EFFECTS OF INCLUSION OF VARYING DURATIONS OF SUN-DRIED SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM) MILLING WASTE ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS

This study evaluated the growth performance of rabbits fed diets containing sun-dried sugarcane milling waste (SDSMW) processed at different drying durations (7, 14, and 21 days). Sixteen growing rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) for over twelve weeks. The treatments were: T1(control - no SDSMW), T2 (15 % SDMW dried 7 days), T3 (15 % SDSMW dried 14 days), and T4 (15 % SDSMW dried 21 days). Growth parameters measured included initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), total feed intake (TFI), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS, and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (P < 0.05). Results revealed that there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences among treatments for all growth parameters measured. Although the control group (T1) recorded numerically higher final body weight (1.33 kg) and total weight gain (0.42 kg), these differences were not statistically different from the values obtained for the test groups. Similarly, feed intake and FCR showed no adverse effects across inclusion levels, suggesting that incorporating sun-dried SDSMW up to 15 % irrespective of drying duration did not compromise growth performance or feed efficiency. The findings imply that sun-dried sugarcane milling waste can serve as a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable fiber source in rabbit diets without negatively affecting productivity. This offers practical advantages for smallholder rabbit farmers in sugarcane-producing regions where milling waste is abundant. Future studies are recommended to explore higher inclusion levels and nutrient digestibility responses to optimize utilization.