Can banana peel and sweet potato vines have efficient in diets for growing rabbits?

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the use of banana peel (BP) and sweet potato vines (SPV) as a replacement for maize and alfalfa hay in diets for rabbits. Animal performance, economic analyses, meat composition and color were evaluated for 49 days in a total 50 New Zealand White rabbits weaned at 35 days with average body mass of ±614g. The animals were allotted, in a completely randomized design, into five dietary groups: control diet (0) – without banana peels and sweet potato vines; or experimental diets: 25, 50, 75 and 100 – with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of banana peels and sweet potato vines in substitution to maize and alfalfa hay, respectively. Data were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). Results indicate that daily feed intake, mass gain and feed conversion were similar. In addition, the study shows no differences were observed in centesimal compositions and muscle color. The replacement of maize and alfalfa hay by the combination of BP and SPV resulted in reduction in feed costs, reaching 50% in the experimental diet with 100% of substitution the ingredients. It can be concluded, based on the results on animal performance, meat/color composition and economic analyses that BP and SPV may be used as a substitute for maize and alfalfa hay up to 100% in diets for growing rabbits.