UTILIZATION OF FERMENTED SORREL (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) SEED MEAL BY WEANER RABBITS

A 56-day study was conducted to determine the biochemical composition of fermented sorrel seed meal (FSSM) and its effect on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and internal organ weights of weaner rabbits. Forty (40) weaner rabbits with an average weight of 556.89 ±0.10g were randomly assigned to five treatment groups of 8 rabbits per treatment replicated four times with 2 rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD) for eight weeks. Five experimental diets were compounded using FSSM at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion levels. The levels of inclusion were designated as Diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The results of the growth performance were not significant (P>0.05). The result also showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in carcass characteristics and internal organ weights. It was therefore concluded that fermented sorrel seed meal can be included in weaner rabbit diets up to 40% level.