Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
on growth rate and evaluated the economic benefit of this supplementation in growing
rabbits. Twenty male crossed-bred weaner rabbits were randomly divided into four
groups (A, B, C and D) of five rabbits each. Each rabbit served as a replicate.
They were fed pelleted grower mash and groups A to C had probiotic supplementation
at varied levels of 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16 g/kg of diet, respectively. Group D had
no yeast (control). Feed and water were given ad libitum. Daily feed intake
was determined and the rabbits were weighed weekly. The study lasted thirteen
weeks. Results showed that all the probiotic supplemented groups had higher but
not statistically significant (p>0.05) feed intake and significantly (p<0.05)
higher weight gain than the control. Cost of experimental diet per kilogram of
live weight gain was cheapest (