant differences between the rabbits fed galinsoga from those fed
kangkong in the final weight. This means that weekly weight in week 1, 2 and 3 of the
rabbits in the different treatment is more or less the same.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Results of the study are similar to the report of Kim Dong N.T.et al., (2008) where
the final weight and the average daily gain of the animals is significantly higher when
growing rabbits are fed with water spinach.
Gain in Weight of Experimental Rabbits
Table 1 shows the total gain in weight and average daily gain in weight of the
experimental rabbits.
Statistical analysis revealed that differences among treatment means were highly
significant in both total gain in weight and average gain in weight. This means that the total
gain in weight and the average daily gain in weight are not homogenous.
Rabbits fed with kangkong had the highest total gain in weight and an average daily
gain in weight of 0.45 kg and 0.016 kg, respectively; followed by rabbits fed with galinsoga
with the total gain in weight of 0.25 kg and an average daily gain in weight of 0.009 kg.
The result of the study is similar to the finding of Kim Dong et al., (2008) where in when
rabbits fed with kangkong the final weight and the daily gain of rabbits increases. Average
daily gain of rabbits fed with kangkong which is 0.01607 kg or 16.07 g/day is within the
range of the results observed by Phimmasan et al., (2004), Samkol et al., (2006) and Phiny
and Kaensombath (2006) in which water spinach, a local forage source was used as the
sole diet of growing rabbits with supporting growth rates of 15 to 20 g/day. However, the
values are higher than those found by Tam et al., (2009) which is 13.7 g/day.
Results are the same with the findings of Nguyen Chu et al., (2003) as cited by
Nguyen Van and Nguyen Thi (2008) where in higher growth rate of rabbits occurred when
animals were fed with water spinach alone. It is also similar to the report of Phiny
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Mean gain in weight of the experimental rabbits
GAIN IN WEIGHT (kg)
TREATMENT
TOTAL
AVERAGE
Galinsoga
0.250a
0.009a
Talinum
-0.200b
0.007b
Kangkong
0.450a
0.016a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level.
and Kaensombath (2006) that supplementing fresh water spinach with rice bran appeared
to confer no benefits in terms of rate of growth and feed conversion in growing rabbits.
It is also similar with the findings of Phimmasan .et al., (2004) and Samkol et al., 2006)
that there had no response even higher energy density such as broken rice will be
supplemented. However providing supplements rich in fibre, improved rabbit growth rate
(Hue and Preston, 2006 and Gang et al., (2006). Water spinach supplemented with
concentrates, the growth rate exceeds at 30 g/day in the study of Chat et al., (2005).
This implies that rabbits fed with kangkong had a better growth performance. The
animals utilized the nutrients present in the water spinach like amino acids, vitamins and
minerals leading to a high average daily gain and total gain in weight.
Rabbits fed with talinum had decreased in weight resulting to a negative total gain
in weight of -0.20 kg and an average gain in weight of -0.007 kg. Results may be because
rabbits on talinum diet had a lesser feed consumption and it does not meet the nutrient
requirement of the animal. Possible reasons of loss in weight of the animal can be due to
the alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins contents of the forage which can affect the
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
palatability of the animal (Aja et al., 2010). Some of these analyse constituents of the
vegetables species maybe completely harmful in both man and farm animals (Aja et al.,
2010). Another possible reason is the source of the forage because talinum absorbs all types
of metals where it is planted including arsenic (Aligui, 2010).
The weekly increase in the weight of rabbits is shown in Figure 7. It could be seen
in the data that the highest increase in weight was obtained by rabbits fed with kangkong
on the first, second and fourth week but not on thethird.Graph of gain in weight of rabbits
fed with kangkong is similar to galinsoga and talinum. They decrease in weight during the
third week and it increased in the final weight. Possible reasons of decreasing weight during
the third week may had affected by high feed left over resulting to a lower intake and it
was observed that mostly of the feed left over are hard stems. Another possible reason is
the time of feeding the animal.
0.14
0.13
0.13
0.12
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.09
0.08
0.08
T 0.06
GH
0.05
EI 0.04
0.03
W
GALINSOGA
0.02
N
I
TALINUM
0
N
I
KANGKONG
-0.02
-0.03
GA -0.04
-0.05
-0.06
-0.06
-0.06
-0.08
-0.1
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
Figure 7.Weekly gain in weight of experimental rabbits
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Statistical analysis revealed highly significant difference among treatment means
in the fourth weekly gain in weight while significant differences among treatment means
was observed in the first, second and third weekly gain in weight.
The results shows that rabbits fed with kangkong have grown faster than the rabbits
fed with galinsoga and talinum however; statistical analysis shows that galinsoga and
kangkong are not significantly different between treatment means.
Feed Consumption of Experimental Rabbits
The total feed consumption and the mean daily feed intake by the experimental
rabbits is presented in Table 2.
Results of the statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference observed
in both total feed consumption and average feed intake of the experimental animals. It is
shown in the table that higher feed consumption was observed from the rabbits fed with
galinsoga of a total feed consumption and an average daily feed intake of 24.33 kg and
0.87 kg respectively, followed by rabbits given kangkong with a total feed consumption of
23.60 kg and an average daily feed intake of 0.87 kg per day. Rabbits receiving talinum
consumed the least amount of feeds with the total feed consumption of 10.96 kg and an
average daily feed intake of 0.39 kg per day. Possible reasons of less feed intake of the
experimental animals might affected by the tannin and saponin content of the forage where
in it may harm the animal (Aja et al., 2010). Another reason might be also the source of
the feedstuff.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Mean feed consumption of experimental rabbits
FEED INTAKE (kg)
TREATMENT
TOTAL DAILY
Galinsoga
24.33a
0.87a
Talinum
10.96b
0.39b
Kangkong
23.60a
0.84a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level
Comparisons of means showed that rabbits fed with galinsoga did not differ from
the rabbits receiving kangkong. However, rabbits fed with talinum are significantly
different to those given galinsoga and kangkong.
Results may have affected the gain in weight of the animals. Table 2 shows that
rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong had the highest feed intake while those given
talinum had the lowest feed intake. Table 1 also shows the same where rabbits given
galinsoga and kangkong had the highest gain in weight and those rabbits given talinum had
the lowest gain in weight. There might be reasons affecting the gain in weight of the
animals and feed consumption was one possible reason such as rabbits fed with kangkong
had the higher gain in weight than those given talinum because rabbits fed with kangkong
and galinsoga has higher feed intake than rabbits given talinum.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Feed Efficiency of Experimental Rabbits
Table 3 presents the feed conversion ratio of the experimental rabbits in the
different treatments.
Table 3. Feed conversion ratio as affected by feedstuffs
TREATMENT
MEAN
Galinsoga
65.06a
Talinum
-94.42b
Kangkong
119.34a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level
Feed conversion ratio 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 revealed that differences among treatment means were highly
significant. Furthermore DMRT analysis revealed that there were no significant differences
among treatment means between rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong.
Better feed conversion ratio was registered by rabbits fed with kangkong with a
mean of 65.06 followed by rabbits fed with galinsoga of 119.34. Results of the study are
similar with the findings of Hue and Preston (2006) where in feed conversion ratio of the
rabbits feed with water spinach is low which signifies a good feed efficiency.This means
that rabbits fed with galinsoga had consumed greater amount of feed to produce a kilogram
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
gain in weight and this resulted in a higher feed conversion ratio. From the computed feed
conversion ratio rabbits given galinsoga and kankong should consume 119.34 kg of
galinsoga and 65.06 kg respectively in order to gain 1 kg of body weight.
Rabbits fed with talinum have loss in weight as observed in Table 1 which resulted
to a negative feed conversion ratio.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study on the growth performance of rabbits fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and
Kangkong was conducted at the animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) project at Bektey,
Puguis, La Trinidad Benguet from November to December 2011. The study aimed to
determine the feed preference and growth performance of rabbits fed galinsoga, talinum
and kangkong. It was also conducted to determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by
rabbits, to determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight
of rabbits and to determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum
and kangkong. There were twenty four rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand white) used
in the study. The treatments used are the following; galinsoga (T1), Talinum (T2), kangkong
(T3) and it was replicated four times following the Completely Randomized Design.
Results of the study showed that rabbits fed with kangkong obtained the highest
final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency moreover, feed
consumption are lower than the rabbits fed with galinsoga. Statistical analysis revealed that
there was a significant difference among the treatments on final weight, weekly gain in
weight in week 1, week 2 and week 3 but not on initial weight, weekly weight in week 1,
2 and 3. On the other hand, highly significant differences was obtained among treatments
means on total gain in weight, average gain in weight, feed intake, average feed intake,
feed conversion ratio and weekly gain in weight in week 4.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Conclusion
Basing on the result of the study kangkong and galinsoga are better than talinum in
terms of gain in weight and feed conversion ratio.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended to use kangkong and galinsoga as basal diet to rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
LITERATURE CITED
ALIGUI G. 2010.Talinum as an Ethnic Food with High Nutritional Value. Research
Institute for Tropical Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2012 from
http://gonatural.com.ph/herbalblog/talinum-talinum-triangulare.
ANDO S., M. NISHIDA, M. ISHIDA, Y. KOCHI, A. KAMI, and S. SE. 2001.
Transmission of Herb Essential Oil to Milk and Change of Milk Flavor by Feeding
Dried Herbs to Lactating Cows. Nippon Shokuhin. Kagaku Kaishi.48:142-145.
AJA P.M, A.N.C. OKAKA, P.N. ONU, U. IBIAM AND A.J. URAKO.
2010.Phytochemical Composition of Talinum triangulare (Water Leaf)
Leaves.Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B.
053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
AYENI, T. 2000. US/Africa collaborations: Recent Experiences at Rutgers School of
Environment and Biological Sciences.
CHAT, T.H. N. T. DUNG, D. V. BINH AND T.R. PRESTON 2005. Water Spinach
(Ipomoea aquatica) as Replacement for Guinea Grass for Growing and Lactating
Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 17, Article #109.
Retrieved
October
30,
2006
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd17/10/chat17109.htm.
DAMALAS, C.A. 2008. Distribution Biology and Agricultural Importance of Galinsoga
parviflora (Astracae).Weed Biology and Management. 8:147-153.
EKPO, O. ESEYIN, N. KALU, O. JACKSON AND E.J. EDOHO, 2007. Studies on the
Biochemical Effects of Talinum triangulare in Rat. Journal of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 2: 300-303. http://scialert.net/fullte xt/?doi=jpt.2007. 300.303
&org=10.
ENETE, A.A. U.A.UKON. 2010. Economics of Waterleaf (Talinum Triangulare)
Production in AkwaIbon State, Nigeria. The Journal of field action, Volume 4
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
FASUYI, A.O., 2006. Nutritional Potentials of some Tropical Vegetable Leaf Meals:
Chemical Characterization and Functional Properties. Afr. J. Biotechnology., 5: 49-
53.
FOLARIN, O.M., F.O. BAMIRO AND K.O. ESUOSO, 2001. Distribution of Nutritive
Elements in Water Leaf. Global J. Pure and Applied Sci., 7: 285-290
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION, 2001. Grassland Index. A Searchable
Catalogue of Grass and Forage Legumes. FAO.
GANG D, T., K.T, HUE D. V, BINH AND N. T. MUI . 2006. Effect of Guinea Grass on
Feed Intake, Digestibility and Growth Performance of Rabbits fed a Molasses
Block and either Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) or Sweet Potato (Ipomoea
batatas L) Vines. Workshop-seminar "Forages for Pigs and Rabbits" MEKARN-
CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 22-24 August, 2006. Article #23
RetrievedMarch 14, 112, from http://www.mekarn.org/proprf/gang.htm.
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, Netherlands.
HUE, K,T. AND PRESTON T. R .2006. Effect of Different Sources of Supplementary
fibre on Growth of Rabbits fed a Basal Diet of Fresh Water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica). Livestock Research for Rural Development.Volume 18, Article #58.
Retrieved
October
30,
2006
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd18/4/hue18058.htm.
IHEUKWUMERE, F.C. 2008. Effect of Mixed Feeding Regime on Litter Performance
Traits of Rabbit Does. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition Department of Animal Science
and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria.
IWALEWA, E.O., C.O. ADEWUMI, N.A. OMISORE, O.A. ADEBIYI AND C.K. AZIKE
2005. Pro-and Anti-oxidant Effects and Cytoprotective Potentials of nine edible
Vegetables in South West. Nig. J. Med. Food, 8: 539-544.
IRVINE, F.R. 2001. The Edible Cultivated and Semi-cultivated of West Africa. Plants,
Food for Human Nutrition. Springer, Netherlands.
KAKENGI, A.M., J.T. KAUAGE, S.V. SARWATT, S.K, MUTAYOBA, M.N. SHEM,
and T. FUJIHARA.2007. Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as a Substitute for
Sunflower Seed Meal on Performance of Laying Hens in Tanzania. Department of
Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box
3004,Morogoro
–
Tanzania
Retrieved
September
3,
2011
from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/8/kake19120.htm.
KIM DONG N.T., N.V. THU, B.OGLE and T.R. PRESTON. 2008. Effect of
Supplementation Level of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) Leaves in Diets
Based on Para Grass (Brachiaria mutica) on Intake, Nutrient Utilization, Growth
Rate and Economic Returns of Crossbred Rabbits in Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
Volume 20, Article #144. Retrieved September 3, 2011 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd20/9/kdon20144.htm.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
LUYEN L.T. AND T.R. PRESTON. 2004. Effect of Level of Urea Fertilizer on Biomass
Production of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) Grown in Soil and in Water.
Livestock Research for Rural Development.Vol. 16, Art. #81. Retrieved March 4,
2012 from http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd16/10/luye16081.htm.
MADDUL, S.B. 2002. Evaluation of Livestock and Poultry for Agroforestry System in the
Highlands. Regional R and D Symposium. Benguet State University. Retrieved
August
1,
2011
from
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/harrdec%
0web/car/technologies.htm.
MURRO, J.K, V.R. MUHIKAMBELE and S.V. SARWATT.2003. Moringa oleifera Leaf
Meal can Replace Cottonseed Cake in the Concentrate Mix Fed with Rhodes Grass
(Chlorisgayana) Hay for Growing Sheep. Livestock Research for Rural
Development
15
(11).
Retrieved
September
5,
2011
from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd15/11/murr1511.htm.
NGUYEN VAN T. AND K.D. NGUYEN Thi 2008. Effect of Water Spinach and Sweet
Potato Vine Associated with 2 other Natural Plants, on Growth Performance,
Carcass Values and Economic Return of Growing Crossbred Rabbits in the
Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Retrieved March 4, 2012 from http://world-rabbit-
science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2008-Verona/Papers/N-
NguyenVan2.pdf.
OLUWOLE, F.S., A.O. FALADE AND O.O. OGUNDIPE, 2003. Anti-inflammatory
Effect of some Common Nigerian Vegetables. Nig. J. Physiol. Sci., 18: 35-38.
PATI, K. 2006. Nutritional Value of Malunggay pods/ leaves. Retrieved September 3, 2011
from http://malunggayherbtea.multiply.com/journal/item/2
PHIMMMASAN, H. S. KONGVONGXAY, C. TY and T. R. PRESTON. 2004. Water
Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and Stylo 184 (Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 184) as
Basal Diets for Growing Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development.Vol.
16,
Art.#34.
Retrieved
October
30,
2011
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd16/5/hong16034.htm.
PHINY, C. and L. KAENSOMBATH. 2006. Effect on Feed Intake and Growth of
Depriving Rabbits Access to Caecotropes. Workshop-seminar "Forages for Pigs
and Rabbits" MEKARN-Cel Agrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 22-24 August, 2006.
Article
#
22.
Retrieved
March
14,
2012
from
http://www.mekarn.org/proprf/phin2.htm.
PRASAD K. N. , G.R. SHIVAMURTHY and S.M. ARADHYA, 2008. Ipomoea aquatica,
An Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetable: A Review. International Journal of
Botany,
4:
123-129.
Retrieved
March
10,
2012
from
http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijb.2008.123.129
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
SAIDU, A.N. and N.G. SIDEOBI. 2009. The Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Some
Leafy Vegetable Grown in Minna and Environs. J. Apple Science Environment
Manage. Volume 13(4) 21-23. Department of Biochemistry Federal University of
Technology, Minna.
SAMKOL, P., PRESTON T.R, and J. LY. 2006. Effect of Increasing Offer Level of Water
Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) on Intake, Growth, Digestibility Coefficients of
Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 18, Article #25.
Retrieved September 3, 2011 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd18/6/sa mk1807 8.htm.
SOPHEA K. and PRESTON T. R. 2001. Comparison of Bio Digester Effluent and Urea as
Fertilizer for Water Spinach Vegetable. Livestock Research for Rural Development
(13) 6; Retrieved September 3, 2011 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd18/6/sa mk1807
8.htm.
TAM , N. H., V. T. TUAN, V. LAM, B. P. T. HANG and T. R. PRESTON. 2009. Effects
on Growth of Rabbits of Supplementing a Basal Diet of Water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica) with Vegetable Wastes and Paddy Rice. Livestock Research for Rural
Development.Volume 21, Article #174. Retrieved March 14, 2012 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd21/10/hang21174.htm.
TEDONKENG, P.E, A.T. NIBA, F.A. FONTEH, F. TEDONKENG, J.R. KANA, B.
BOUKILA and J. TSACHOUNG. 2005. Effect of Supplementation with Moringa
oleifera or Multi-nutritional Blocks on Post-partum Weight and Pre-weaning
Growth of Guinea Pigs (caxiaporcellusL.) Livestock Research for Rural
Development Volume 17, Article #46. Retrieved September 3, 2011 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd17/4/tedo17046.htm.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012. Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with
Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Sonwright B. Maddul, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project,
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet to determine growth performance of rabbits fed with
galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong; to determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by
rabbits; determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight of
rabbits; and to determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum and
kangkong.
The different treatments were T1 (Galinsoga), T2 (Talinum) and T3 (Kangkong).
Basing on the result of the study kangkong and galinsoga are better than talinum in
terms of gain in weight and feed conversion ratio.
With the result of the study, kangkong and galinsoga is recommended as basal diet
to rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rabbit production is becoming popular because of its importance to most Filipinos.
It provides meat which is a good source of protein and has a lower fat content compared to
pork and beef. Therefore it is very important especially to children who are malnourished.
The skin is also processed into pelt which are trimmed after tanning, cut and sold
into novelty articles like bags, shoes etc. They are also sown together for coats, blankets
and upholstery. Rabbit manure can also be utilized as fertilizer.
According to Maddul (2002) rabbit manure has 2.45% nitrogen and 1.3 %
phosphoric acid which are relatively higher than those other animal manures. Their potash
content of 0.6 % is comparable with those of other animals except goat and sheep.
Furthermore, he stated that rabbit manure is not hot during decomposition. Thus, it
is only animal manure that does not burn plants. It was calculated that 15 does, two bucks
and their litters will produce approximately one ton of rabbit manure in one year therefore,
rabbit manure is an excellent fertilizer for vegetables.
Since almost all the parts of the rabbit including its waste products are useful and
important to human beings, rabbit production provides an excellent source of income.
However, there are some factors that affect rabbit production and adaptability. These
factors include lack of capital, stock availability, stock adaptability to local conditions, care
and management and high cost of feeds which is true not only for rabbits but also for other
animals.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
The high cost of feeds has prompted many small farm rabbit raisers to
variouspractices to reduce their feed expenses. The usual practice of rabbit raisers is to use
commercial feeds like swine grower ration which accounts for a large percentage of total
production cost. Rabbits are not difficult to provide feed, they can consume roughages, but
these feeds are normally seasonal. In order to sustain growth rate throughout the year
alternative resources of feeds must be sought particularly during dry season.
One way to minimize feed cost is introducing feedstuffs which are locally found
forages like galinsoga, talinum, kangkong and malunggay.
Result of this study could contribute knowledge to students especially to animal
science and veterinary students. It will also serve as additional information on feeds and
feeding and animal nutrition. It will also help farmers or backyard raisers on what leaves
are to be fed to their rabbits that may contain high nutritive value that is available in the
locality and to be able to help reduce the high cost of feeds.
In addition, it can help vegetable farmers because they can utilize the galinsoga
weeds which compete on growing crops as feeds to their rabbits as long as it did not absorb
chemicals and also to utilize the leaves ofmalunggay, talinum and kangkong.
The general objective of the study is to determine the preference and growth
performance of rabbits fed with galinsoga, talinum, and kangkong.
Specifically this study aimed to:
1. determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by rabbits;
2. determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight
of rabbits; and
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
3. determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum and
kangkong.
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project at
Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from November to December 2011.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In agriculture, fodder or animal feeds is any feedstuff that is used specifically to
feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, chickens, rabbits and pigs.
It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and pellet feeds oils and mixed rations, and also
sprouted grains and legumes. Most animal feeds are coming from plants like fodder tree
leaves such as malunggay. Herbs are also being given to animals as feeds. It is a garden
plant that are grown and harvested for culinary, aromatic and medicinal uses.
Ando et al., (2001) reported that when dried herbs were fed to lactating cows, the
characteristic smell of cow milk was suppressed due to the transmission of components
peculiar to such herbs into cows. Their study demonstrated that milk flavor could be
controlled by the use of herbs as a feed supplement for dairy cows. Moreover, herb feeding
to cattle is possible beneficial for the welfare of the animals and decrease stress for them.
Utilization of Galinsoga Leaves
Galinsoga parviflora is an annual dicot species of the family Asteraceae, is a
common herb that is often found in disturbed habitats and agricultural areas in many parts
of the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Galinsoga parviflora 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
frequentlyfoundingardensand uncultivated areas. Galinsoga parviflora competes strongly,
particularly with irrigated crops of short height, and it might also hinder crop harvest
(Damalas, 2008).
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Grubben et al., (2004) stated that Galinsoga parviflora contains 88.4 g water, 653
KJ energy, 3.2g protein, 0.4g fat, 5.2g carbohydrates, and 1.1g fiber for every 100 g of its
edible portion.
According to Ayeni (2000) farmers in Africa believe that Galinsoga plant enhances
milk production when fed to dairy cattle.
Utilization of Talinum Leaves
Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is a non-conventional vegetable crop of the
Portulacea family which originated from tropical Africa and is widely grown in West
Africa, Asia, and South America (Schippers, 2000 as cited by Enete and Ukon, 2010).
The plant contains cardioglycosides, flavonoids and polyphenols. The moisture
content of the plant is 90.8%. It contains 2.4, 0.4, 4.4 g kg-1 of proteins, total fats and total
carbohydrate, respectively (Fasuyi, 2006).
T. triangulare is edible and has nutritive value (Folarin et al., 2001). There are
claims that the plant also possesses medicinal value. It has been credited with curing of
internal heat, measles and some sexually transmitted diseases. It has prooxidant activity
(Iwalewa et al., 2005) and anti-inflammatory effect (Oluwole, 2003).
Ekpo et al., (2007) found out on their study on the Biochemical Effects of Talinum
triangulare in Rat that the extract of T. triangulare possesses hemolytic and
hyperglycemic effects, suggesting that it may not be safe for a diabetic patient to consume
the plant without medical supervision.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Saidu and Sideobi (2009) found out on their study that among the four leafy
vegetables, talinum ,vernoma, moringa and telfeira, Talinum triangulare has the highest
moisture content which might be due to large number of cell saps they possess, vernoma
had the highest ash and lipid content (2.5 and 0.70% respectively), moringa had the highest
amount of protein (29%). It is the richest source of sodium. The result obtained indicates
that the four leafy vegetables are cheap and readily available as source of nutrients.
Irvine (2001) reported that in Africa, Talinum triagulare is given to fowls to
stimulate egg laying.
According to Iheukwumere (2008), the average litter sizes at birth weaning weight
were similar (P > 0.05) between 40:60 and 60:40 (concentrate and Talinum triangulare)
combinations but, they differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 20:80 and 80:20 concentrate
and forage combinations. However, 20:80 diets differed significantly (P < 0.05) from 80:20
diet combinations. In terms of average litter weight gain the combination of 60%
concentrate + 40%Talinum triangulare attained the highest followed by 80:20 concentrate
and Talinum triangulare. He therefore concluded that even though 40:60 concentrate and
forage combination diets were similar in all traits determined, however, 60:40
combinations diets showed higher values on litter sizes, litter weight at weaning and
mortality.
Utilization of Kangkong Leaves
Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is a vegetable that is consumed by people and
animals; it has a short growth period, is resistant to common insect pests and can be
cultivated either in dry or flooded soils. Moreover, it has been found that water spinach
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
has a high potential to convert nitrogen from bio digester effluent into edible biomass with
high protein content (Sophea and Preston 2001).
Ipomoea aquatica, a commonly grown green leafy vegetable is a rich source of
vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers, carotenes and flavonoids with many health benefits
(Prasad et al., 2008). Water spinach has the potential to play an important role for farmers
and animas in rural areas, because it is easy to plant and has a very high yield of biomass,
which is rich in protein. The crude protein content in the leaves and stems can be as high
as 32 and 18 % in dry basis, respectively (Luyen and Preston 2004).
Samkol et al., (2006) reported that in their study conducted at Phnom Phen,
Cambodia aim the effect of increasing of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) on intake
growth and digestibility coefficient of rabbits, that a fresh water spinach as the sole of
rabbits can support acceptable growth rate of 14 to 20 g/day with dry matter feed
convention between 3.83 and 5.18. In addition, they stated that increasing the offer level
of water spinach from 8% to 18% of live weight (DM basis) increased the proportion of
leaf consumed, the intake of crude protein and the digestibility of the DM and the crude
protein. However, live weight gain was depressed with increasing offer level apparently
because of a decrease in the crude fiber content of the diet, as with, increasing offer level
the rabbits selected “low fiber” leaves rather than “high fiber” stems.
According to Phiny and Kaensombath (2006), supplementing fresh water spinach
with rice bran appeared no benefit in terms of rate of growth and feed consumption in
growing rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Providing supplements rich in fibre improved rabbits growth rate in basal water
spinach diets (Hue and Preston, 2006; Gang et al., 2006)
According to Tam et al., (2006), rate of live weight gain increases when leaves of
cauliflower, cabbage and chinese cabbage were offered in addition to the basal diet of water
spinach. Further they stated that a supplement of paddy rice stimulated feed intake and
growth rate of rabbits fed with cabbage + water spinach, cauliflower + water spinach,
chinese cabbage + water spinach, water spinach alone and all the vegetable wastes with
paddy rice diets.
According to Nguyen Van and Nguyen Thi (2008), reported that the daily gain was
significantly higher in the water spinach diet that is 17.7 g/day than the sweet potato vine
(SP), water spinach + mom grass (WS+M), water spinach + Cuc (wedelia spp.), sweet
potato vine + mom grass (SP+M), and sweet potato vine +Cuc (SP+C) which is 15.8, 15.0,
15.2, 14.2, and 14.4 respectively. Furthermore they observed that daily gain is the same
with feed conversion ratio (DM basis), water spinach had the lowest that is 3.35 which is
an indication of good efficiency while the other diet in the same order are 3.91, 4.34, 4.19,
4.5 and 4.39. they observed that feed conversion ratio of the two sigle forage diets( water
spinach and sweet potato vine) were significantly difference (P<0.05) lower than the other
diets involving two forages. However, they found out sweet potato + mom grass and sweet
potato + Cuc diets have the higher financial benefits.
Kim Dong et al., (2008) found out that final live weight and daily gain of rabbit is
higher when fed 50% and 75% water spinach leaves compared to rabbits fed with para
grass alone and 25% water spinach leaves. Furthermore, they stated that feed conversion
ratio was poorest for animals fed with Para grass alone and improved (P<0.01) with
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
inclusion level of water spinach and increasing levels of water spinach leaves in the diets
of growing crossbreed rabbits, increase feed utilization and growth rate. Therefore, it was
concluded that levels from 50% to 75% of water spinach leaves supplemented to para grass
diets give higher economic benefits for small farmers.
Utilization of Malunggay Leaves
According to Pati (2006), based on analysis on a per 100 grams leaves of
malunggay, it contain 75% of moisture, 92% calorie, 6.7g protein, 1.7g fat, 13.4g
Carbohydrates, 0.9g fiber, 2.3g minerals.
Based on the result of the study conducted in Tanzania on the effect of Moringa
oleifera leaf meal as substitute for sunflower seed meal on performance of laying hens, the
laying percentage is decreasing slightly with an increase of Moringa oleifera proportion in
the diet while in terms of egg weight, birds fed with diet containing 5% Moringa oleifera
leaf meal is the highest and the birds fed with diet containing 20% MOLM in the diet is the
lowest (Kakengi et al., 2007).
The result of the study showed that multi-nutrients blocks had a high value of
protein which is 37.4% compared to Moringa oleifera which is 26.37%. Moringa oleifera
was richer in cellulose (19.16%) than multi-nutrients (4.76%). No significant difference
(P>0.05) was observed between weights of the females before birth. The weight of the
young group supplemented with multi-nutrients blocks was statistically higher (P>0.05)
than those of the other groups. (Tedonkeng et al., 2005).
According to Murro et al., (2003) in their study on Moringa oleifera leaf meal can
replace cottonseed cake in the concentrate mix fed with Rhodes grass (Chlorisgayana) hay
for growing sheep, reported that the dry matter digestibility and live weight gain
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
were higher, but feed conversion rations were poor when Moringa oleifera leaf meal
replaced all the cotton seed cake. Based on the result of the study, it was concluded that
Moringa oliefera leaf meal could serve as an alternative protein source to cottonseed cake
in sheep rations based on maize bran and Rhodes grass hay.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials that were used in the experiment were the following: 24 rabbits
(Chinchilla and New Zealand White) at 4 months old, hutches, weighing scale, cages,
crocks for drinking water, record book and different forages tested.
Methods
The study involved two experiments:
1. Palatability trial in which leaves (galinsoga, kangkong, malunggay, and talinum)
was offered separately to experimental rabbits in order to determine the top three leaves
which are preferred most by the rabbits in terms of intake.
2. Feeding trial in which at least three feedstuffs from those tested for palatability
were further evaluated for growth performance of rabbits. The feeding trial lasted for 28
days using the 12 male rabbits offered previously with the selected feedstuffs.
Experiment 1. Palatability Trial
Twenty four rabbits were used in the experiment. Four different leaves including
the stalk and petiole were offered fresh separately to each experimental rabbits to determine
which plant part rabbit’s preferred most. The four feedstuffs were harvested every other
day from several sources: talinum, kangkong and malunggay from Tayug, Pangasinan and
Galinsoga were harvested from La Trinidad, Benguet. Kangkong and Talinum were
subjected for air drying while malunggay were offered fresh. As much as possible the
feedstuffs were taken from the same variety of plants to minimize source ofvariation.
About 300 g of each feedstuff were offered per day following the Completely
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Randomized Design of an experiment. There were six replication with one rabbit serving
as a replicate.
The following treatments are as follows:
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
T2=Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
T3=Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T4=Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
Experiment 2. Feeding Trial
From the result of the palatability the top three feedstuffs in terms of high
acceptance level were selected for performance evaluation. The three feedstuffs served as
treatments such as galinsoga, talinum and kangkong that were replicated four times. The
feedstuffs used for dietary treatments are shown in Figures 1-3.
Figure 1. Diet 1 (Galinsoga parviflora)
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
13
Figure 2. Diet 2 (Talinum triangulare)
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Figure 3. Diet 3 (Ipomoea aquatica)
The Completely Randomized Design of an experiment was used. A total of 12 male
experimental rabbits are involved using the same animals that consumed the selected
feedstuffs in the previous experiment.
T1= Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
T2= Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T3= Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
To lessen variation, the test foliage was obtained from the same source or origin.
Body weight was measured at the start of the experiment and at the end of the experiment.
Weekly weight was also measured.
Figures 4 and 5 represent the experimental rabbits consuming the feedstuffs. Each
rabbit was fed twice a day with 300g of feedstuffs at 7: 30 am and 4: 30 pm. Water was
available at all time in an earthen jar.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Data Gathering and Analysis
The following data were gathered:
1.
Initial weight (kg). This was the individual weight of the rabbits at the
start of the feeding trial.
2.
Weekly weight (kg). The body weight of the experimental rabbits was
measured on a weekly basis.
3.
Final weight (kg). This was the body weight of the rabbits taken at the end
of the feeding trial.
Figure 4. Rabbits fed with galinsoga
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Figure 5. Rabbits fed with kangkong
4.
Amount of feed offered (kg). The amount of daily feed offered was
recorded for each replicate.
5.
Amount of feed left over (g). Daily amount of feed not consumed by the
rabbits will be recorded for each replicate.
From the data gathered the following parameters were computed.
1.
Total gain in weight (kg).
This was the difference between the final and
the initial weight.
2.
Average daily gain (kg).
It was computed as:
Average Daily Gain= Total Gain in Weight
Duration of the Experiment
3.
Weekly gain in weight (kg). It was computed as:
Total Weekly Gain in Weight= Weekly Weight –Initial Weight
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
4.
Total feed consumption (kg). This was obtained by using the formula:
Total feed Consumption= Total Feed Offered – Total Feed Left over
5.
Feed conversion ratio.
It was computed as:
Feed Conversion Ratio = Total Feed Consumption
Total Gain in Weight
Statistical Analysis of Data
All the data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for a Completely
Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used
to compare treatment means.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weight of the Experimental Rabbits
The average initial,weekly weight and final weight of the rabbits in the different
treatments during the start and at the end of the study is shown in Figure 6.
Initial and final weight of the experimental animals was taken when they were
approximately 4 months old and 5 months old of age, respectively.The body weight of the
experimental rabbits was measured on a weekly basis.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among treatments in the
mean initial weight. This conforms to the requirement of the experimental design that
experimental units should be similar in properties such as initial weight.
Rabbits fed with galinsoga, had the mean initial weight of 1.71 kg. Rabbits fed with
talinum had the mean initial weight of 1.75 kg and those fed with kangkong registered the
mean initial weight of 1.74 kg.
While the experimental rabbits started with the same initial weight, the animals
finished the feeding trial with different final weight. Rabbits given kangkong, obtained the
highest final weight of 2.18 kg followed by rabbits receiving galinsoga with the mean
final weight of 1.96 kg. Rabbits fed with talinum had the lowest final weight of 1.55 kg.
Figure 6 also shows the increase in body weight of the experimental rabbits weekly.
The initial weight of the rabbits are almost similar from each other however, at the end of
the experiment they have different final weight. It could be seen in the figure that rabbits
fed with kangkong attained the highest final weight also it was observed to have the
highest increasing weekly gain in weight followed by the rabbits fed with
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
2.2
2.18
2.1
2.05
2
T
1.95
1.94
GH 1.9
EI
1.86
W
1.83
Y
1.81
1.8
GALINSOGA
1.75
OD
1.74
TALINUM
1.74
B 1.7
1.71
1.69
KANGKONG
1.64
1.6
1.58
1.55
1.5
INITIAL
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEIGHT
Figure 6. Mean body weight of the experimental rabbits
galinsoga. Rabbits fed with Talinum have the least wherein the entire weekly weight of the
animals’ decreases. This result may be affected by the tannin and saponin content of which
can harm the animal. (Aja et al., 2010). Another possible reason is that talinum absorbs
all types of metals where it is planted including arsenic (Aligui, 2010).
Statistical analysis shows differences among treatment means were not significant
in the first, second, and third week of the mean weekly weight while it revealed a highly
significant difference in the fourth week or the mean final weight. Further, DMRT analysis
revealed no significant differences between the rabbits fed galinsoga from those fed
kangkong in the final weight. This means that weekly weight in week 1, 2 and 3 of the
rabbits in the different treatment is more or less the same.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Results of the study are similar to the report of Kim Dong N.T.et al., (2008) where
the final weight and the average daily gain of the animals is significantly higher when
growing rabbits are fed with water spinach.
Gain in Weight of Experimental Rabbits
Table 1 shows the total gain in weight and average daily gain in weight of the
experimental rabbits.
Statistical analysis revealed that differences among treatment means were highly
significant in both total gain in weight and average gain in weight. This means that the total
gain in weight and the average daily gain in weight are not homogenous.
Rabbits fed with kangkong had the highest total gain in weight and an average daily
gain in weight of 0.45 kg and 0.016 kg, respectively; followed by rabbits fed with galinsoga
with the total gain in weight of 0.25 kg and an average daily gain in weight of 0.009 kg.
The result of the study is similar to the finding of Kim Dong et al., (2008) where in when
rabbits fed with kangkong the final weight and the daily gain of rabbits increases. Average
daily gain of rabbits fed with kangkong which is 0.01607 kg or 16.07 g/day is within the
range of the results observed by Phimmasan et al., (2004), Samkol et al., (2006) and Phiny
and Kaensombath (2006) in which water spinach, a local forage source was used as the
sole diet of growing rabbits with supporting growth rates of 15 to 20 g/day. However, the
values are higher than those found by Tam et al., (2009) which is 13.7 g/day.
Results are the same with the findings of Nguyen Chu et al., (2003) as cited by
Nguyen Van and Nguyen Thi (2008) where in higher growth rate of rabbits occurred when
animals were fed with water spinach alone. It is also similar to the report of Phiny
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Mean gain in weight of the experimental rabbits
GAIN IN WEIGHT (kg)
TREATMENT
TOTAL
AVERAGE
Galinsoga
0.250a
0.009a
Talinum
-0.200b
0.007b
Kangkong
0.450a
0.016a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level.
and Kaensombath (2006) that supplementing fresh water spinach with rice bran appeared
to confer no benefits in terms of rate of growth and feed conversion in growing rabbits.
It is also similar with the findings of Phimmasan .et al., (2004) and Samkol et al., 2006)
that there had no response even higher energy density such as broken rice will be
supplemented. However providing supplements rich in fibre, improved rabbit growth rate
(Hue and Preston, 2006 and Gang et al., (2006). Water spinach supplemented with
concentrates, the growth rate exceeds at 30 g/day in the study of Chat et al., (2005).
This implies that rabbits fed with kangkong had a better growth performance. The
animals utilized the nutrients present in the water spinach like amino acids, vitamins and
minerals leading to a high average daily gain and total gain in weight.
Rabbits fed with talinum had decreased in weight resulting to a negative total gain
in weight of -0.20 kg and an average gain in weight of -0.007 kg. Results may be because
rabbits on talinum diet had a lesser feed consumption and it does not meet the nutrient
requirement of the animal. Possible reasons of loss in weight of the animal can be due to
the alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins contents of the forage which can affect the
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
palatability of the animal (Aja et al., 2010). Some of these analyse constituents of the
vegetables species maybe completely harmful in both man and farm animals (Aja et al.,
2010). Another possible reason is the source of the forage because talinum absorbs all types
of metals where it is planted including arsenic (Aligui, 2010).
The weekly increase in the weight of rabbits is shown in Figure 7. It could be seen
in the data that the highest increase in weight was obtained by rabbits fed with kangkong
on the first, second and fourth week but not on thethird.Graph of gain in weight of rabbits
fed with kangkong is similar to galinsoga and talinum. They decrease in weight during the
third week and it increased in the final weight. Possible reasons of decreasing weight during
the third week may had affected by high feed left over resulting to a lower intake and it
was observed that mostly of the feed left over are hard stems. Another possible reason is
the time of feeding the animal.
0.14
0.13
0.13
0.12
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.09
0.08
0.08
T 0.06
GH
0.05
EI 0.04
0.03
W
GALINSOGA
0.02
N
I
TALINUM
0
N
I
KANGKONG
-0.02
-0.03
GA -0.04
-0.05
-0.06
-0.06
-0.06
-0.08
-0.1
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
Figure 7.Weekly gain in weight of experimental rabbits
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Statistical analysis revealed highly significant difference among treatment means
in the fourth weekly gain in weight while significant differences among treatment means
was observed in the first, second and third weekly gain in weight.
The results shows that rabbits fed with kangkong have grown faster than the rabbits
fed with galinsoga and talinum however; statistical analysis shows that galinsoga and
kangkong are not significantly different between treatment means.
Feed Consumption of Experimental Rabbits
The total feed consumption and the mean daily feed intake by the experimental
rabbits is presented in Table 2.
Results of the statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference observed
in both total feed consumption and average feed intake of the experimental animals. It is
shown in the table that higher feed consumption was observed from the rabbits fed with
galinsoga of a total feed consumption and an average daily feed intake of 24.33 kg and
0.87 kg respectively, followed by rabbits given kangkong with a total feed consumption of
23.60 kg and an average daily feed intake of 0.87 kg per day. Rabbits receiving talinum
consumed the least amount of feeds with the total feed consumption of 10.96 kg and an
average daily feed intake of 0.39 kg per day. Possible reasons of less feed intake of the
experimental animals might affected by the tannin and saponin content of the forage where
in it may harm the animal (Aja et al., 2010). Another reason might be also the source of
the feedstuff.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Mean feed consumption of experimental rabbits
FEED INTAKE (kg)
TREATMENT
TOTAL DAILY
Galinsoga
24.33a
0.87a
Talinum
10.96b
0.39b
Kangkong
23.60a
0.84a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level
Comparisons of means showed that rabbits fed with galinsoga did not differ from
the rabbits receiving kangkong. However, rabbits fed with talinum are significantly
different to those given galinsoga and kangkong.
Results may have affected the gain in weight of the animals. Table 2 shows that
rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong had the highest feed intake while those given
talinum had the lowest feed intake. Table 1 also shows the same where rabbits given
galinsoga and kangkong had the highest gain in weight and those rabbits given talinum had
the lowest gain in weight. There might be reasons affecting the gain in weight of the
animals and feed consumption was one possible reason such as rabbits fed with kangkong
had the higher gain in weight than those given talinum because rabbits fed with kangkong
and galinsoga has higher feed intake than rabbits given talinum.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Feed Efficiency of Experimental Rabbits
Table 3 presents the feed conversion ratio of the experimental rabbits in the
different treatments.
Table 3. Feed conversion ratio as affected by feedstuffs
TREATMENT
MEAN
Galinsoga
65.06a
Talinum
-94.42b
Kangkong
119.34a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 0.05% DMRT level
Feed conversion ratio 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 revealed that differences among treatment means were highly
significant. Furthermore DMRT analysis revealed that there were no significant differences
among treatment means between rabbits fed with galinsoga and kangkong.
Better feed conversion ratio was registered by rabbits fed with kangkong with a
mean of 65.06 followed by rabbits fed with galinsoga of 119.34. Results of the study are
similar with the findings of Hue and Preston (2006) where in feed conversion ratio of the
rabbits feed with water spinach is low which signifies a good feed efficiency.This means
that rabbits fed with galinsoga had consumed greater amount of feed to produce a kilogram
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
gain in weight and this resulted in a higher feed conversion ratio. From the computed feed
conversion ratio rabbits given galinsoga and kankong should consume 119.34 kg of
galinsoga and 65.06 kg respectively in order to gain 1 kg of body weight.
Rabbits fed with talinum have loss in weight as observed in Table 1 which resulted
to a negative feed conversion ratio.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study on the growth performance of rabbits fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and
Kangkong was conducted at the animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) project at Bektey,
Puguis, La Trinidad Benguet from November to December 2011. The study aimed to
determine the feed preference and growth performance of rabbits fed galinsoga, talinum
and kangkong. It was also conducted to determine which local feedstuffs are preferred by
rabbits, to determine the effect of galinsoga, talinum and kangkong on the gain in weight
of rabbits and to determine the feed conversion ratio in rabbits given galinsoga, talinum
and kangkong. There were twenty four rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand white) used
in the study. The treatments used are the following; galinsoga (T1), Talinum (T2), kangkong
(T3) and it was replicated four times following the Completely Randomized Design.
Results of the study showed that rabbits fed with kangkong obtained the highest
final weight, total gain in weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency moreover, feed
consumption are lower than the rabbits fed with galinsoga. Statistical analysis revealed that
there was a significant difference among the treatments on final weight, weekly gain in
weight in week 1, week 2 and week 3 but not on initial weight, weekly weight in week 1,
2 and 3. On the other hand, highly significant differences was obtained among treatments
means on total gain in weight, average gain in weight, feed intake, average feed intake,
feed conversion ratio and weekly gain in weight in week 4.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
Conclusion
Basing on the result of the study kangkong and galinsoga are better than talinum in
terms of gain in weight and feed conversion ratio.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended to use kangkong and galinsoga as basal diet to rabbits.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
LITERATURE CITED
ALIGUI G. 2010.Talinum as an Ethnic Food with High Nutritional Value. Research
Institute for Tropical Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2012 from
http://gonatural.com.ph/herbalblog/talinum-talinum-triangulare.
ANDO S., M. NISHIDA, M. ISHIDA, Y. KOCHI, A. KAMI, and S. SE. 2001.
Transmission of Herb Essential Oil to Milk and Change of Milk Flavor by Feeding
Dried Herbs to Lactating Cows. Nippon Shokuhin. Kagaku Kaishi.48:142-145.
AJA P.M, A.N.C. OKAKA, P.N. ONU, U. IBIAM AND A.J. URAKO.
2010.Phytochemical Composition of Talinum triangulare (Water Leaf)
Leaves.Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B.
053, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
AYENI, T. 2000. US/Africa collaborations: Recent Experiences at Rutgers School of
Environment and Biological Sciences.
CHAT, T.H. N. T. DUNG, D. V. BINH AND T.R. PRESTON 2005. Water Spinach
(Ipomoea aquatica) as Replacement for Guinea Grass for Growing and Lactating
Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 17, Article #109.
Retrieved
October
30,
2006
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd17/10/chat17109.htm.
DAMALAS, C.A. 2008. Distribution Biology and Agricultural Importance of Galinsoga
parviflora (Astracae).Weed Biology and Management. 8:147-153.
EKPO, O. ESEYIN, N. KALU, O. JACKSON AND E.J. EDOHO, 2007. Studies on the
Biochemical Effects of Talinum triangulare in Rat. Journal of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, 2: 300-303. http://scialert.net/fullte xt/?doi=jpt.2007. 300.303
&org=10.
ENETE, A.A. U.A.UKON. 2010. Economics of Waterleaf (Talinum Triangulare)
Production in AkwaIbon State, Nigeria. The Journal of field action, Volume 4
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
FASUYI, A.O., 2006. Nutritional Potentials of some Tropical Vegetable Leaf Meals:
Chemical Characterization and Functional Properties. Afr. J. Biotechnology., 5: 49-
53.
FOLARIN, O.M., F.O. BAMIRO AND K.O. ESUOSO, 2001. Distribution of Nutritive
Elements in Water Leaf. Global J. Pure and Applied Sci., 7: 285-290
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION, 2001. Grassland Index. A Searchable
Catalogue of Grass and Forage Legumes. FAO.
GANG D, T., K.T, HUE D. V, BINH AND N. T. MUI . 2006. Effect of Guinea Grass on
Feed Intake, Digestibility and Growth Performance of Rabbits fed a Molasses
Block and either Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) or Sweet Potato (Ipomoea
batatas L) Vines. Workshop-seminar "Forages for Pigs and Rabbits" MEKARN-
CelAgrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 22-24 August, 2006. Article #23
RetrievedMarch 14, 112, from http://www.mekarn.org/proprf/gang.htm.
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, Netherlands.
HUE, K,T. AND PRESTON T. R .2006. Effect of Different Sources of Supplementary
fibre on Growth of Rabbits fed a Basal Diet of Fresh Water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica). Livestock Research for Rural Development.Volume 18, Article #58.
Retrieved
October
30,
2006
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd18/4/hue18058.htm.
IHEUKWUMERE, F.C. 2008. Effect of Mixed Feeding Regime on Litter Performance
Traits of Rabbit Does. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition Department of Animal Science
and Fisheries, Abia State University, PMB 7010, Umuahia, Nigeria.
IWALEWA, E.O., C.O. ADEWUMI, N.A. OMISORE, O.A. ADEBIYI AND C.K. AZIKE
2005. Pro-and Anti-oxidant Effects and Cytoprotective Potentials of nine edible
Vegetables in South West. Nig. J. Med. Food, 8: 539-544.
IRVINE, F.R. 2001. The Edible Cultivated and Semi-cultivated of West Africa. Plants,
Food for Human Nutrition. Springer, Netherlands.
KAKENGI, A.M., J.T. KAUAGE, S.V. SARWATT, S.K, MUTAYOBA, M.N. SHEM,
and T. FUJIHARA.2007. Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as a Substitute for
Sunflower Seed Meal on Performance of Laying Hens in Tanzania. Department of
Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box
3004,Morogoro
–
Tanzania
Retrieved
September
3,
2011
from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/8/kake19120.htm.
KIM DONG N.T., N.V. THU, B.OGLE and T.R. PRESTON. 2008. Effect of
Supplementation Level of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) Leaves in Diets
Based on Para Grass (Brachiaria mutica) on Intake, Nutrient Utilization, Growth
Rate and Economic Returns of Crossbred Rabbits in Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
Volume 20, Article #144. Retrieved September 3, 2011 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd20/9/kdon20144.htm.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
LUYEN L.T. AND T.R. PRESTON. 2004. Effect of Level of Urea Fertilizer on Biomass
Production of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) Grown in Soil and in Water.
Livestock Research for Rural Development.Vol. 16, Art. #81. Retrieved March 4,
2012 from http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd16/10/luye16081.htm.
MADDUL, S.B. 2002. Evaluation of Livestock and Poultry for Agroforestry System in the
Highlands. Regional R and D Symposium. Benguet State University. Retrieved
August
1,
2011
from
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/harrdec%
0web/car/technologies.htm.
MURRO, J.K, V.R. MUHIKAMBELE and S.V. SARWATT.2003. Moringa oleifera Leaf
Meal can Replace Cottonseed Cake in the Concentrate Mix Fed with Rhodes Grass
(Chlorisgayana) Hay for Growing Sheep. Livestock Research for Rural
Development
15
(11).
Retrieved
September
5,
2011
from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd15/11/murr1511.htm.
NGUYEN VAN T. AND K.D. NGUYEN Thi 2008. Effect of Water Spinach and Sweet
Potato Vine Associated with 2 other Natural Plants, on Growth Performance,
Carcass Values and Economic Return of Growing Crossbred Rabbits in the
Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Retrieved March 4, 2012 from http://world-rabbit-
science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2008-Verona/Papers/N-
NguyenVan2.pdf.
OLUWOLE, F.S., A.O. FALADE AND O.O. OGUNDIPE, 2003. Anti-inflammatory
Effect of some Common Nigerian Vegetables. Nig. J. Physiol. Sci., 18: 35-38.
PATI, K. 2006. Nutritional Value of Malunggay pods/ leaves. Retrieved September 3, 2011
from http://malunggayherbtea.multiply.com/journal/item/2
PHIMMMASAN, H. S. KONGVONGXAY, C. TY and T. R. PRESTON. 2004. Water
Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and Stylo 184 (Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 184) as
Basal Diets for Growing Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development.Vol.
16,
Art.#34.
Retrieved
October
30,
2011
from
http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd16/5/hong16034.htm.
PHINY, C. and L. KAENSOMBATH. 2006. Effect on Feed Intake and Growth of
Depriving Rabbits Access to Caecotropes. Workshop-seminar "Forages for Pigs
and Rabbits" MEKARN-Cel Agrid, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 22-24 August, 2006.
Article
#
22.
Retrieved
March
14,
2012
from
http://www.mekarn.org/proprf/phin2.htm.
PRASAD K. N. , G.R. SHIVAMURTHY and S.M. ARADHYA, 2008. Ipomoea aquatica,
An Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetable: A Review. International Journal of
Botany,
4:
123-129.
Retrieved
March
10,
2012
from
http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijb.2008.123.129
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012
SAIDU, A.N. and N.G. SIDEOBI. 2009. The Proximate and Elemental Analysis of Some
Leafy Vegetable Grown in Minna and Environs. J. Apple Science Environment
Manage. Volume 13(4) 21-23. Department of Biochemistry Federal University of
Technology, Minna.
SAMKOL, P., PRESTON T.R, and J. LY. 2006. Effect of Increasing Offer Level of Water
Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) on Intake, Growth, Digestibility Coefficients of
Rabbits. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 18, Article #25.
Retrieved September 3, 2011 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd18/6/sa mk1807 8.htm.
SOPHEA K. and PRESTON T. R. 2001. Comparison of Bio Digester Effluent and Urea as
Fertilizer for Water Spinach Vegetable. Livestock Research for Rural Development
(13) 6; Retrieved September 3, 2011 from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd18/6/sa mk1807
8.htm.
TAM , N. H., V. T. TUAN, V. LAM, B. P. T. HANG and T. R. PRESTON. 2009. Effects
on Growth of Rabbits of Supplementing a Basal Diet of Water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica) with Vegetable Wastes and Paddy Rice. Livestock Research for Rural
Development.Volume 21, Article #174. Retrieved March 14, 2012 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd21/10/hang21174.htm.
TEDONKENG, P.E, A.T. NIBA, F.A. FONTEH, F. TEDONKENG, J.R. KANA, B.
BOUKILA and J. TSACHOUNG. 2005. Effect of Supplementation with Moringa
oleifera or Multi-nutritional Blocks on Post-partum Weight and Pre-weaning
Growth of Guinea Pigs (caxiaporcellusL.) Livestock Research for Rural
Development Volume 17, Article #46. Retrieved September 3, 2011 from
http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd17/4/tedo17046.htm.
Growth Performance of Rabbits Fed with Galinsoga, Talinum and Kangkong
QUINTOS, JERLYN K. APRIL 2012