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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of rabbit reared under hutches with different feeder heights. A total of 40 mixed breed rabbits were used in this study. The completely randomized design was used and rabbits were assigned treatments, with ten (10) rabbits per treatment. The treatments used in the study were wooden hutch with earthen feeder (control group), metallic hutches with feeder at floor level (0 inch), metallic hutch with feeder at 2 inches from floor level, and metallic hutch + feeder at 4 inches from floor level. Growth performance was measured daily with respect to the initial weight. Data analysis was done using GENSTAT 12th edition, with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) employed to check for relationships and differences. The initial weight gains of rabbits fed with earthen feeder, height at 0 inches, height at 2 inches and height at 4 inches were 965g, 973g, 975g and 982g. However, the result of the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the groups across weight-related parameters (daily, weekly and total weight gain). In conclusion, while the study found that weight gain of rabbits are not significantly influenced by feeder height, further study are required to determine the growth performance of rabbits over a longer period and the optimum feeder height to maximise growth performance in rabbits.
