文章基本信息

标题：Effect of Different Methods of Processing Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) Seeds on Performance of Young Rabbits
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作者：G.S. Bawa ; M. Orunmuyi ; A.S. Agbaji 等
期刊名称：Pakistan Journal of Nutrition
印刷版ISSN：1680-5194
电子版ISSN：1994-7984
出版年度：2007
卷号：6
期号：3
页码：212-216
DOI：10.3923/pjn.2007.212.216
出版社：Asian Network for Scientific Information
摘要：A feeding trial using sixty (60) weaner rabbits with an average initial live weight of 560 ± 0.80g was conducted to determine the effects of different methods of processing neem seeds on their performance and carcass characteristics . The rabbits were assigned to five dietary treatments based on their initial live weight and sex. There were twelve individually caged rabbits per treatment. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (18% CP). Diet 1 (control) was a Maize-Groundnut cake based diet without neem seed. Diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had raw milled neem seed (RMNS), hydraulic press neem seed cake (HNSC), Solvent Extracted neem seed cake (SNSC) and Expeller neem seed cake (ENSC) included at 20% level, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Weekly feed intake and body weight changes were determined and feed efficiency calculated. At the end of the 63-day feeding trial, four rabbits per treatment were selected based on the group average weight and sacrificed for carcass evaluation. Blood samples were also obtained from the animals to evaluate Packcell volume (PCV), Haemoglobim (Hb) and Total protein (TP). The results showed that rabbits fed the processed neem seed cake diets had growth performance that were statistically comparable to those fed the control diet. Animals on processed neem seed cake diets had significantly (P< 0.05) improved performance over and above those fed the raw neem seed diets. Animals on raw neem seed cake diet had consistently low value for PVC, Hb and TP. The use of solvent extracted neem seed cake in rabbit diet was favoured in this study.