Investigatory Study of the Growing Effect of African Teak (Pterocarpus erinaceus) Bark in Modified Feed Using Rabbit

Abstract

A total number of 3 growing rabbits about two weeks old were used in an experiment that lasted for 2 weeks. To investigate the growing effect of Pterocarpus erinaceus on growing rabbits. Three experimental diets, T₁, T_2, and T₃ containing 0 %, 2.5 and 5 % of Pterocarpus erinaceus meal respectively were formulated, and three rabbits were randomly assigned to each diet. Daily feed intake was significantly higher in animals receiving Pterocarpus erinaceus bark meal than in animals on the control diet. Body weight changes of the animals on T₁ were significantly higher than those on T₂ and T₃. The feed conversion ratio was the same in both T₁, T₂ and T₃. The result of this experiment reveals that Pterocarpus erinaceus bark meal can be used in the diet for growing rabbits at a 5 % dietary level to enhance feed intake and weight gain thereby growing rabbits without compromising feed efficiency. The insight from the medicinal point of view makes the feed potent for ailment treatment and enhances both PCV and Hb. The initial PCV before the administration of the feed was for T₁; 20.30 %, T₂; 20.70 %, and T₃; 21.68 %. After the administration of the feed, the final PCV was for T₁; 24.60 % T₂; 27.20 %, and T₃; 28.20%. In the case of Hb, the initial Hb for T₁ was 6.8, T₂ was 6.9 and T₃ was 7.2 whereas, after the administration of the feed, the final Hb for T₁ was 8.2 g/dL, T₂ was 9.2 g/dL and T₃ was 9.4 g/dL. The use of Pterocarpus erinaceus as a natural source in meal preparation may help to reduce cost of feed preparation, improve, maintain and supplement to meet daily requirements of essential nutrients by reducing the use of synthetic food supplements.