Tithonia rotundifolia as a protein source in New Zealand/Chinchilla weaner rabbit production
Description
Proximate analysis of Tithonia rotundifolia was conducted at Fertilizer, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute laboratory, under the Department of Research and Specialist Services in Harare. The proximate analysis was done on a dry matter basis and the data from the analysis was incorporated in FeedWin for feed formulation. The main aspects considered in proximate analysis being the dry matter content (DM), crude protein content (CP), crude fibre content (CF), ether extract content (EE), nitrogen-free extract content (NFE), calcium content (Ca) and phosphorous content (P), which are important for the diet formulation. The samples were analysed using the procedures of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (A.O.A.C. 2005). For other feed ingredients, the researcher used the standard nutritional composition on FeedWin feed formulation software. FeedWin Interactive v1.01 software was used to formulate the diet. This software ensures the use of nutrient composition in formulating diets. The Tithonia meal was used as an inclusion in the feed, mixed with other ingredients which are maize meal, soybean meal, salt, limestone and mono-calcium-phosphate. These ingredients were used to formulate three diets with 0 %, 10 % and 20 % inclusion levels of the Tithonia meal. The inclusion of Tithonia meal in the diet formulation caused the percentage variation of other ingredients. Thus, becoming a source of variation.Data collected was daily feed intake and weekly weight gain. This data was fed into Microsoft Excel and used to calculate feed conversion efficiency. Before the commencement of the experiment, the weights of the rabbits were taken, using a digital scale for weighing. After this, the rabbits were weighed weekly for weight gain changes. Since the animals were given a predetermined amount of feed, the left-over feed was measured every morning during the feeding trial so as to calculate the feed intake. The feed conversion efficiency was then calculated after the feeding trial. Feed intake was calculated by subtracting the refusals from the feed given. The feed conversion efficiency was then calculated by dividing total feed intake with total weight gain.Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) also known as Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the data on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. The data was subjected to GLM repeated measures ANOVA for RCBD. Boniferroni’s test was used to separate means. Descriptive statistics were also generated which were presented in form of tables and graphs. Equality of variances was tested using Levene’s test. Wilk’s Lambda’s test was used to assess whether or not there was effect of time or interaction between time and diet.
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Proximate analysis of Tithonia rotundifolia was conducted at Fertilizer, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute laboratory, under the Department of Research and Specialist Services in Harare. The proximate analysis was done on a dry matter basis and the data from the analysis was incorporated in FeedWin for feed formulation. The main aspects considered in proximate analysis being the dry matter content (DM), crude protein content (CP), crude fibre content (CF), ether extract content (EE), nitrogen-free extract content (NFE), calcium content (Ca) and phosphorous content (P), which are important for the diet formulation. The samples were analysed using the procedures of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (A.O.A.C. 2005). For other feed ingredients, the researcher used the standard nutritional composition on FeedWin feed formulation software. FeedWin Interactive v1.01 software was used to formulate the diet. This software ensures the use of nutrient composition in formulating diets. The Tithonia meal was used as an inclusion in the feed, mixed with other ingredients which are maize meal, soybean meal, salt, limestone and mono-calcium-phosphate. These ingredients were used to formulate three diets with 0 %, 10 % and 20 % inclusion levels of the Tithonia meal. The inclusion of Tithonia meal in the diet formulation caused the percentage variation of other ingredients. Thus, becoming a source of variation.Data collected was daily feed intake and weekly weight gain. This data was fed into Microsoft Excel and used to calculate feed conversion efficiency. Before the commencement of the experiment, the weights of the rabbits were taken, using a digital scale for weighing. After this, the rabbits were weighed weekly for weight gain changes. Since the animals were given a predetermined amount of feed, the left-over feed was measured every morning during the feeding trial so as to calculate the feed intake. The feed conversion efficiency was then calculated after the feeding trial. Feed intake was calculated by subtracting the refusals from the feed given. The feed conversion efficiency was then calculated by dividing total feed intake with total weight gain.Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) also known as Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the data on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. The data was subjected to GLM repeated measures ANOVA for RCBD. Boniferroni’s test was used to separate means. Descriptive statistics were also generated which were presented in form of tables and graphs. Equality of variances was tested using Levene’s test. Wilk’s Lambda’s test was used to assess whether or not there was effect of time or interaction between time and diet.