EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF BAKER’S YEAST (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF WEANER RABBITS (Oryctolagus cunniculus)

Abstract

The study was conducted  to evaluate the effect of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement on the growth performance and carcass chracteristics of weaner rabbits. A commercial baker’s yeast containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as the dietary supplement, four experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 (basal diet), which was designated T₁ and without supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, serve as control diet. Diet 2, 3, and 4 were designated T_2, T₃ and T₄ respectively, were supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the rate of 20, 40 and 60g per kilogram of basal diet. The diets were in form of grain. Thirty six (36) weaner rabbits of mixed sex at ratio 2:1 (Females: male) were randomly allotted to four treatment groups in a complete randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with three rabbits per replicate. The trial lasted for a period of 8 weeks. Data on growth (initial growth, final weight, daily weight gain, total concentrate intake, total feed intake and feed conversion ratio) and carcass characteristics (cut-up parts and visceral organs) were recorded. The results obtained revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences among the growth performance parameters except for feed intake which was higher (P<0.05) in the control compared to T₃ (40g/kg). Carcass characteristics of the experimental animals showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in almost all the parameters measured with the exception of the neck. The values of internal organs and by-products revealed no significant (p<0.05) difference in all the values obtained.