Blood Indices and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Rabbits Fed Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan) Meal as Replacement for Groundnut Cake at Graded Levels

Abstract

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seeds contain approximately 20–22% crude protein and appreciable amounts of essential amino acids and minerals, suggesting their potential as an alternative protein source in animal feeding systems. Despite this nutritional potential, information on the utilization of Cajanus cajan meal (CCM) as a replacement for conventional protein sources such as groundnut cake in rabbit diets is limited, particularly with respect to its effects on haematological indices, serum biochemical parameters, and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. This present study evaluated the blood profile and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits fed Cajanus cajan meal as replacement for groundnut cake. Forty (40) growing rabbits of mixed breeds, aged 5–6 weeks, were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (10 rabbits per treatment) in a completely randomized design over a 10-week feeding trial. Four concentrate diets were formulated by directly replacing groundnut cake with CCM at 0, 10, 15, and 20%, respectively. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among treatments in packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and monocyte count. White blood cell count was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rabbits fed the 15% CCM diet, followed by those fed 0 and 10% CCM diets, while the lowest value was observed in the 20% CCM diet. Lymphocyte count was significantly highest (p < 0.05) in rabbits fed the 20% CCM diet, followed by 0, 10, and 15% CCM diets. Rabbits fed CCM-based diets recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) eosinophil counts compared with the control diet. Serum biochemical indices revealed that rabbits fed the 20% CCM diet had the highest (p < 0.05) total protein concentration, followed by 0 and 15% CCM diets, while the least value was observed in the 10% CCM diet. Animals fed CCM-based diets also recorded significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels compared with rabbits fed the control diet. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed among treatments with respect to carcass characteristics. This study therefore concluded that Cajanus cajan meal (CCM) could totally replace groundnut cake in rabbit diets without adverse effects on haematological and serum parameters as well as carcass qualities.