Performance response dynamics of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) to locally sourced, on-farm feed ingredients during the growing phase: Implications for the institutional rabbit multiplier project

This study aimed to assess the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of rabbits in their growing phase fed with a formulated diet sourced out locally, containing the allocation of 17% Moringa oleifera leaf, 8% Trichanthera gigantea leaf, 20% Morus alba leaf, 4% Psidium guajava leaf, 19% Zea mays bits, 20% D1 (Oryza sativa bran), 3% Saccharum officinarum molasses, and 9% hydrolyzed Gallus gallus domesticus broiler feather meal. Three (3) treatment groups consisted of the CSU-formulated rabbit grower feed and two commercially available all-stage rabbit pellet feeds. Twenty-seven (27) composites of mixed-breed rabbits, aged 3–4 months and of varied sex, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments, each comprising three replicates, following a completely randomized design. The rabbits had access to water, and the experimental feeds were given once a day for a period of 42 days. The proximate analysis of the CSU-formulated rabbit grower feed demonstrated 21.64% crude protein, 6.43% crude fat, 10.10 % ash, a moisture content of 7.86%, and a crude fiber of 6.73%. The results indicate that CSU-formulated rabbit grower feed was readily accepted and palatable to rabbits, as indicated by consistently elevated weekly consumption rates confirming comparable consumption levels with commercial feeds (p > 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) exhibited no significant differences (F = 0.110, p = 0.897), denoting that all diets were nutritionally sufficient. For the entire period, no significant Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) variances were found (F = 1.060, p = 0.404), wherein dietary impact was most evident in the later stage, implying how well the assigned groups assimilated the feeds. On the other hand, CSU-formulated rabbit grower feed had displayed clear financial benefits, as revealed by a benefit–cost ratio of 1.17, a return on investment (ROI) of 16.99%, a gross ratio of 0.85, and a net profit margin of 14.53%.