Reproductive and Growth Performance of Rabbit Fed Different Inclusion Levels of African Yam Bean ( Sphenostylis stenocarpa )

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Processed African Yam Bean (AYB) at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% levels respectively, on the growth and reproductive performance of Rabbits. The AYB inclusion was to ascertain the best (%) level that would give better performance in rabbits. Complete randomized design was used to allot twenty (20) grower rabbits of both sexes into four treatments in three replicate with each group having three does and two bucks. Each of the treatment diets formulated at different growth stages was fed to the rabbits. The rabbits were kept in hutches inside the rabbit house and given feed and water ad libitum. Growth and reproductive parameters were measured. The proximate analysis and anti-nutritional factor of processed AYB showed that it contained values of 26.88%, 92.97%, 5.26%, 61.89%, 7.04%, 3.79% and 2.17% for Crude protein, Dry matter, Crude fibre, Nitrogen-free extract, Moisture content, Ash content and Ether extract respectively while the anti-nutritional factor contained 0.11%, 14.02 mg/g, 0.19 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.14 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.13 mg/g and 0.01 mg/g of Tannin, Alkaloid, Oxalate, Phytate, Saponin, Flavonoids, Trypsin inhibitor and Lectin. From this study, the rabbit group on 10%

side the rabbit house and given feed and water ad libitum. Growth and reproductive parameters were measured. The proximate analysis and anti-nutritional factor of processed AYB showed that it contained values of 26.88%, 92.97%, 5.26%, 61.89%, 7.04%, 3.79% and 2.17% for Crude protein, Dry matter, Crude fibre, Nitrogen-free extract, Moisture content, Ash content and Ether extract respectively while the anti-nutritional factor contained 0.11%, 14.02 mg/g, 0.19 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.14 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.13 mg/g and 0.01 mg/g of Tannin, Alkaloid, Oxalate, Phytate, Saponin, Flavonoids, Trypsin inhibitor and Lectin. From this study, the rabbit group on 10% AYB inclusion significantly (p < 0.05) recorded better growth rate and reproductive performance than the rest of the treatment groups. The group on diets 20% and 30% inclusion recorded different results on linear body measurement which were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to control group. The body weights of the animals were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the diets. The results of this experiment concluded that AYB can be included in the diet of rabbits with 10% inclusion giving a better reproductive performance and growth rate without any negative effect.

Introduction
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is one of the most productive animals among other domesticated livestock, their feeding habit is in no competition with humans and their optimum performance can only be ensured in a mixed feeding regime involving forage and formulated feeds without compromising their reproductive efficiency [1]. African Yam Bean (AYB) is one of the underutilized legumes with high protein content which is gradually going into extinction due to low production from crop farmers and low consumption rate by both human beings and animals. Readiness in the implementation of most of the research findings on the nutritional possibilities in the AYB may meet some challenges especially that of producing the grains in commercial quantity since the producers are presently few [2]. AYB is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins with its protein content, twice that of sweet or Irish potatoes and very much higher than those in yam and cassava [3]. Many research documents revealed the efficiency of various processing techniques in reducing the Anti-nutritional factor content in AYB as well as reducing the cooking times of its meals. Good processing assures safety consumption of AYB meals by human and livestock [2]. It is mainly used as food and can also be used to feed animals [4].
Incorporating AYB in the feeds of some livestock has been attempted by [5] [6]. It can be used in inclusion or as a substitute for protein source in livestock feed provided other food crops used in livestock feed is available to supplement the AYB content for increased feed consumption and palatability [7]. [6] specifically remarked that AYB would be a good alternative protein source for livestock and poultry. It has been used at 15% -60% in Nile Tilapia fingerlings as the dietary protein to substitute for full-fat soya beans in their diet [8].
The success of animal production and reproduction is determined by several interactive factors like genetic make-up of the animal, nutrition, temperature, photoperiod and stress. Among these factors, nutrition has a great influence on the ability to achieve both production and reproduction goals [9], and Protein is one of the essential nutrients in human foods and animal feeds needed for growth and reproduction. Reproductive failure due to inadequate nutrient and oxidative stress causes cell death which is one of the most significant factors that limit the productivity of animal production which results either in huge loss or profit annually [10]. Growth and reproductive performance of animals may be improved by the inclusion of some feedstuff from many legumes as alternative source for  [11], rabbit farmers are faced with challenges in finding practical, cost effective ways to improve performance without compromising the breeding and production of safe and high quality meat products, hence the need for this study which was aimed at investigating the reproductive and growth performance of grower's rabbits fed varying inclusion levels of African Yam bean.

Materials and Method
Experimental location and diet preparation The experiment was carried out at the rabbit house of Institute of Agricultural from Adom Agroallied feed service in Odo-Ona, Apata. The seeds were parboiled in hot water for 20 mins, sieved out and sundried for 4 days after which it was grounded using grinding machine and the samples taken to the Laboratory for anti-nutritional factor and proximate analysis before its use in formulation of the rabbit diets. Samples were analyzed chemically using the methods described by [12] for proximate analysis and the methods described by [13] [14] [15] and [16] for that of anti-nutritional factor and all analysis based on 100% dry matter.

Experimental diets
At different stages of growth within the period of the experiment (grower to adult and gestation to lactation stages respectively), two different basal diets were formulated so as to meet the maximum nutrients required by the rabbits.

Experimental animals and design
Twenty (20)  Body weight of the animals was calculated as (the final body weight − initial body weight) using a sensitive weighing balance while the average daily wt. gain was deducted as (final weight gain − initial body weight ÷ by Number of days for the feeding trials). Total feed intake was calculated by subtracting the total quantity of left over feed from the total quantity of feed given over the period of time (Total qnty of feed given − Total qnty of left over feed), while the Feed conversion ratio was calculated as quantity of feed consumed divided by body weight gain (quantity of feed consumed ÷ body weight gain).
Reproductive performance of the rabbits was measured by evaluating their sexual behavior and mating ability beginning at the expected age of attainment of puberty. The sex drive of the bucks (Libido) were measured by recording the interest of the buck and the time in seconds (with a stopwatch) that it took the buck to sniff, tease and mount the female and the number of mounts to accomplish ejaculation after which the result was rated using the scoring pattern described by [17], as shown in

Results
The results of the proximate analysis of the processed AYB, Anti-nutritional factors, linear body measurement and body weight gain (growth performance) of grower's rabbits fed different inclusion of African Yam Bean diets are shown in Tables 1-4 while that of their reproductive performance are shown in Table 5 and Table 6 respectively.
The scoring pattern of description for levels of libido in rabbit as described by [17] is represented in Table 7 below.

Discussion
Results of proximate analysis shown in Table 1 indicated that AYB used for this study, Figure 1 is a promising plant and has sufficient nutrients to meet the nutrient requirements of rabbits. The low moisture content of (7.04) favored the storage of AYB since high moisture content hastens spoilage of feedstuff and enhance microbial growth [18].
The crude protein content of 26.88% obtained for processed AYB meal is an indication that it can be used in rabbit diets as supplementary source of protein.
This result is in line with the findings of [19] which reported range of 25.4% -28.6% of crude protein level for optimum performance such as maintenance, normal growth and pregnancy. However, the percentage crude protein obtained for AYB in this study is higher than the value reported by [4] who reported the crude protein content of processed AYB as 22.52%. These differences may be due to climatic variations coupled with the AYB variety or cultivar type used for the study.
Ash content value (3.79) recorded in this study shows that AYB could be a potential source of minerals for rabbit, however the ash content obtained in this study is an indication that AYB should not be used solely as a feedstuff for rabbit rather should be mixed with other feedstuff with lower ash content. This is in agreement with the findings of [20] who opined that plant material intended for use in feed formulation should have ash content less than 2.5%.
The Nitrogen free extract (NFE) content of (61.89) and the metabolizable energy (ME/Kcal/kg) value of (3367.4 kcal/kg) obtained from AYB used in this study is an indication that AYB could be a supplementary source of energy to support the growth and reproductive performance of rabbits. However, this (ME) Value is higher than the recommended value by [21], who reported that rabbits generally grow well when fed with a diet with energy range between 2600 -2700 kcal metabolizable energy. The result agrees with that of [22] who reported that cooked seeds of AYB have higher fibre content, high efficiency of protein digestibility, higher amino acid availability, high gross and metabolizable energy and good fatty acid profile. Anti nutritional composition of the AYB used for the study is represented in (Table 2). Anti-nutritional factors (ANF) in food legumes are chemical substances present in products; although non-toxic but generate adverse physiological responses in animal that consumes them [2]. In most cases, ANF interferes with the utilization of nutrients in legume products [22], their presence could cause flatulence. The ANF values obtained from this study fell within the range of values as reported by [23] on Proximate, Antinutrients and Mineral Composition of Raw and Processed (Boiled and Roasted) Sphenostylis stenocarpa Seeds from Southern Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria. Table 3 & Table 4 show the results of the linear body measurement and growth performance of grower's rabbit fed dietary levels of AYB. There were significant (p > 0.05) differences in some of the parameters measured including the final weight and weight gain. The significance observed in some of the linear growth of rabbits fed dietary levels of AYB meal relative to the control animals are indication that the inclusion of the test ingredient up to 30% level has effects on their growth especially on their neck and head to shoulder. Research on linear body measurements have been used to evaluate breed performance, predict live weight gain, and to examine reproductive performance [24]. The animals fed with diets containing 10% AYB had the value of 1391.20 g as their final weight which was significantly (p < 0.05) better than those fed with diets containing 20% and 30% having values of 1276.40 g and 1379.70 g respectively, this is equivalent to their weight gain.
Rabbit on control diets (0% AYB) had the second to the highest weight gain (726.10 g) whereas the animals on diet containing 10% AYB significantly (p < 0.05) had the highest and better result (764.60 g) in weight gain, meanwhile results obtained for those on diets containing 20% and 30% were not statistically (p > 0.05) different and are comparable to those on control diet. This result is similar to the report by [4], these authors reported that final weight and weight gain were significantly higher in finisher broiler fed with AYB. The low final weight and weight gain recorded from rabbits fed 20% and 30% AYB may be due to low feed intake and low energy efficiency owing to the presence of high fibre content and anti-nutritional factor in the 20% and 30% levels of AYB. This observation is in agreement with the findings of [6] who have applied AYB seeds in weaner rabbit diets as a substitute for soya bean at 10% inclusion.
The results recorded for feed intake showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference across the dietary treatment except for the feed conversion ratio which was statistically (p < 0.05) different for the animals fed diets containing 10% AYB when compared with control diets, group 3 and 4 containing 0%, 20%, 30% AYB.
This is an indication of acceptability by the animal at 10% inclusion level. Feeding African Yam Bean meal (AYBM) diets up till 30% level of inclusion did not influence (p > 0.05) gestation length, age at puberty, average weight before mating, age at first mating and mortality rate for both the does and buck respectively, whereas total litter size, litter size at weaning, Average kit weight at weaning and age at conception and age at first successful mating by the bucks, were significantly different (p < 0.05) within the groups with the best reproductive performance (Table 5) recorded in the group of animals fed 10% inclusion level of AYB. This could be attributed to high consumption of the diets due to its palatability and balanced nutrients leading to the high reproduction of kits from birth to weaning stage and successful conception even when they were mated at the same period with other females in control group, group 3 and 4 fed 0%, 20%, 30% inclusion level of AYB. Values of gestation length obtained in this study (31 -32 days) fell within the range of 30 -32 days reported by [25] for rabbits. Kit mortalities did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) between the groups. There was no kits born dead during the study though death of some kits occurred after some days, this implies that despite the inclusion of AYB up to 30% in the diets of gestating rabbit does, there was no interference with development of the kits in the uterus.
Consequently, the result of sex drive (Libido/reaction time) for the buck as represented in Table 6 showed significant difference (p < 0.05) across the treatment. The time in seconds that it took the rabbit bucks to sniff, groom and mount the female which was recorded with a stop watch was used to calculate the sex drive and the libido scored using the scoring pattern described by [17] as shown in Table 7. Rabbit buck in group 2 fed with 10% inclusion level of AYB had the highest score followed by control group which exhibited normal sexual activities. When compared with other treatment groups, bucks fed 10% inclusion level of AYB, exhibited a better sexual activeness, this also followed the same trend with their age at first successful mating (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The result signifies that AYB could be a good sexual activator for better performance. This is in agreement with [26] who reported that the kind of nutrition given to an animal can affect its libido and the quality of semen being produced.  The Performance of does during lactation which was obtained by calculating the average kit weight at 28 days and at weaning showed significant difference (p < 0.05). Both litter weights at 28 days and average wt. of kits at weaning used as an indicator of milk production by does, were affected by AYB inclusion in the diets especially at the 20% and 30% level. This could be as a result of low feed intakes associated with the feed due to palatability problem which eventually affected their kits weight in attaining the stage of nibbling at their feed (25 -27 days post-partum) having difficulty in consuming their feed. This could also be linked to poor feed utilization due to high content of crude fibre and antinutritional factors at that 20% and 30% inclusion level. This result agrees with the report of an earlier study by [27] on reproductive performance of rabbit does fed diets containing Gliricidia leaf meal from conception through weaning of kits. The positive relationship between litter size at birth, at 28 days and at weaning imply that the higher the No of kits born per litter per doe (kits born/litter/doe), the higher the No. weaned/litter/doe. Litter size at weaning is considered as a good practical yardstick to measure the profitability of any animal production venture [28] therefore, breeding for litter size coupled with feedstuff like AYB without adverse effect, would enhance the profitability of animal production involving rabbit. The result of this study indicated that palatability problems associated with feedstuff with high crude protein and antinutritional factors like AYB incorporated into diets of breeding rabbit does and buck, can depress feed intake coupled with poor metabolism of the feed, this can lead to low birth rate, litter size and poor milk production as well as the inability of the young rabbit to utilize the AYB diets appropriately.

Conclusion
Inclusion of African Yam Bean meal in rabbit diets has no negative effect on the growth and reproductive performance of rabbits as observed in the result presented, the best performance being recorded in group 2 fed with 10% inclusion level. It therefore signified that AYB can serve as an alternative feed resource in rabbit diets with inclusion level of 10% for better performance without any deleterious effect. However, further research is recommended to evaluate its effects on the semen quality, sperm concentration, sperm motility and other reproductive characteristics of male rabbit as well as its possible effects on rabbit's blood profile.